12 THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



that my note more concerns the seasons when the plant 

 is at its best. 



The old system of sowing such kinds as the Early 

 London and the Walcheren in the autumn (August or 

 early September) still finds favour with many growers, 

 and I find it most reliable, as, if the plants are planted 

 out on sheltered borders in October, or given hand glass 

 protection in winter, there are few failures. At certain 

 seasons the cauliflower buttons — as it is termed in 

 gardening phraseology — that is, the plants prematurely 

 form small heads and are useless. The latter evil is 

 often caused by too early sowing. Now, in the south and 

 west, September is soon enough to sow, and the middle 

 of August in the north. In some gardens planting the 

 seedlings at the foot of a south wall will winter the 

 plants safely ; in others it is not safe to plant even 

 under hand glasses. Here other courses are open. It 

 is a good plan to pot up in three-inch pots sufficient 

 plants for an early quarter. These, planted out early in 

 March on a warm border in rich soil, will soon turn in 

 should the weather be genial. The plants in pots are 

 best placed in cold frames at the potting. It is much 

 better if the po'ts are plunged, abundant ventilation being 

 given in all favourable weather, very little moisture being 

 permitted. When potting, use porous materials well 

 firmed, so as to induce ample fibrous roots. Another 

 plan to obtain early small heads in June, or earlier, is to 

 sow in heat. In January, prick out when large enough 

 into a warm frame or bed in which the heat is partially 

 spent, and then harden and plant out on a sheltered 

 border, lifting each plant carefully to preserve the roots 

 and ball of earth intact ; shading and watering as 

 necessary. The best varieties for this work are the 

 Snowball, the Early Forcing, and Sutton's First Crop. 

 Though small, the heads are quite large enough for 

 table, and the flavour is excellent. Another system 



