THE CABBAGE FAMILY. 



503 



Rape (Brassica napus), and Colza (B. campestris). Two 

 weedy annuals, differing chiefly in the leaves of one being 

 smooth, and of the other hairy. They are extensively cul- 

 tivated in this country and throughout Europe for their 

 seeds, which yield Rape and Colza oil. The consumption in 

 this country is so great that immense quantities are imported. 

 The refuse seeds form oil-cake for feeding cattle. 



Gold of Pleasure (Camelina sativa) is a plant similar to 

 the preceding, and cultivated for the same purposes. 



Radish (Raphanus sativa). A native of China, and re- 

 corded as having been grown in this country upwards of 

 three hundred years. It is by some considered a cultivated 

 state of E. JRaphanistrum,, a stringy rooted plant, native of 

 the regions of the Mediterranean. The red and white turnip 

 radishes are mere varieties. E. caudatus, or rat-tail radish, 

 a native of India and China, has, within the last few years, 

 been introduced into this country, and has been highly 

 prized and much sought after on account of its long pods, 

 which, under good cultivation, attain a length of 2 to 3 feet. 

 It was supposed that they would supersede the common radish, 

 but such is not the case. They, however, make a good pickle. 



Mustard. Sinapis alba and S. nigra are weedy plants, 

 natives of this country, but are extensively cultivated for 

 the sake of their seeds, which, when ground, form the com- 

 mon mustard; for culinary purposes the seeds are sown 

 thick and cut as soon as the cotyledonary leaves are fully de- 

 veloped. It is used as a salad, with cress {Lepidium sativum). 



Charlock {Sinapis arvensis), a coarse plant growing to the 

 height of 1 or 2 feet, a native probably of Southern Europe, 

 but now widely dispersed, being one of the most abundant 

 weeds, enlivening corn-fields with its yellow flowers. Its 

 presence, however, is a sign of unskilful cultivation. The 

 seeds are used for feeding cage-birds. 



Water-Cress (^Nasturtium officinale). The well-known 

 water-cress is a native of Britain, and is cultivated in the 

 vicinity of all large cities. It is in common use as a salad. 

 A fluid extract, called Liquor Nasturtii, is made from it, and 



