CHAP. I. CULINARY VEGETABLES. 133 



ceptible difference, the merit of each consisting principally in 

 its being better adapted than others for the particular season at 

 which it is raised. In this country, however, as there is only 

 one season when the Cabbage can be cultivated at all, a number 

 of varieties would be useless. A selection, therefore, of some 

 three or four of the best is all that can be required. 



Among these the Early York may perhaps be considered 

 indispensable, both for the quickness of its growth and the 

 delicacy of its flavour. 



Any one or two of the following kinds, which are all of esta- 

 blished reputation, may be added : Battersea, Emperor, Non- 

 pareil, Paignton, and Imperial. The kinds, seeds of which are 

 annually imported by the Agri-Horticultural Society from 

 America and the Cape, besides the Early York and Battersea, 

 are 



THE SUGAK-LOAF. So called from its peculiar shape ; not a 

 very desirable variety for this country, as it has no especial 

 merit as regards flavour to recommend it ; and its outer leaves 

 are very apt soon to decay from exposure to the sun. 



SAVOY CABBAGE. A variety with curly or crumpled leaves, 

 forms a dense compact head, and is of very strong flavour ; bears 

 the heat of this country better perhaps than any other. 



DRUMHEAD. A coarse Cattle-Cabbage, of immense size, not 

 admissible into the garden. 



BED CABBAGE. A small variety of the Drumhead kind ; 

 forms a densely close head ; used only for pickling. 



The beginning of September is about as early as sowings 

 may be commenced with any advantage. The attempt to raise 

 Cabbages earlier is attended with great trouble, and generally 

 with but little success. Occasional sowings may be made for 

 succession of crops up to the end of the year, later than which 

 it is not of much use to continue them. 



The earlier sowings, to be more conveniently protected from 

 rain, had better be made in large gumlahs. As the seed, if 

 good, germinates in two days, it is best to test it by a trial- 

 sowing, and then to sow it only just as thickly as to render it 

 unnecessary to thin out the seedlings. If the seedlings, not- 

 withstanding, come up too crowded, they must be pricked out 

 immediately to two inches apart. To prevent damping off, 

 they must have as much light as can possibly be given them, 



