160 VEGETABLES FOR EXHIBITION 



Remove the large under-leaves, also any decaying ones 

 from the buttons. Syringe the stems and roots with 

 clear water, and fix them in small pots for staging. 

 Where the detached Sprouts only are exhibited, fifty 

 is generally the number. Take them ofF with a knife, 

 leaving a small part of the stem to assist in handling 

 them. Splendid exhibition varieties are Sutton's 

 Dwarf Gem and Cambridge Champion. A common 

 mistake in exhibiting these is that the buttons are 

 generally staged much too large ; they should be of 

 medium size, quite firm, and with a perfectly smooth 

 surface. 



CABBAGES. 



Though one of the most useful vegetables cultivated 

 in the kitchen garden, the Cabbage can hardly be called 

 a high-class one for exhibition, but when shown heads 

 of medium size, fresh and unblemished should be 

 selected. A mistake very often made is to sow the 

 seed too soon for the spring supply, consequently a 

 large percentage of plants instead of turning in run to 

 seed. 



The 25th of July will be soon enough to make a 

 sowing in an open part of the garden, which should not 

 be manured previous to sowing. Scatter the seed broad- 

 cast and before raking it, strew over the bed a mixture 

 of finely sifted old lime rubbish and wood ashes, as 

 this is a safeguard against insect pests. 



Securely net the bed against birds. This sowing, 

 if possible, should be made on a south border or in some 



