The Cultivation of Vegetables 69 
them. This can be done by mixing together some 
ordinary garden soil, a small quantity of cow manure, 
and a 4-in. pot of soot, with sufficient water to make a 
thick paste. The plants should then be dipped in this 
mixture, separating the roots so that each gets a good 
layer of material all round it. If this is done immediately 
before planting, the roots are freshened, and new ones 
; are formed more rapidly, thus avoiding inaction and 
perhaps the death of some of the plants, especially if 
1 dry weather continues. 
CAULIFLOWER 
This belongs to the same family as the Cabbage, 
Kale, &c., but is much more tender, and therefore re- 
quires more care in cultiva- 
tion. It is, however, a much 
finer vegetable, and is worthy 
of the extra caredevoted to it. 
The first crop may be 
sown during the third or 
fourth week in August, on 
a border where the soil is 
naturally light, or has had 
loam or leaf soil dug into it. 
The seed should be sown 
thinly, in lines about 4 in. 
apart. If the weather is hot and dry the soil may be 
covered with a mat to prevent excessive evaporation 
until the seeds have germinated. Great care must be 
taken not to leave the mat on too long, or the seedlings 
Cauliflower — Dwarf Erfurt 
