CAULIFLOWER 1439 
western New York the same advantage is obtainable, because the 
men are realizing more and more that it is greatly to their ad- 
vantage to organize. 
Sometimes further applications of fertilizer are furnished. 
Bone meal, 300 to 400 pounds per acre, is often used; and one 
or two applications of nitrate of soda, 100 to 150 pounds at each 
application, are found valuable. 
The method of applying the fertilizer varies, some men claim- 
ing that the best method is broadcasting, while others claim it 
should be applied in the row. Where cover crops and intense, up- 
to-date systems of farming are practiced, it may be desirable to 
place the fertilizer in the row. If the opposite is the rule, broad- 
casting should give better returns. 
CULTIVATION 
Cauliflower is a shallow-rooted crop, therefore cultivation 
should not be deep. It should commence as soon as the plants 
are set and be repeated very often. It is highly important that 
the plant does not suffer from drouth. Cultivation should con- 
tinue as long as it is possible to get through the field. 
TYING 
It is necessary to protect the head or flower from exposure to 
sunlight. A perfect head of cauliflower should be dazzling 
white. Sometimes but a day or two of exposure will cause the 
head to become brown or purple. At first the leaves protect the 
head, especially when the flower is small. However, when the 
flower has developed to the size of a teacup, the leaves are pushed 
aside. Then artificial means of covering become necessary. 
The most common method of tying the heads is that of gathering 
the leaves together over the top of the head and tying with a 
piece of string, raffia or straw. It seems best to use different 
materials for tying, in order to distinguish between the different 
periods of tying. If on the first tying straw was used, the next 
time string should be employed, and the next time probably fold- 
ing the leaves over the head and twisting the leaves from opposite 
sides, in order to hold these leaves in place, might be practiced. 
The grower will then know just which to cut first. 
