204 VEGETABLES. 



15 to 18 inches in depth, and enriched with dressings of salt 

 and liquid manure poured over it during the winter. Fork it 

 over loosely before sowing the seed in shallow drills, 15 inches 

 apart, early in April. Thin the plants in due time to six or 

 eight inches apart, according to the variety, and keep them 

 always clear of weeds. Apply weak liquid manure in dry wea- 

 ther, and sprinkle guano or any good artificial manure among 

 them on showery days. The points of merit are : (1.) Size, 

 which should be large of its kind; (2.) form, which should be 

 smooth and symmetrical ; and (3.) quality, the flesh should be 

 crisp and tender, bright red in colour, and the core small. 



THE CAULIFLOWEE. 



While Cauliflower is in season it is indispensable in a collec- 

 tion, and when in its best condition takes a leading place among 

 vegetables. The best varieties for exhibition in succession are 

 Snowball, Eclipse, and Autumn Giant. 



If required early, a sowing should be made in boxes in a 

 gentle heat about the end of February, and care must be taken 

 that the young plants do not become drawn, or want for water 

 while they are under glass. When large enough to handle, 

 they should be pricked off at three inches apart in boxes of 

 rich soil Gradually harden off, and plant out as soon as all 

 danger from frost is past, always being careful that the plants 

 receive no check from any cause, which is apt to make them 

 " button.'' Successional sowings must be made in the open air 

 about every fortnight from March to May, and the plants 

 treated as carefully as those raised under glass. A strong 

 loam, heavily dressed with well-made manure, grows the finest 

 Cauliflower, and where the soil is light and poor, special care 

 should be taken to improve its quality, by adding good loam 

 and an extra quantity of manure. When ready for planting 

 out, the young plants should be carefully lifted with a good ball 

 around the roots, and planted with a trowel, so as to injure 

 them as little as possible. Settle the soil around them and 

 give a good watering. Eepeat the watering every few days 

 if the weather is dry, and when the heads begin to form, liquid 



