144 BRASSICACEOUS PLANTS. 



in May ; or the seed may be sown in the open air in April 

 or the beginning of May, in a common nursery-bed, in 

 shallow drills six or eight inches apart ; and, when suf- 

 ficiently grown, the plants may be set where they are to 

 remain. 



The after-culture should be similar to that bestowed upon 

 the Cabbage. The dry, sunny weather which so often pre- 

 vails in the summer months is unfavorable to the full devel- 

 opment of the Cauliflower ; and in such seasons liberal 

 applications of water or liquid manure may be beneficially 

 made, and will often produce fine flowers from plants that 

 would otherwise prove abortive. 



The leaves are sometimes gathered, and tied loosely over 

 the tops of the heads, to facilitate the blanching. 



Taking the Crop. Like the Broccoli, Cauliflowers should 

 be cut for use while the head, or what is known as the 

 u curd," is still close and compact. As the plants advance 

 in growth, the had opens, separates into branches, and soon 

 becomes coarse, fibrous, strong-flavored, and unfit for the 

 table. 



Use. The methods of cooking and serving are almost 

 numberless. When well grown and seasonably cut, the 

 flavor is peculiarly mild and agreeable. Few brassicaceous 

 plants are more ornamental, or more generally esteemed. 



Varieties. These are few in number ; the distinctions, 

 in many instances, being quite unimportant. In the color, 

 foliage, general habit, and even in the quality, of the entire 

 list, there is great similarity. 



Early London Stem tall ; leaves of medium size. It 



has a fine > white ' com P act " curd," as the 

 unexpanded head is termed, and is the sort 

 grown in the vicinity of London for the early 

 crop. It is hardy, and succeeds well when grown in this 

 country. The plants should be set two feet and a half 

 apart. 



