i 4 THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



needed, sowing should be made in March ; for the later 

 in May ; and the same remarks apply as regards sowing 

 and planting as advised for other Brassicas. But this 

 plant, if needed to give a late supply, should be planted 

 in an open position in firm land with not too much manure. 

 The latter fosters a strong soft growth ; whereas a 

 hard, compact one is best for the_ season named. On 

 the other hand, Borecoles for the early autumn or winter 

 supply need good culture, the growth being made in a 

 shorter period. Where a large supply of green vege- 

 tables are required from December to April, the Kales 

 are indispensable, and their value is greater in hard 

 winters, so that good breadths of Kale should be planted 

 for the purpose, selecting the hardest kinds for the late 

 supply. 



Culture and Varieties. — I can add little as to culture 

 other than by giving dates of sowing for late and early 

 kinds. For instance, for October cutting, the Sprout- 

 ing Kales, the Dwarf Green Curled and Sutton Al are 

 very good. The latter is an upright grower, enormously 

 productive and most valuable for early use. These 

 sown in March and planted in May make good progress 

 during the summer. For midwinter there are some 

 excellent selections, and the Read's Improved Hearting 

 is very valuable and very hardy. This Kale may be 

 described as a Scotch Curled, but it hearts in firmly and 

 stands much longer than ordinary varieties. Another 

 very fine variety, with leaves much curled, is the Sutton 

 Curled Scotch, an extremely handsome variety, very 

 hardy and with a mild delicate flavour. Indeed, the 

 two last-named varieties are superior to many vegetables 

 if only they are given ample space and moisture at the 

 start. I find it much the best to sow these kinds for 

 the season named and to plant early, as then the plants 

 get good root-hold and are not so soon afFected by heat 

 and drought. There are other modes of culture. If 



