ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE CAULIFLOWER. 103 



Some animal manures are veiy strong, such as pigeon or hen- 

 dung, and should be used very cautiously. 



Training, fyc. — In this matter carefully avoid formality ; en- 

 deavour to give the plants support without distorting them. 

 Let it be an object to make the lower branches of all dwarf- 

 growing plants conceal the rims of the pots, but permit the 

 upper ones to retain in a great measure their natural habits, 

 assisting the slender branches with stakes, in such a manner as 

 to form plants of symmetrical appearance, and occasionally stop- 

 ping such shoots as are unduly taking the lead, or where it is 

 desirable to induce a more bushy habit. 



XII. — On the Cultivation of the Cauliflower. By Henry Baily, 

 C.M.H.S., Gardener to G. Harcourt, Esq., at Nuneham 

 Park, Oxon. 



(Communicated February 12, 1850.) 



" Of all flowers," said the great lexicographer, "give me a 

 cauliflower ;" and although the public taste has been much 

 elevated by the exhibitions of rare and beautiful plants, which 

 are now so general, still there are not wanting converts to 

 Dr. Johnson's opinion. A large and regular supply of this 

 delicious vegetable is indispensable in large establishments, and 

 woful is the lot of the unhappy gardener who limits the demands 

 of the inexorable chef de cuisine. 



To detail a mode of culture which has been found to answer 

 in yielding an ample supply of this favourite " flower " may not, 

 therefore, be foreign to the objects of the Horticultural Society, 

 which, while it cherishes the dulce of gardening, professes not to 

 overlook the utile of the art. 



It is not proposed to retrace the steps of our old authors on 

 gardening by a compilation from their works, w 7 hen treating of 

 this useful vegetable, but to offer some hints which are altogether 

 at variance with old and empirical usages, and this with becoming 

 deference. 



To commence, then, with the course of cultivation, it may be 

 proper to observe that I only grow the true Walcheren. It is a 

 kind that many have as to name, but few in reality. It is remark- 

 able for its bluntly-rounded and broad leaves, and the closeness 

 and almost snowy whiteness of its flowers, even when grown to a 

 good size. 



The first sowing for the spring crop is made about the 25th 

 of August, and another for smaller successional plants a week 

 later, upon an open border. As soon as the plants are large 



