BLANCHING THE HEADS. 39 



at this time will add greatly, both to the quantity 

 and quality of the product, particularly if some fer- 

 tilizer is added at the same time. Irrigation is not 

 often practiced in this country, except in the arid 

 districts of the West, and occasionally, with the 

 early crop, near a few of our large cities. In 

 Europe, where labor is cheap, it is often resorted to, 

 even where the water has to be carried by hand. 

 Early in the season, if irrigation is needed, once a 

 week is frequent enough to apply the water, but 

 while the plants are heading it may be applied with 

 advantage every day if the weather is dry. 



BLANCHING THE HEADS. 



The value of cauliflowers for use or market de- 

 pends almost entirely on their being white and 

 tender. To have them remain in this condition 

 until fully matured, they must be protected from 

 the sun. Heads which are left exposed become 

 yellow in color, or even brownish purple if the sun 

 is very hot. Such heads also acquire a strong, dis- 

 agreeable flavor. 



There are various ways of covering the heads, 

 but it is nearly always done with the leaves of the 

 plant. Early in the season, when the weather is 

 dry and warm, the work may be done during the 

 heat of the day by lapping the leaves, one after 

 another, over the head until it is sufficiently covered, 

 tucking the last leaf under to hold all in place. 



