VEGETABLES. 203 



The points of merit are : (1.) Size and number of sprouts on 

 the stem; (2.) equality in size; and (3.) closeness and firm- 

 ness of the sprouts. 



THE CABBAGE. 



Although one of the commonest of all vegetables, the Cab- 

 bage is by no means an unimportant item in an exhibition 

 collection, when it is set up in its very best condition. The 

 best variety for early shows is a good strain of Early York, 

 and the best for autumn shows is Winningstadt, with any good 

 strain of Eed Cabbage for pickling. 



The Cabbage thrives best in a strong rich loam, and in 

 inferior soils it must receive extra Uberal treatment to make 

 up the deficiency. Seed of Early York should be sown on 

 a warm border about the middle of August, and again a fort- 

 night later. Plants from these sowings will be ready to set out 

 in October and the following February. Seed of both Early 

 York and Winningstadt should be sown in the same manner 

 in February, and every fortnight till May, to keep up a suc- 

 cession of fresh succulent heads during the exhibition season. 

 The same treatment as applied to the Cauliflower suits the 

 Cabbage admirably. The points of merit are : (1.) Quality, 

 the leaves should be thick and succulent, and closely turned 

 in ; (2.) form, which should be more or less conical, not flat- 

 topped nor oblong shaped ; (3.) Size, firmness, and weight. 



THE CAEEOT. 



When clean and well grown, the Carrot is an important dish 

 in a first-rate collection of vegetables. It grows to great per- 

 fection in certain soils without any trouble, while in others it 

 completely baffles the best skill to make it thrive. The most 

 certain method to command success is to provide the proper 

 soil for it. The best varieties for exhibition are Early Horn, 

 Nantes, and a good strain of Intermediate. Clean sharp sand 

 from the sea-shore is the best medium in which to grow carrots 

 to perfection, but if it cannot be easily obtained, river or pit 

 sand will do. It should be placed in a wide trench or bed 



