ON VEGETABLE CULTURE. 



1059 



as hardy and sturdy as possible by removing the Hghts daily, 

 except when there is much wet, snow, or severe frost. By the 

 end of March they may be transferred to rich soil on a warm 

 border, planting the two first-named 2oin. apart each way. The 

 plants of the Autumn Giant variety will be best in a more open 

 quarter of the garden, arranged 2ft. apart each way. The two 

 early varieties first-named should be ready to cut early in June, 

 and the last-named will form a valuable succession for a month 

 or more ; in fact, if the first spring-sown plants fail, as they 

 often do, the Autumn Giants are doubly valuable in keeping up 

 an unbroken supply. 



Early in February a small sowing should be made in gentle heat 

 of Extra Early Forcing, and as the seedlings become large enough, 

 they should be pricked out in a frame or boxes, afterwards 

 transplanting to good soil, in a warm position, i8in. or 2oin. 

 apart. About the middle of March, Early London, Eclipse, and 

 Autumn Giant should be sown in beds of fine rich soil, avoiding 

 overcrowding in the seed-bed ; and when the plants are large 

 enough they should be planted out 2ft. apart each way, in good, 

 deeply-worked, and heavily-manured soil. As they get established 

 and attain a height of Sin. or so, soil should be drawn up to 

 them on each side of the row. Later on, if extra close and 

 large heads are wanted for exhibition or other purposes, liquid 

 manure, or loz. of nitrate of soda per square yard, will impart 

 vigour to the plants, and act beneficially on the heads. Whether 

 required for exhibition or not, it is always advisable to tie up 

 the leaves over the heads when forming, or to break a few of 

 the outer leaves over the heart of the plant : this gives the heads 

 that beautiful white appearance so much admired in well-grown 

 Cauliflowers. After the head has been cut, the plants should 

 be promptly pulled up, as they then only drag the fertility 

 out of the soil to no purpose. It may be remarked that Slugs 

 are very fond of Cauliflowers when first planted out ; therefore 

 air-slaked lime or soot should surround them for protection until 

 all danger is past. 



Celery. 



Except for very early requirements the white varieties of 

 Celery are not to be compared with the pink or the red forms ; 

 but where very early Celery must be grown. Incomparable 

 Dwarf White is one of the best, being thick, crisp, and of good 

 flavour. Leicester Red, Wright's Grove Red, and Wright's Grove 

 Pink are all first-class for main or late crops. For first crops 

 seed should be sown thinly in boxes in gentle heat in February, 

 and for main or late crops about the middle of March. When 

 the seed has germinated freely, the plants should be well exposed 

 to the light to prevent their becoming drawn or leggy ; and 

 when lin. or so high, they should be pricked out in boxes or 



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