THE CABBAGE 55 



as Christmas Drumhead, St. John's Day, and the 

 new St. Martin. Cabbages may be grown in private 

 gardens all the year round, as in the late autumn we 

 have the Gem and Favourite types, delicious little 

 Cabbages, and a few weeks earlier than these the 

 useful Colewort is in season. 



For a first supply sowings should be made from 

 the middle to the end of July according to the 

 locality, and give ample room in the seed bed. Some 

 gardeners usually make two sowings, one the second 

 week in July, and one in the last week, and if the 

 first sowing proves too large, the loss is not great, as 

 the plants come in useful for greens. A large plant- 

 ing is not usually made from the early sowing, but a 

 full one from the second, selecting an open position, and 

 well-cultivated soil. In many gardens no manure is 

 given, but the land is simply dug for the early crop, 

 that previously used for Onions being chosen. The 

 soil for the Cabbage is then of the right character. 

 Drills are drawn eighteen inches apart, and the plants 

 made firm, this preparation ensuring a sturdy growth 

 that does not suffer in severe weather. If the plants 

 are placed in drills, it is an easy matter as the winter 

 advances to mould them up to protect the stem, 

 which is most influenced by frost. Young Cabbage 

 plants are certainly not so successful in loose, recently 

 manured land as in that made reasonably firm. They 

 must absorb the food before winter sets in, when 

 growth is almost at a standstill. The best time to 

 feed is early in the season, when growth begins, and 



