ON VEGETABLE CULTURE. 



IO73 



for a previous crop. Thin out the plants to ahout 8in. apart 

 in the rows, and protect and dig up as required for use, the 

 same as recommended under Parsnips. 



Savoys. 



Very frequently this winter vegetable is sown too early ; the 

 consequence is that it is ready to cut in the early autumn, 

 and the heads burst before they are wanted. For all general 

 purposes, the first week in April is quite early enough, selecting 

 an open situation for the bed and not sowing the seed 

 very thickly. When the plants are large enough, they should 

 be put out in good deeply dug soil, at 2oin. apart for 

 the large-growing varieties, and 15m. for the small-growing ones, 

 if possible choosing showery weather, and protecting from Slugs 

 by a circle of soot or air-slaked lime. When the plants have 

 commenced to grow again freely, they will be all the better for 

 being " earthed up,'' i.e., having the soil drawn up to them 

 on each side of the rows. If at any time during the 

 summer the Savoys appear to cease growing, or to be turning 

 a yellowish hue, an application of ioz. of nitrate of soda to 

 each square yard will impart new vigour. The flavour of Savoys 

 is much improved by frost. Early Dwarf Ulm and King Coffee 

 are two fine little Savoys, fit for a gentleman's table ; for the 

 servants' hall or for market the larger Drumhead or Dwarf Green 

 Curled is most suitable. 



Seakale. 



This vegetable (Fig. 689) is practically indispensable in most 

 gardens of any size, and a good supply of crowns for forcing 

 is imperative. Seed sown thinly in 

 rows 2ft. apart at the end of March 

 will produce large crowns in two years, 

 if the soil is good and the plants are 

 thinned out to 15m. apart in the 

 rows. By sowing annually a constant 

 demand may be met without much 

 trouble. In November the oldest 

 plants may be lifted, sorting out all 

 the strongest crowns or roots, and 

 laying them in soil until wanted. 

 These crowns should be placed in a 

 Mushroom-house, or other dark place, 

 every fortnight, in quantities according 

 to requirements, the roots being 

 plunged in soil up to the crown, and 

 kept moist, also maintaining a moist 

 atmosphere. The crowns will soon form nice heads beautifully 

 blanched. If the first batch is planted in November, and this is 



3 z 



Fig. 689. — Seakale. 



