125 
In seasons when Apples and Gooseberries are abundant. 
Rhubarb is, by some persons, lightly esteemed; but when these 
are scarce, it becomes acceptable to all ; being, as it is, one of 
the most certain crops, of the easiest culture, and exceedingly 
wholesome. 
307 Forcing Sea Kale. Of all the succulents produced by the 
forcer’s art, none is of more general utility than the subject of 
these remarks. We may also add, that we have no forcing 
vegetable so completely within reach of all classes of society. 
Although its forcing strongly resembles thatof Rhubarb and As- 
paragus, yet having some peculiarities, we must here point them 
out, being fully persuaded that when the highly simplified mode 
of culture we are about to propose is well understood, that hun- 
dreds will, at once commence its culture ; for we see no reason 
why even the cottager w lio keeps a cow, and who, of course, pos- 
sesses warm manure, should not force Sea Kale as early as the 
middle of .lanuary, either for his own use or for carrying to 
market, if he prefer doing so. 
The opaque protectors are peculiarly eligible for this pur- 
pose. A bottom heat of 70 degrees, as nearly as possible, being 
amply sufficient. The bottom heat need only be of a temporary 
character, for as soon as the Kale has sprouted from two to 
three inches, the heat should be much checked, or the conse- 
quence will be a drawn and worthless produce. It is indispens- 
able tliat this habit of Sea Kale be attended to ; the continued 
effect of brisk heat upon it induces a more rapid growth than is 
compatible with the production of strong leaf-stalks ; therefore, 
when vegetation has been forced into action, the heat must be 
moderated ; in other respects, the application of the Protectors 
may be the same as for Rhubarb, 
Sea Kale may be conveniently forced in a mushroom house, 
where from a bin, about eight feet in length by three in width, 
almost a dish per day may be cut from the beginning of Novem- 
ber till the middle of March, when the open ground will continue 
the supply. Once a fortnight introduce about a dozen strong 
roots, making up a bottom warmth beneath them, of stable 
manure and leaves mixed together. This mixture should be 
prepared a week or two previously to its use in the pit. Our 
bin, or pit, is three feet below the floor level, and a boarding 
rests on the floor, of one foot in depth, and this is surmounted 
303. ACCTARIUM. 
