HOCKINGS' GARDEN MANUAL. 



31 



not subject to binding in wet weather, the seed should 

 be gently and evenly trodden in, and then evenly 

 raked over ; being careful not to draw the earth into 

 hillocks. On land of a more retentive nature, it should 

 be raked in only. Sow for main crop in January, 

 February, and March, and occasional small sowings for 

 succession. 



Culture : Ply the hoe freely to keep the weeds 

 down and stir the soil. Thin the plants out to five or 

 six inches apart. 



CAULIFLOWER. 



The Large Asiatic, Early London, Early Dwarf 

 Erfurt, and Alma have given great satisfaction in 

 Queensland. 



Soil : The soil for the seed bed may be light, but 

 for final transplanting it can hardly be too rich. 



Sowing : For the winter crop, sow in December 

 and January; for the summer crop in June and July. 

 It is desirable to protect the seed bed from the dry- 

 ing effect of the sun and wind, by sticking in a few 

 twigs of brushwood, in rows over the bed (not too 

 thickly), until the plants are up, and the seed leaves 

 well developed. 



Cultivation: The soil should be of the best 

 description, thoroughly dug and manured. Trans- 

 plant in favorable weather two feet to two feet six 

 inches apart, watering the plants until established, 

 During the growth of the plants, water frequently 

 with liquid manure. Stir the surface as often as it 

 binds, and draw the soil up to the stems to support 

 them. When the heads begin to appear, water should 

 be freely applied, for the flower is greatly improved by 

 abundant watering. Two or three leaves should be bent 

 over each flower to preserve the color and prevent its 

 expanding. 



