THE CABBAGE FAMILY 8l 



indeed. This cabbage has a small head, round 

 and solid, weighing from two to three pounds. The 

 flesh is white and crisp, similar in most respects to 

 the Jersey Wakefield. The special value of the 

 Mainstay lies in its keeping qualities. It will stay 

 in the garden two or three weeks after maturity 

 without splitting, and can be used for the table 

 when desired. 



Planting Seed for Early Cabbage. — The plants 

 for early cabbage should be ready to set out in the 

 field as soon as the ground is warm. They suffer little 

 from cold ; but there is no real advantage in trans- 

 planting them while the ground is cold and soggy, 

 as there will be no growth under such conditions. 

 In order to have sturdy plants ready for setting out, 

 prepare window boxes, or a space in the cold frame, 

 at least a month before the plants will be needed. 

 Have rich, light soil in the window box, three inches 

 deep. Make holes with a match about one fourth 

 of an inch deep, an inch apart, and drop two seeds 

 into each hole. 



Cabbage seed sprout quickly and are usually of 

 vigorous growth. Where two sprout in the same 

 spot, it is better to cut one ofi". This gives the root 

 of each plant a chance to grow unhindered and 

 develop its full strength. If the young plants are 

 left close together, they will shoot up tall and 

 spindling, with little strength of root or stalk. Be 

 sure that free drainage is provided for all surplus 



