290 VEGETABLE GARDENING 



Stamping and packing is done by men with new rubber 

 boots. The time required for curing depends largely 

 upon the weather, but it usually takes from two weeks 

 to a month. While in the tanks the cabbage must be 

 watched carefully to see that it is kept under the brine. 

 When fermentation is thought to be complete samples 

 are secured for testing from the interior of the tank by 

 means of a long wire hook. The kraut is then removed 

 and packed in cans, kegs and barrels. No vinegar or 

 other foreign substance is used in this factory to sour 

 the cabbage. 



CARROT (Daucus carota) 



371. History and importance. — The carrot, native to 

 Europe, has been in cultivation for 2,000 years. This 

 vegetable is far more appreciated by Europeans than by 

 Americans. It is not only grown extensively in Euro- 

 pean fields and gardens, but is popular for forcing pur- 

 poses. In the United States it is an important crop when 

 a large city market is available, but sales are very lim- 

 ited in the smaller centers of population. The unpopu- 

 larity of this root crop is doubtless partly due to a lack 

 of proper knowledge regarding its preparation for the 

 table. The large roots of late varieties are grown for 

 stock feeding and are regarded as especially valuable for 

 horses. 



372. Soil. — The smoothest and best-shaped roots are 

 grown in distinctly sandy soils. Perfect drainage is es- 

 sential. In addition the soil should have very little 

 tendency to bake. It should be fine, mellow, fertile and 

 moist. The young carrot plants are very delicate, and 

 for this reason freedom from weed seeds is especially im- 

 portant. Heavy manuring and clean cropping the pre- 

 vious year provide the best conditions. 



373. Climate. — This vegetable adapts itself to a wide 

 range of climatic conditions. While it is hardy, both 



