AND GUIDE TO THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 



93 



BRUSSELS SPROUTS. 



Selection and Preparation of the Land. — A deep, strong, loamy soil is most suitable for 

 these, but large crops may be obtained from common garden soil. As a preparation for this crop the 

 ground should be trenciied to a depth of two feet, and ridged up roughly early in autumn, and 

 abundance of rich, well rotted manure added during the process. Some authorities recommend a 

 deep, strong soil without manure for this crop, observing that manure causes large, coarse, and open 

 sprouts. A\'e believe, however, that this is rather a result of the plants being grown too closely 

 together, and we have no hesitation in recommending a very liberal allowance of manure, even on 

 strong, deep, rich soils. 



Time and Manner op Sowing. — This should be done early in March, or as soon as the 

 ground is in working condition. Sow thinly in beds of rich, well prepared soil, and cover the seeds 

 evenly and lightly. Let the plants be transplanted into nursery lines, before they suffer from grow- 

 ing too closely together. Some advise a second sowing in May, as a means of securing a late Spring 

 supply, but we think this will be secured with more certainty by not gathering from a portion of the 

 plants, and transplanting them in the Spring when they seem inclined to grow. In some localities, 

 however, a second sowing may be of advantage. 



Planting and after Management.— If the plants are sufficiently strong to plant out by the 

 middle of June, or earlier, so much the better ; plant them in rows, two feet six inches or three feet 

 apart, leaving not less than two feet six inches between the plants in the rows, and if the weather is hot 

 and dry at the time, water them as frequently as may be necessary until they get well established. 

 Keep the ground about the plants in a free open state, by stirring as frequently and as deeply as can 

 be done without the danger of injuring the roots, and in hot dry seasons a liberal soaking of water 

 should be given whenever this may appear necessary, to keep the plants in vigorous growth ; when 

 they have attained sulficient size to cover the ground, a few of the lowest leaves, and such as may be 

 crowded by younger ones, should be removed once a week. This, however, is not absolutely neces- 

 sary. In gathering the crop take only such sprouts as are close and hard, as long at least as such 

 can be found, and always cut them off close to the stem with a knife, for by carelessly breaking and 

 tearing them off, as is often done imnecessarily, large wounds are exposed to the weather, and in 

 severe winters this induces decay. 



per ijkt. per oz. 



Imported seed, very fine 0 4..1 0 



Roseberry Brvissels Sprouts 0 4..1 0 



CARDOON. 



Selection and Preparation op the Land.— 'A deep rich loamy soil is required, and it 

 cannot be too full of manure. Before planting, the ground should be thrown out in trenches as for 

 celery, at the bottom of which at least four inches of well decomposed rich manure should be laid. 



Time and Manner of Sowing. — For an early crop sow in a gentle heat, putting two or three 

 seeds in a five-inch pot, and when the plants are fairly up remove all but one. The main crop may 

 also be sown in pots, from the beginning to the middle of April, or in trenches where they are in- 

 tended to stand. In the latter case the manure must be covered with about three inches of free soil, 

 placing three seeds together, fourteen inches apart. Only one plant, however, must be allowed to 

 remain at each spot. Where the largest possible supply is' desired a further sowing should be made 

 in June for spring use. 



Planting and after Management. — The early plants raised under glass must be carefully 

 supplied with water, and should be strong, well hardened, and ready for planting out as soon as the 

 danger of frost is past. The second sowing, if under glass, must also, as soon as they are sufficiently 

 strong, be prepared for planting out by free exposure to air, &c. The summer cultivation will con- 

 sist in keeping the surfiice of the soil about the plants in a free and open state, and their leaves from 

 being broken by strong winds, by tying them to stakes, and the plants of all ages well supplied with 

 water ; this especially must be carefully attended to during hot dry weather, for if the plants are 

 allowed to get dry at the roots they will be apt to run to flower, and thus become worthless. The 

 plants must be blanched before they are fit for use, and the early crop should be tied and earthed 

 up as soon as they arc sufficiently strong ; this is usually done by gathering the leaves together, 

 winding hay bands closely round their stems, and then covering with soil. The successional crops 

 should be earthed up before there is any danger of frost. Choose a dry day for this operation, and 

 if possible have it done when the ground is tolerably dry; also protect from severe frost, either by 

 covering with litter, or by taking up the plants and laying them in ridges, as recommended for 

 celery. 



per pit. per oz. 



Spanish » 0 4..1 0 



CABBAGE. 



Selection and Preparation op the Soil. — To obtain these tender and delicately flavoured, 

 they should be planted in the richest and most highly cultivated land. But fair crops of moderately 

 good quality may be obtained from ordinary garden soil, by simply giving two or three liberal 

 soakings of manure water wlien the plants arc in active growth. • 



Time op Sowing.— Por the early Spring crop sow from the middle of July to the beginning of 

 August, the time being somewhat regulated by the locality, &e. Sow again early in March, April, 

 and May. A supply will thus be furnished throughout the summer and autumn. To ensure a 



