CABBAGE. 35 



the "excelsior" so much used for packing. If put 

 on to the depth of two inches, the plants will be well 

 up within tliree days from the time of sowing, then 

 remove the mulch and keep the soil constantly stirred 

 between the rows. 



TRANSPLANTING. 



Having secured good plants, by whichever 

 method grown, the next important step is to transfer 

 them to tlie field or garden. In reality this is the 

 aU-important work, for upon it depends, in a great 

 measure, success or failure. It matters not how 

 good and pure the strain of seed sown, or how good 

 a start the yotmg plants have made, if they are not 

 properly planted, total or partial failure will be the 

 result. It is, therefore, important to exercise the 

 greatest possible care in transplanting, and it should 

 always be done when the conditions of growth are 

 the most favorable. We have given this subject 

 very much attention, as we must needs do in grow- 

 ing, for seed purposes, more than one hundred acres 

 annually. Our experience has taught us conclusively 

 that the most unfavorable time for transplanting is 

 immediately after a heavy rain, the time usually 

 selected for the work ; while the most favorable time 

 is just before a heavy rain. As this cannot always 

 be determined, the safest, hence the most economical, 

 plan is to plant on a cloudy and not very hot day, 

 and that day the one when the plants are of sufficient 

 size, which is when they have made three pairs of 

 leaves. If the seed has been sown thinly the plants 

 will be about four inches high and very stocky. 



The ground in readiness, take up the plants 



