378 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



improvements, while the Dalmeny and Albert Sprouts, offered 

 about 1858-59, had but a short-lived reputation. 



A dwarf type, originating on the Continent and covered with 

 close, firm buttons, has of late years given excellent results, the 

 best strain being the Dwarf Gem. As is well known, the sport- 

 ing tendency of the Brassicas is responsible for some very 

 peculiar forms, and it is, I think, not at all unlikely that a 

 Brussels Sprout with red buttons may eventually have a place 

 amongst our favourite vegetables. 



Bkoccoli 



were represented in the earlier days by the Capes, Grange's 

 Autumn, Portsmouth, Sulphur, Dwarf Russian, Purple Sprout- 

 ing, and Knight's Protecting. In 1843 the popular Snow's 

 Winter White was introduced ; and although various and inferior 

 strains have since been offered under this name, it is safe to say 

 that in many cases the seed now sold is altogether superior to 

 the original type. The following year Walcheren, which, per- 

 haps, should be classed among the Cauliflowers, was brought to 

 notice, and has done good service. After this came Adams' 

 Early, Wilcove Late White, Dilcock's Bride, and White Sprout- 

 ing. In later years Broccoli with white heads of closer and 

 whiter texture have appeared, including Leamington (still one of 

 the best), Perfection, and Late Queen. Great improvements 

 have been made in Purple Sprouting Broccoli by selection, and 

 t is now possible to grow three distinct types, the earliest of 

 which is available for use at Christmas, the ordinary type 

 following, and, lastly, a late selection of more compact growth 

 and better coloured sprouts. The hardiness of these strains is 

 an important feature, and their popularity must continue. 



In the late Broccoli it has been difficult to retain lateness 

 without in some degree sacrificing colour and quality, but I am 

 pleased to note that a late Broccoli which continues good in 

 quality longer than any variety with which I am acquainted, and 

 with heads in every way equal to an autumn Cauliflower, is 

 already in existence, and will certainly become deservedly 

 popular. By these late, as well as the extra early, selections 

 there is now no difficulty in having a succession of good Broccoli 

 and Cauliflower throughout the year. 



