98 
THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
densely-frilled and ricbly-coloured centres alone remain above 
ground. Then they make masses of colour that are truly attractive 
on a sunny day in winter, though we must confess that on dull days 
they are not attractive. As for that, it may be observed particu- 
larly that crocuses are not worth looking at during “ dirty ” 
weather, so no wonder if the crimson cabbages are not quite so gay 
when hidden by fog as when illuminated by sunshine. 
Having settled the matter thus far, we wrote to Messrs. Stuart 
and Mein, of Kelso, who are famous for their fine strains of fancy 
borecoles, and obtained a few samples. These proved to be sever^ 
degrees better than our own samples grown on poor soil in the 
coldest spot we could find for them, and we conclude therefore that 
the climate of Scotland is better adapted than that of the south of 
England, to bring out the decorative qualities of the plants. Erom 
the samples received we have selected four as the most striking, and 
the best for both bedding and garnishing, and possibly to help out 
in winter decorations within doors. The large leaves in the plate 
represent small varieties of cabbage, characterized respectively by 
deep crimson and delicate cream-coloured leaves. The finely-frilled 
leaves, of a rich purplish crimson and clear cream colour, are 
examples of Ragged Jack, a celebrated kitchen-garden vegetable in 
Scotland, in this case transformed, as if for the celebration of Christ- 
mas, and prepared to keep the best of company. Besides those four 
beautiful varieties, we received from Messrs. Stuart and Mein a 
sample of a proliferous variegated kale, which produces crimson and 
purple frills on the midrib of every leaf, and a sample of variegated 
Scotch kale, the leaves of which present a variety of colours, and 
are most elegantly frilled and edged with green. Many of our 
readers, who cultivate poor soils in bleak situations, will, we hope, 
give these kales a trial, for ours is a long winter, and if we can in- 
crease our sunshine by growing some of it, we may expect to be the 
happier for the experiment. S. H. 
THE CHLTIVATIOK OF BEAKS. 
HE Garden Bean is one of the most nourishing vegetables 
known, and although it does not enjoy universal favour, 
for many people regard it as both vulgar and uneatable, 
this is compensated by the enthusiasm of those who 
proudly rank themselves amongst eaters of “ bean 
feasts.” It is unfortunate for this noble esculent — for such, with 
your permission, we regard it — that it is often served in a vulgar 
manner, and the most constant lover of beans will admit that when 
allowed to grow old, and then badly cooked and served with coarse 
bacon, the bean is not a thing to be desired, except in case of a 
famine, or to afford a fat pig a change of diet, and an experiment in 
cannibalism. Let us do justice to the bean, that we may see it on 
the table as green as grass, tender, and slightly meally, without 
being in the least old, and accompanied with real parsley-butter as 
