86 MAINE STATE COLLEGE 



in the seed flat. Seed was sown March 23. The plants trans- 

 planted three times were handled April 6, April 24, and May 19, 

 wnen all were put out in the open field on clayey loam of only 

 moderate fertility. Those transplanted twice were handled April 

 6 and May 19. 



A study of the table will show, first of all, that plants grown 

 in pots and set deeply gave decidedly the best results. This 

 method of treatment seems specially suited to the variety under 

 discussion. In previous trials we have observed that Jersey 

 Wakefield has usually given better results when set deeply. 



It will also be observed that from the plants handled three 

 times, the average weight of the heads was invariably greater 

 than from those handled twice. It is probable that the reason for 

 this lies in the fact that the actual mutilation was necessarily less, 

 when the plants were handled more frequently, — the root system 

 being less widely extended. 



Conclusion : The heaviest head? were obtained by frequent 

 transplanting and by setting the plants deeply. This may not be 

 a general rule applying to all varieties. 



Frequent transplanting increased the average size of the heads. 



4. Varieties : A good cabbage has a short stem ; leaves placed 

 close together, and having short petioles, thus leaving little open 

 space about the stem. The blade should be large enough to extend 

 more than half way around the head to avoid the soft spot often 

 seen in the center. The leaves should also embrace each other 

 very firmly. Firm, solid heads are less subject to the attacks of 

 the "cabbage worm," than are loose, open ones. This fact is of 

 no small importance in selecting a variety. 



Most of the varieties grown are well known, and require no 

 special description. A few may be mentioned, however, to direct 

 the attention of planters to the more valuable ones for the home 

 garden. 



Jersey 'Wakefield. Small, conical, firm. The best of the very 

 early varieties. This old variety, though popular for many years 

 with market gardeners, is too often unknown in the average home 

 garden. 



Brunswick ( Fattier' s.) Medium size, depressed, very firm. 

 Leaves closely set on the stem ; blade well developed, second 

 early. One of the best. 



