The Cultivation of Vegetables 63 
healthy plants by planting-out time. For spring plant- 
i ing the soil can scarcely be too rich, and if it is naturally 
poor, abundant farmyard manure should be dug in, to 
ensure getting nice, sweet, and tender plants. 
The soil for Cabbages should be thoroughly dug or 
trenched some little time before 
mencing to plant, the ground should be measured, when 
I the distances apart have been determined upon. This, 
of course, will depend upon the variety, whether it is 
a strong grower or otherwise. Generally speaking, the 
early varieties are not so strong - growing as the later 
: ones, and may be planted closer together. From 12 to 
18 in. between the plants in the row, and from 15 to 
; 20 in. between the rows, is a good average. The main- 
| crop varieties may be planted from 18 to 20 in. apart 
1 in the rows, and 20 to 24 in. between the latter. Late, 
l strong -growing varieties may require 2 ft. between the 
: plants in the rows, and from 2 \ to 3 ft. between the 
rows. When the ground has been measured, the line 
I should be stretched from side to side, and set tightly, 
t after which the ground should be trodden down firmly 
■ where the Cabbages are to be planted. This is done by 
» placing the feet close together on each side of the line, 
' and treading along, leaving a slight ridge in the centre. 
Then proceed to the next line, and so on until the rows 
1 are finished. The slight ridge which is left will act as a 
guide to the planting. 
The dibber is generally used in planting Cabbages. A 
1 large, deep hole should be made, so that the roots may 
not be doubled up and so prevented from carrying out 
their proper functions. A dozen plants may be taken 
planting. Before com- 
