Cauliflower are botanically closely allied to mustard, all of 

 which are included under the genus Brassica of Linnaeus. 



357. The black and white mustards (Brassica nigra and 

 alba) of Europe are not grown in Bengal. It is from these 

 that the mustard of European condiment and hospital poultice, 

 are obtained. The oil of these mustards, though very useful 

 medicinally as a very strong antiseptic, is not so suitable 

 for food as the oil of Indian mustards, though the meal of 

 European mustards is a better condiment. 



358. First, Rai, Lahi, Li, or Rdichi-rai is grown in all the 

 Divisions of Bengal except Chhota-Nagpur, where it is practi- 

 cally unknown, except in Singhbhum. It is easily recognised 



,by having none of its leaves stem-clasping, and after reaping, 

 its seeds, which are brown, can be readily distinguished from 

 those of Tori or Indian rape, by their small size, and their being 

 distinctly reddish brown all over. From Sarson which has white 

 seeds, or, as occasionally happens, brown seeds, it is easily dis- 

 tinguished. Sarson seeds are always considerably, often very 

 much, larger, and even when brown, have the seed-coat smooth. 

 There are three sub- races of Rai, a tall late kind and two shorter 

 earlier kinds, one of these latter roughing with bristly hairs, 

 the other smooth with darker coloured stems. The taller 

 sub-race is quite absent from Chhota-Nagpur and from Tippera 

 and Chittagong. The shorter sub-races are quite absent from 

 Orissa and are absent from North Bengal, except Tippera. 

 Rai or Rdi-shorshe is called chkota-sarisha in Orissa, because 

 the seeds are small. 



359. Second, Tori, Latni (Chhota Nagpur) and Sarisha or 

 shorshe (Indian rape) is next in importance to Rdi, and it is grown 

 in every district in Bengal except perhaps Saran and Shahabad. 

 It is easily distinguished from Rai by its stem-clasping leaves 

 and its small size. When reaped the seed is recognised as 

 being larger, though of the same colour, and by having a 

 paler spot at the base of the seed ; the seed-coat too is only 

 slightly rough. From Sarson or Indian Colza it is easily dis- 



