VEGETABLES DESCRIPTION AND CULTURE. 309 



from the cutworm and insects in the same manner. If 

 possible, give them a plot of moist bottom soil, made very 

 rich with well-decomposed manure. Water freely when 

 needed, which, in dry weather, is every other day at least; 

 if with liquid manure, so much the better. Let them 

 never suffer from drought ; they will show when they need 

 water by their drooping- leaves. Soapsuds is an excellent 

 application. Keep the ground hoed thoroughly about 

 them, especially the day after each watering, that it may 

 not bak 



The hills should be hollowed about the cauliflower like 

 a shallow basin, to retain moisture. The head ma} T be 

 blanched by bending the leaves and confining them 

 loosely with a string. They will head in succession during 

 the autumn. On protection from insects, see " Cabbage." 



When a cauliflower has reached its full size, which is 

 shown by the border opening as if about to seed, the plant 

 should be pulled, and if laid entire in this state in a cool 

 place, may be kept several days. It should be pulled 

 in the morning, for if gathered in the middle or evening 

 of a hot day, it boils tough. When there is danger of 

 severe frost injuring the cauliflowers that have not 

 already headed, they may be protected by pine boughs or 

 empty boxes or barrels where they stand, or pulled up 

 with the earth attached to the roots, and removed to a 

 cellar or out-building, where they will flower in succes- 

 sion. In the low country this will hardly be necessary. 

 The spring crop is, I believe, more certain in low sections. 



For Seed. — Set out, in spring, some of the finest heads, 

 w r ith fine, close flower-buds, and proceed as with cabbage. 

 It is very liable to intermix with the other Brassicas; so 

 that it is best to depend upon foreign seed. Seed will 

 keep three or four years. 



Use. — The heads or flowers boiled, generally wrapped 

 in a clean linen cloth, are served up as a most delicate 



