VEGETABLES DESCRIPTION AND CULTURE. 199 



CAULIFLOWER. (Brassica oleracea, var. Botrytis cauliflora.) 



This plant is a biennial, and was introduced into Eng- 

 land from the Island of Cypress, in the early part of the 

 seventeenth century. It is a kind of cabbage with long, 

 pale green leaves, surrounding a mass or head of white 

 flower buds in short, " a giant rose wrapped in a green 

 surtout," but much more like a mass of fresh curds than 

 a rose. Since its introduction, it has been much improved 

 by the skill of the gardener. The seed is generally im- 

 ported from Europe. 



There are several varieties, of which the Walcheren is 

 the best ; a dwarf, rather broad-leaved variety, which re- 

 sists better summer droughts and winter's cold than the 

 others. The London and Asiatic are also cultivated. 



Cauliflower requires the same manures as cabbage. 

 There is much less difficulty in its cultivation near the 

 sea-shore than inland. The ground should receive a 

 dressing of common salt. 



Culture. Cauliflowers are sown at two periods for the 

 early and late crop. For the former sow early in Septem- 

 ber thinly in drills six inches apart, in rich, light soil, and 

 if the ground is too dry and hot, water the seed in the 

 drill before covering ; cover with fine, light soil, and shade 

 with a mat until the seeds are just beginning to come up, 

 (not longer.) When the plants are three inches high, in 

 the colder localities, they are taken up carefully and pot- 

 ted singly in small pots, three in a pot where the quart 

 size is used. Instead of potting, they may be set out in 

 a cold frame or pit four inches asunder, to remain until 

 spring opens, giving them meanwhile all the air the 

 weather will admit to harden them. They will stand 

 light frosts without injury. As early as safe, remove the 

 sashes entirely a few days, take them up from the bed 

 with a transplanter with balls of earth, or, if in pots, di- 

 vide the ball carefully if it contains more than one plant, 



