90 VEGETABLE GROWING. 



PREPARING FOR MARKET. 



It often happens that much rain falls when the heads 

 have become solid, causing them to burst. This may 

 be prevented by running a plow with a long sweep on 

 one side of the row to cut off most of the roots. The 

 bursting is caused by an assimilation of too much 

 moisture, and a consequent expansion *of the heart 

 while the outer leaves cannot stretch sufficiently. 



For shipping, nearly all the outer leaves are stripped 

 off, leaving just enough to protect the head ; the stalk 

 is then cut off about even. The heads should be gath- 

 ered dry, and kept so uotil they reach their destina- 

 tion. If somewhat wilted when received by the retail 

 dealer, they may be placed in a cellar, or other moist 

 place, when they will become crisp and fresh again. 



Cabbage may be classed among the staple products, 

 so people are not very notional about how it appears 

 on the market. While it is an easy crop to grow, there 

 are, on the other hand, a great many failures. 



MARKETING. 



There is no settled form of package for cabbage. 

 The smaller early cabbage is usually crated or bar- 

 reled ; the fall cabbage is sometimes shipped in bulk, 

 especially when sold by the car-load. Barrels are 

 frequently used, when only a few are to be shipped to 

 one address. Crates are often seen on the markets of 

 large cities ; they are about 2x4 by 4 or 5. In Florida, 

 cabbage crates are made to hold a hundred pounds 

 smaller than the dimensions given above. 



