CAULIFLOWERS 167 



sequently, strenuous efforts should be made to get 

 medium-sized, close, pearly white heads in the freshest 

 possible condition, and to obtain these make frequent 

 small sowings of suitable varieties. Liberal culture is 

 necessary. For early supplies in the spring the sowings 

 should be made in the autumn, one during the first 

 week in September and another about the 2fth of the 

 month, on a south border in the open. The seed 

 should be sown thinly in beds as advised for other sow- 

 ings of the Brassica tribe and securely netted. When 

 large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out in cold 

 frames four inches apart each way in soil not over rich, 

 otherwise too much growth will be made. Give air 

 freely on all favourable occasions, but never allow the 

 plants to become dust dry. In severe weather protect 

 the lights with some covering material. Two good 

 varieties for this sowing are Walcheren, an old favourite, 

 but still good, and Magnum Bonum. Many of 

 the latter will become blind from this sowing after 

 they are planted out, but it is important to grow this 

 variety, as it produces heads of the finest quality after 

 the Walcheren and when Cauliflowers are scarce. It 

 is a good practice to plant for this crop just as thick 

 again as required ; then a good supply is ensured. 

 For the main crop plantations should be made at the 

 end of March or the beginning of April, putting out 

 the best plants on a south border, two feet six inches 

 between the rows and two feet from plant to plant. 

 Lift with a good ball of soil and plant with a trowel. 

 To prolong the supply, plant a batch in an open situa- 



