% THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



regard to culture at all; but, the better the cultivation, 

 the better quality the vegetable will possess. In many 

 gardens, owing to the notion that the cabbage will grow 

 anyhow, we often see it infested with aphis, irregular in 

 growth, yellow, and of poor quality. 



Spring Cabbage. — The best season to sow for an early 

 supply is from the middle of July till the middle of 

 August, or even until the end of the latter month. 

 An exact date cannot be advised, owing to difference 

 of locality, but, no matter where, it is advisable to make 

 two sowings. It is a common error to sow vegetable 

 seeds as one sows mustard and cress, with the result 

 that the seedlings are much weakened and a check is 

 given from the start. By making two sowings there 

 are greater probabilities of success, as, owing to the 

 season, the earlier one may be too forward, and plants 

 run or bolt. It may be said, "Why sow so early ? Because 

 if only a percentage of the earliest sowing remain good 

 they are valuable, ag they come in at a season when 

 green vegetables, especially those of good quality, are 

 none too plentiful. The later sowing forms a succes- 

 sion, and will give good heads till midsummer. From 

 the last-named date they will not be needed so much, 

 other vegetables, such as beans, peas, marrows, and 

 what may be termed summer vegetables, taking their 

 place. As regards varieties, there is a good Ellams, 

 whilst Dwarf Early Spring is very reliable for July 

 sowing, and, like most of the spring cabbages, is of 

 good flavour. Another very fine type of spring cabbage 

 is that typified by Earliest of All, Sutton's April, and 

 Flower of Spring. Mein's No. I, a cabbage much grown 

 in the north, and a larger cabbage, the Early Rainham, 

 largely grown for market in the west, are good kinds. 

 There are doubtless many others equally good, but the 

 half-dozen named are noted for their good flavour ; and 

 for flavour also I would advise Flower of Spring. 



