38 
THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
Italy. It received its name from the young shoots, terminated by a 
“ button,” bearing somewhat of a resemblance to the young shoots 
of asparagus. In course of time the name gradually ceased to be 
identified with the broccoli, and was applied to another variety of 
kale, also introduced from Italy, called Milan kale, or Chou de Milan, 
which has the property of throwing up in the spring a profusion of 
long succulent shoots, which, when fully grown, resemble the shoots 
of asparagus. But there are several other varieties of kale to which 
the name is applied ; and as there seems no uniformity on the sub- 
ject, I shall quote the varieties which different seedsmen regard as 
asparagus kale. 
Messrs. Minier, Nash, & Nash are correct in supplying Milan 
kale. Messrs. Eraser and Mr. B. S. Williams supply Buda kale. 
Messrs. Back & Co., Messrs. James Carter & Co., Messrs. Henry 
Clarke & Sons, and Mr. George Gibbs, supply Couve Tronchuda. 
Messrs. Wrench & Sons, Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Messrs. J. & C. 
Lee, Messrs. Nutting & Sons, and Mr. William Paul, supply Siberian 
kale ; and it is to be remarked that, as all these varieties produce an 
abundance of succulent shoots in spring, the name is not misapplied ; 
still it would be as w'ell if it were confined to one particular variety, 
and that this should be the Milan kale. 
Buda Kale. — This is one of those varieties that are called 
asparagus kale. It is very dwarf-growing, the stock being not more 
than six inches high, and very leafy. In this condition it remains 
all the winter ; and in spring numerous long shoots are produced, 
some of which are from two to two feet and a half in length. The 
leaves are smooth and very much waved. There are three varieties 
of Buda — the green, the purple, the lettuce-leaved or strap-leaved. 
There is no difference, except in colour, between the green and the 
purple varieties ; but the lettuce-leaved is very distinct, the blade of 
the leaf being decurrent down the whole length of the footstalk, 
resembling in that respect the leaf of a lettuce, or of Laing’s Swedish 
turnip. As regards utility and fertility, there is no difference ; and 
all are equally hardy. 
The Buda of Messrs. Minier, !Nash, & Nash, and of Messrs. 
Wrench & Son was true; that of Messrs. G. Gibbs and of Messrs. 
J. & C. Lee was Siberian; and that of Messrs. A. Henderson & Co. 
was Couve Tronchuda. It was also received from the following 
sources perfectly true, under different names, thus ; — From Messrs. 
Fraser and Mr. B. S. Williams the purple variety as asparagus kale. 
From Messrs. Carter & Co. and Messrs. Wrench & Son as Delaware. 
From Messrs. Wrench & Son as Jerusalem. From Messrs. A. Hen- 
derson & Co., and I. Cattell as purple Jerusalem. The green variety 
was sent by Mr. J. Grant as Lapland kale, by Mr. Cattell as Egyp- 
tian, by Messrs. Sutton & Sou as New Winter kale, and by Messrs. 
Vilmorin, of Paris, as Chou a faucher. The lettuce-leaved variety 
was sent by Messrs. Henry Clarke & Sons as Jerusalem kale. 
Cottagek’s Kale. — It seems to be generally agreed that the 
cottager’s kale is to preserve its undisputed individuality, as there 
were no instances, throughout the trial, of this excellent variety 
being received under any other name. 
