CABBAGE. 43 



mid-ribs, the leaves smooth, indicating health with- 

 out grossness. A very rank plant one that is in 

 advance of the others is usually in the line of 

 deterioration. 



If, at the time of sowing, the ground is dry, it 

 should he thoroughly rolled and made as fine as pos- 

 sible. After sowing go over the rows with a roller 

 to press the earth firmly around the seeds. If a roller 

 is not at hand, go over the ground with the feet, 

 which is the better, because the most convenient, 

 plan for all small sowings. It is always better to sow 

 the seed when the ground is dry, because it will pack 

 too hard if rolled or tread when wet. The safest 

 way for the cabbage grower is to have a seed bed 

 ready in either case, so that plants can be had, if 

 required, in case of accident to those sown in drills. 

 Sometimes drouth or insect enemies will destroy the 

 one and not the other. 



Where the seed is sown in the rows where the 

 plants are to remain, all manures must be thoroughly 

 and evenly incorporated in the soil. We do not 

 advocate putting the manure in the drill, whether it 

 be from the stable, or in commercial form. On the 

 contrary, put on broadcast and have it worked in 

 deep. The plants will be sure to find it, and it is a 

 much better plan to let the roots extend in all direc- 

 tions than to have the plant food all in one narrow 

 drill. The cabbage, more than most other vege- 

 tables, requires to have its roots extend in all 

 directions for the support of the plant, and, when 

 a moderate supply of plant food is found in all 

 the directions the roots follow, and a double 

 purpose is accomplished, the plant increases in 

 size -and strength. 



