152 BRASSICACEOUS PLANTS. 



feet apart, eighteen inches apart in the rows, and the 

 crowns covered three inches deep. 



Culture. Keep the plants clear of weeds ; nip off the 

 shoots of such as tend to run to flower ; and in the autumn, 

 when the leaves have decayed, add a liberal dressing of 

 compost, or stable manure. Very early in spring, stir or 

 rake over the bed, being careful not to injure the crowns 

 of the roots ; and cover eight or ten inches deep with the 

 material intended for blanching. This may be beach-sand, 

 dry peat, common gravel, or whatever of like character can 

 be conveniently obtained. 



In England, the plants are blanched by inverting over 

 them pots made for the purpose, and known as " sea-kale 

 pots," and sometimes by using as a substitute ten or twelve 

 inch flower-pots. 



Gutting. The sprouts are cut for use when they are 

 from three to six inches high, and the season continues 

 about six weeks. Like Asparagus, the roots are injured 

 by excessive cutting ; and some of the shoots should be 

 allowed to make their natural growth, that strength may 

 be secured for the crop of the following spring. A planta- 

 tion, with good culture and moderate use, will continue 

 from seven to ten years. 



Seeds. The seeds, which are best preserved in the 

 pods, may be obtained plentifully by allowing a few strong 

 plants to make their natural growth. 



Use. The blanched sprouts are used cooked as Aspar- 

 agus, or as Broccoli and the Cauliflower. 



