2Q0 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
stamping and packing is done by men with new rubber 
boots. The time required for curing depends largely 
upon the weather, but it usually takes from two weeks 
to a month. While in the tanks the cabbage must be 
watched carefully to see that it is kept under the brine. 
When fermentation is thought to be complete samples 
are secured for testing from the interior of the tank by 
means of a long wire hook. The kraut is then removed 
and packed in cans, kegs and barrels. No vinegar or 
other foreign substance is used in this factory to sour 
the cabbage. 
CARROT (Daucus carota) 
371. History and importance. — The carrot, native to 
Europe, has been in cultivation for 2,000 years. This 
vegetable is far more appreciated by Europeans than by 
Americans. It is not only grown extensively in Euro- 
pean fields and gardens, but is popular for forcing pur- 
poses. In the United States it is an important crop when 
a large city market is available, but sales are very lim- 
ited in the smaller centers of population. The unpopu- 
larity of this root crop is doubtless partly due to a lack 
of proper knowledge regarding its preparation for the 
table. The large roots of late varieties are grown for 
stock feeding and are regarded as especially valuable for 
horses. 
372. Soil. — The smoothest and best-shaped roots are 
grown in distinctly sandy soils. Perfect drainage is es- 
sential. In addition the soil should have very little 
tendency to bake. It should be fine, mellow, fertile and 
moist. The young carrot plants are very delicate, and 
for this reason freedom from weed seeds is especially im- 
portant. Heavy manuring and clean cropping the pre- 
vious year provide the best conditions. 
373. Climate. — This vegetable adapts itself to a wide 
range of climatic conditions. While it is hardy, both 
