]U PICTORIAL TR ACTIO AL VEGETABLE GROWING. 



the better. Seed may be sown in May, June, July, and August 

 1 incli deep, and the plants put out 1 foot apart, except the 

 broad-leaved, which may have 15 inches. Blanching is im- 

 portant, and may be done (1) by tying up the top and covering 

 with an inverted pot, the hole of which is stopped ; (2) by cover- 

 ing with boards ; (3) by tying up and mounding with ashes. 

 Green Curled and Broad-leaved Batavian are two of the best. 



Lettuce. — A long supply of Lettuces is necessary, and both 

 sections, Cos (upright) and Cabbage (spreading), must be 

 recommended. Light, rich soil is the best : in any case the 

 ground must be well tilled. A simple plan of managing the 

 spring and summer crops is to sow | inch deep, in drills 1 foot 

 apart, prick the plants out 2 inches apart, finally plant them 

 6 inches apart when they have half a dozen leaves, draw some 

 early, and leave others to mature= This ensures a good supply, 

 and some fine specimens if wanted. The January and February 

 soudngs must be under glass ; the March sowing may be out of 

 doors if there is a warm border. The last sowing should be from 

 the middle of August to the middle of September, and the plants 

 should be put out by the end of October, in a sheltered position 

 if available. A little protection is advisable in severe weather. 

 The Cos varieties must be blanched by tying. Superb White is 

 a good Cos variety for general use, and Black-seeded Bath may 

 be chosen for autumn. All the Year Round and Continuity are 

 two of the best Cabbage sorts. 



Mustard.— See Cress. 



Onions.— The thinnings from permanent crops will supply 

 what is needed in this connection. 



Haclisli. — Tough and indigestible when they have to fight for 

 life in poor, dry, hungry ground. Radishes are reasonably tender 

 when grown rapidly in rich, moist, friable soil. Sow f inch 

 deep, broadcast, and thin to 3 inches apart. January sowings 

 must be made under glass, but an outdoor sowing may be triec! 

 in February in a warm, sheltered spot, though severe weather 

 may necessitate protection. From April to the end of August 

 there is no trouble, except to net against birds, and keep the 

 soil moist. Early in September a sowing may be made for 

 winter. This may be in rows 1 foot apart, and the plants 

 thinned to 6 inches asunder. Wood's Frame is a good early 

 Radish, and so is French Breakfast, w^hich is mild and sweet. 

 The Turnip varieties are perhaps the most generally useful. 

 The Black Spanish or China Rose may be sown for winter. 



Rampion.— J>oth the roots and leaves of this little plant are 

 pressed into service. It may be sown early in May, the seed, 

 which is very small, being barely covered, and the plants 

 thinned to G inches apart. Gathering may be practised in 

 October, November, and onwards. 



Toniatoss. — These have already been dealt with : see special 

 chapter. 



