502 



DOMESTIC BOTANY. 



4, cruciform. Stamens 6 ; 4 long, and 2 short. Fruit .a 

 siliqua or round pod, witli a partition and two rows of seeds. 

 1600 species are recorded as belonging to this family, of 

 which 350 are found in the middle and south of Europe ; 

 they are very generally diffused throughout the Northern, 

 and widely spread over the Southern hemisphere. Nearly 

 100 are found in North and South America. They possess 

 anti-scorbutic qualities. 



Cabbage {Brassica oleracea). This is the botanical name 

 of the common white and red cabbage, Savoy, Brussels 

 sprouts, Curly greens, Cauliflower, Brocoli, and all the 

 varieties of what are called cabbages and greens. The solid 

 red and white cabbage, Savoj'-s, &c., are formed of the 

 compact leaves, and the head of Cauliflower and Brocoli is 

 a metamorphosed state of the flower spikes. On looking at 

 the differences individually, and knowing that they have 

 from time immemorial retained their special forms, it may 

 be supposed that they have as good title to be ranked as 

 species as many others. It is, however, considered by most 

 writers that they have all originated from the common wild 

 cabbage, native of the sea-shores of this country* and of 

 Europe in general ; and that their succulent nature is due to 

 cultivation and selection. But no modern practical expe- 

 rience has yet confirmed this theory ; and their having been 

 cultivated in most ancient times makes their origin very 

 questionable. Some of the varieties are said to have been 

 introduced into this country by the Eomans. The cauli- 

 flower and brocoli were cultivated in France and Italy in 

 the middle of the sixteenth century ; and the best seed, it is 

 said, came from the Greek Islands of the Mediterranean. 



Turnip (Brassica JRajm). A biennial, native of this coun- 

 try and other parts of Europe. By some botanists supposed 

 to be a variety of the preceding, but brought to its succulent 

 state by cultivation. There are several varieties, such as 

 the white and yellow, garden, and field turnip. The Swedish 

 turnip is a well-known hardy variety, in general cultivation 

 for feeding cattle. 



