380 



JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Cauliflowers 



are scarcely to be surpassed for delicacy of flavour when pro- 

 perly cooked. Three types were grown in 1837, the Early, 

 Late, and Asiatic. These were followed by the Stadtholder, 

 Walcheren, Snowball, Erfurt, and Veitch's Autumn Giant. As 

 Cauliflower seed can seldom be successfully grown in England, 

 we are, of course, indebted chiefly to Dutch, German, and 

 Italian specialists for most of the improvements made, and 

 with the finest types of the Dwarf Erfurt section, such as 

 Snowball and First Crop, at one end, and the early and late 

 selections of the Italian Giant varieties at the other, we can 

 extend the supply over a very much longer period than was 

 possible sixty years ago. A head of Cauliflower, 36 to 38 inches 

 in circumference, of perfect quality was a thing unheard of in 

 1837, but it is by no means uncommon to-day. 



Kales. 



The great diversity in colour and form of this section of the 

 Brassicas at the present day would surprise any gardener who 

 knew only the few varieties existing at the commencement of 

 the Victorian era. The hardiness of this useful vegetable has 

 always been its most important feature, and it is to be hoped 

 that the newer selections will retain this essential characteristic. 



During the fifties Mr. Turner introduced the hardy and 

 most useful Cottager's Kale, and it appears to increase in favour. 

 Mention must also be made of the Variegated Kale, a highly 

 ornamental plant as well as useful for cooking purposes. In 

 mid-winter the charming colours of the leaves render them 

 invaluable for decorative purposes. 



The Celeries of 1837 



were the Italian, Red and White Solid, and Turnip-rooted ; and 

 although there are now many superior varieties, Celeries vary so 

 little in character that there is less scope for great improvement 

 than in many other vegetables. Much, however, has been done 

 in improving the solidity and flavour, and amongst the reds 

 may be noted Clay worth Prize, A 1, Standard Bearer, Sulham 

 Prize, and Leicester Red, with Solid White and Wright's Grove 

 White as the best of the white section. Probably the most dis- 



