16 
JOHNSON, ROBBINS, & CO'S. 
say at or before the time of the flowering of the peach tree 
(see table on page 8). A good method is to set the seed in 
squares of about eight or nine inches, and if a fourth part of 
them fail, the crop will not be lessened. The Scarcity varieties 
should stand a foot apart in two-foot drills. 
Beets require a mellow, warm soil, moderately rich, and 
well pulverized to a good depth ; for, as the long-rooted varie- 
ties naturally run deep, if they are sown in shallow ground, 
they will grow short, stringy, and of irregular shape. When 
the seeds are strong and good, they are apt to come up double. 
In this case, they should be singled while they are young. 
Otherwise, it may be expected that the roots will be small, and 
sometimes twisted about each other. Those which are taken 
. out, may be- transplanted ; but they are not liable to make 
good roots. The plants should be hoed two or three times, 
after which, the leaves will so cover the ground as to stop the 
further progress of the weeds. The roots should be harvested 
before the occurrence of severe frosts. None of the fibrous 
roots should be removed ; nor should the tops be cut off very 
close. 
BROCCOLI. 
Brassica oltracea, Or Botajhsts. 
Brocoli French. 
• Broculi Spanish. 
« Italieniiche Spargelkohl, ... Gziuux. 
Tins is a species of cabbage, nearly related to the cauliflower, 
but not of so delicate a flavor. It is hardy and more sure to 
head, and may be successfuly cultivated in a mild climate from 
November till March. The following are the principal varieties 
^cultivated in this country : — 
1. Early While. — This variety is suitable for the southern 
parts of the United States, where it will grow and head dur- 
ing the winter, in open culture. 
2. Early Purple. — This sort is known by its compact, large- 
sized heads, and may be cultivated as above. 
3. Large Purple Cape. — This variety also produces large- 
sized heads, and from its early growth, is better adapted to the 
climate of the North. 
