384 MISCELLANEOUS VEGETABLES. 



Gaboon Stalk short and thick, if well grown, 



measuring from twelve to sixteen inches in 

 length, and three inches or more in diameter ; skin thick, 

 uniformly green. 



Its remarkable size is its principal recommendation. The 

 texture is coarse, the flavor is harsh and strong, and it 

 is rarely employed for culinary purposes. 



In some localities, it is cultivated to a limited extent for 

 the manufacture of wine, the juice being expressed from the 

 stalks, and sugar added in the ratio of three pounds and a 

 half to a gallon. This wine, though quite palatable, has 

 little of the fine aroma of that made from the grape, and, 

 if not actually deleterious, is much less safe and healthful. 

 Any of the other varieties may be used for the same pur- 

 pose, the principal superiority of the Cahoon consisting in 

 its larger stalks, and consequently its greater product of 

 juice. 



Downing^ A large variety, nearly of the size of My- 



Colossal. fttt , g y ictoria> It ig described as being less 



acid than the last name'd, and of a fine, rich, aromatic flavor. 



Early Prince Stalks of medium size ; recommended by 

 Imperial. D T Curtis, Esq., Chairman of the Vegeta- 

 ble Committee of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 

 as in all respects the best flavored of any variety ever tested, 

 and commended for general cultivation, as particularly 

 adapted to the wants of the family, if not to the wishes of 

 the gardener, to whom size and productiveness are more 

 than flavor. When cooked, it is of the color of currant- 

 jelly, and remarkably fine flavored. 



In 1862, it received the first prize of the Massachusetts 

 Horticultural Society, as the best for family use. 



Elford. An early sort, well adapted for forcing. 



Thomp. rpj ie sta ]k s are rather slender, covered with a 



