200 GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



and set them out in very rich ground 20 by 24 inches 

 apart, inserting their stems in the earth nearly to the first 

 pair of leaves; shield them with plant protectors from 

 heavy frosts. 



In milder localities, as the coast and middle section of 

 the more Southern States, the plants, when taken up, are 

 set out in rows where they are to remain, four inches 

 apart in the row and the rows four feet apart ; they are 

 protected during frosts and heavy storms by hoops and 

 mats, or by a covering of four planks a foot wide to each 

 row. These are supported by rafter-like supports, every 

 5 or 6 feet, to which one of the planks is nailed on each 

 side, while the others are movable and are taken off in 

 all mild weather, but the plants are kept covered in severe 

 frosts and storms. The ends are closed with plank. In- 

 stead of plank, white cotton cloth, prepared with linseed 

 oil, affords a suitable covering. They must have air and 

 light at all times when practicable. Slugs must be watch- 

 ed, whether wintered thus or in a hot-bed. They may be 

 driven off by sprinkling the soil and plants with quick- 

 lime. As early as may be safe in February, prepare the 

 soil between the rows, which, during the winter, should 

 have been protected from treading by a coat of leaves, 

 or a few old plank, and plant another row therein with 

 the plants 20 inches apart. Thin the plants that were 

 wintered to 20 inches, taking them up with a transplanter, 

 and plant out those not required for the intermediate row 

 in a plot prepared for the purpose. Shade a little with 

 plant protectors until established, if there is danger of 

 their flagging ; afterwards cultivate them as cabbages. 



For the late crop sow in the manner above directed, at 

 the same time with winter cabbage, from April to July. 

 An ounce of seed will yield three or four thousand plants. 

 The seed-bed should be of light, rich soil, and when the 

 plants are two or three inches high, they should be taken 

 up and set out in a bed four inches apart, shading them 



