106 FARM-GAEDEXING AND SEED-GROWING. 



The ground being thoroughly prepared, mark out rows, 

 eighteen inches apart ; sow the seed evenly, and cover by 

 raking lengthwise. 



When the plants are fairly up, use the push-hoe, and 

 thin to six inches apart. They will not require any fur- 

 ther attention, though if the time can be spared, a dress- 

 ing with the hoe may assist them to grow strong, and the 

 better to withstand the winter. 



As early as possible in the spring loosen the ground 

 thoroughly by means of a prong-hoe, which is all the 

 cultivation necessary. They are marketable by the first 

 of May, and are cut in a bunch, the dead leaves trimmed 

 away, and sold by the barrel. 



They are sometimes sold very late, even when the top is 

 in bloom, this part being cut away. Those who are 

 growing choice cabbage seed must not have this kale in 

 bloom anywhere near them, as it mixes very readily with 

 the former. To grow the seed of this the same treatment 

 is necessary as when grown for market. In spring re- 

 move all that have single leaves, as its beauty consists in 

 the curled leaf. When the seed is ripe, which may be 

 known by the bulk of it becoming dry, it must be cut, 

 choosing a damp time, or early in the morning while the 

 dew is on, and even then very careful handling is neces- 

 sary to prevent shelling. 



After a day or two the whole will be fit to thrash, 

 which can be very easily done, and the seed separated 

 from the chaif by the fan-mill, and after having been 

 spread out in a loft for ten days, may be finally cleaned 

 by the fan-mill and No. 20 sieve. The seed retains its 

 vitality four years. 



LEEK. 



Extensively grown by market-gardeners as a second 

 crop. From the fact that it must be washed and bunched 



