302 GARDENING FOB THE SOUTH. 



length of the stems; wet the roots thoroughly, and trans- 

 plant in moist weather, doing it carefully with a trowel, 

 and when the ground gets dry, draw the earth level, 

 which should just reach up to the lower leaves, not all at 

 once, but gradually. If you have not late plants, sow 

 Large Yorks or Winnigstadts, in July here, or June north- 

 Avard, and good heads of a smaller size can be produced. 



The soil for cabbages cannot be made too rich. The 

 plants demand a large supply of nitrogenous manure. 

 The application of lime once in five years will repay the 

 gardener. 



After the late cabbages are transplanted, let them be 

 well cultivated by deep and frequent hoeing, and do not 

 strip off the lower leaves if you wish them to head. 



To Preserve Cabbage. — Heel them up to their lower 

 leaves in a dry situation, on the north side of a fence or 

 building, and cover slightly with plank, straw, or pine 

 brush, to keep them from freezing and thawing during 

 the winter. It is not the frost, however, but the sun upon 

 them, while frozen, that does the injury. Iu Virginia and 

 northward, dig a trench on a gentle slope, and lay two or 

 three bean poles in the bottom; on these, beginning at the 

 upper end, lay the cabbages, head downward, a little 

 sloping, so that the water may run out from the heads. 

 Cover now with earth a few inches thick, forming a sharp 

 ridge about their roots, which should be made firm by 

 treading or beating. Begin at the lower end and dig out 

 as wanted for use. 



Seed. — Set out some of the best heads in the spring at 

 a distance from turnips and all other members of this 

 family, or they will intermix. Of the late varieties, home- 

 grown seed, if pure, is the best. Support the stems as 

 they rise by stakes, and gather the seed before it scatters. 

 Seed will keep four years. 



Use. — Cabbage, as an article of food, is not so remark- 



