238 VEGETABLE FORCING 
be no lack of organic matter, for this is important from 
the standpoint of plant food as well as from that of the 
most favorable physical conditions of the soil. A con- 
stant and uniform supply of moisture in the beds is of 
the utmost importance, and an abundance of decaying 
vegetable matter is essential for the retention of moisture. 
There is likewise no difference of opinion in regard to 
the condition of the manure when it is applied. All agrce 
that it should be well decayed. The pioneer gardeners 
preferred cow manure for this crop, but any kind of old 
manure will give satisfactory results. Some of the most 
successful gardeners in this country and in England rely 
wholly on the use of horse manure. Top-dressing wit 
poultry manure or liquid cow manure when the heads are 
forming is recommended. Nitrate of soda may also be 
used effectively as a top-dressing. In England a favorite 
practice is to top-dress the beds with partly decayed 
stable manure. 
A chemical analysis of cauliflower was made at the 
Geneva (N. Y.) station, with the following results: 
Nitrogen Phosphoric Potash 
acid 
Héad, <sas-225e0022 28 279 081 326 
Tbeavies} qa2 sn ote eeu te 363 084 470 
It will be observed that both the head and the leaves 
require large amounts of nitrogen and potash. Inasmuch 
as most soils are deficient in phosphorus, that element 
should also be supplied in ample amount. 
Some of the most successful commercial growers 
supplement stable manure with commercial fertilizers. 
For example, one of the most extensive gardeners on 
Long Island uses for cauliflower under glass a fertilizer 
containing 7 per cent nitrogen, 8 per cent phosphoric 
acid and 10 per cent potash. It is used at the rate of 
1,000 pounds to the acre. If radishes and lettuce are 
grown between the cauliflower plants, 1,500 pounds of 
fertilizer to the acre is applied. 
