126 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ February 17,1887. 
ing fine crops of large well ripened fruits. Mr. Rodgers 
treats them liberally, and has the satisfaction of obtain¬ 
ing abundant supplies, a scarcity of these fruits having 
been a rave occurrence for some years past. In the 
neighbourhood of London we know several gardens of 
moderate dimensions where a few Peach trees planted 
against suitable walls are as healthy and fruitlul as could 
be desired, but they are under the charge of thoroughly 
practical men who have studied in the old school of gar¬ 
deners. There are unquestionably some cold exposed 
districts where Peaches will not thrive without the pro¬ 
tection of glass, but there are many others where all they 
seem to require is better attention.] 
A FEW GOOD VEGETABLES. 
I do not intend to comment on all the different varieties of 
vegetables we cultivated last season, and only those novelties that 
stood out pre-eminently good, or any sorts which had also in 
previous years done us good service will be noticed, taking them 
in alphabetical order. 
Beans. —Of Broad Beans, by far the most heavy cropping 
variety will be found in Veitch’s Improved Longpod. It is quite 
as early as the old Early Longpod, produces much longer pods in 
greater profusion, and in quality is equal to any other variety in 
that section. If an extra fine exhibition variety is required, try 
Carter’s Leviathan. It having been asserted the latter and Seville 
Longpod were synonymous, we were requested to try the two sorts 
together, and according to our experience the Leviathan is much 
the best in every respect. Novelties in the way of Dwarf Kidney 
Beans are seldom introduced, nor do we want any more. Ne Plus 
Ultra for the earliest crops, and either Canadian Wonder or Negro 
Longpodded for the successional sowings are all that are needed, 
while if Haricot Beans are grown on the place, Carter’s Long- 
sword will be found the most profitable. Girtford Giant Runner 
crops heavily, and the pods are large and straight, but in this 
respect are eclipsed by the new Ne Plus Ultra, the latter being 
perfection from an exhibitor’s point of view. Giant White lasts 
the longest in full bearing, and is of good quality, but on the whole, 
for ordinary purposes, the Old Scarlet is yet the best. 
Beet. —The Turnip-rooted, notably the New Crimson Ball, is 
most useful for early sowings, and on shallow poor soils is the only 
sort that need be sown. If Dell’s Crimson is supplied true it is 
fully equal to any of the so called improved and selected forms; 
in fact no fault can be found with it. Pragnell’s Exhibition in¬ 
variably becomes too coarse with us, but on poorer soils it is not so 
large, while the colour and quality of the root is excellent. 
Borecole. — Read’s New Hearting appears to be perfectly 
hardy, and as it gives a good heart at midwinter, in addition to 
plenty of side shoots subsequently, it ought to supplant any of the 
other Dwarf Curled sorts. It is of excellent quality when cooked, 
or almost equal to the tops of Brussels Sprouts. For hardiness, 
lateness, and productiveness, there is none to equal the Buda Kale, 
and this is also a delicious vegetable. 
Broccoli. —Veitch’s Self-protecting Autumn has again proved 
exceptionally valuable, and is the only really reliable late autumn 
and midwinter sort. It is, however, far from being hardy, and 
unless the most forward plants are lifted and stored in a cool house, 
deep frame, or pit, whenever severe frosts are anticipated, they are 
quickly spoilt. Snow’s Winter White is very variable, and even 
late sowing does not always prevent a monstrous growth in the 
place of a good head. We grow it to prolong the supply till such 
times as either Veitch’s Spring or Carter’s Mammoth White are 
available, both of which are desirable sorts. Leamington is always 
good, and seldom gives a glut. Model also invariably proves in 
every respect a most excellent late sort, and last season Champion 
Late White was very fine. Our latest were Late Queen and Led- 
skam’s Latest of All. Either or both of them may safely be sown 
for the very latest supplies. 
Brussels Sprouts. —These have been even better than usual 
this winter. Non Plus Ultra, or the Northaw Prize, as it is also 
named, proves to be the best we have yet grown. The stock is 
very well saved, a good even breadth of plants being thus easily 
obtained. It crops heavily, and the sprouts are of medium size, 
close, and excellent when cooked. The Aigburth is perhaps the 
most profitable market variety, but it is too strongly flavoured for 
home consumption. Webb’s Matchless will not disappoint those 
who may give it a fair trial. 
Cabbage. —A good stock of the old Wheeler’s Imperial is yet 
hard to surpass, and we are cutting some at the present time which 
the severe frosts did not greatly injure. The seed was sown about 
the middle of July, and the plants made unusually rapid progress in 
the autumn. Matchless and Ellam’s Dwarf Spring are both ex¬ 
cellent, the quality of the latter being especially good. For exhi¬ 
bition Heartwell Early Marrow is one of the best that can be had, 
and it is also good for ordinary purposes. 
Chou de Burghley. —We have at last discovered the best 
method of growing this novelty of Mr. Gilbert’s. As a rule the 
heads have been much too large to be appreciated, but closer plant¬ 
ing has obviated this difficulty, and we are now cutting plenty of 
little heads which, when cooked, are deliciously tender, almost too 
much so, in fact. Only the very forwardest were seriously injured 
by the frosts, and I must now admit that it is a really hardy and 
serviceable winter Cabbage. As a Cabbage we prefer to use it, the 
Broccoli heart which forms in those kept late not being much in 
request at a time when Broccoli are plentiful. We plant in rows 
18 inches apart and 15 inches asunder in the rows. 
Carrot. — The New Intermediate, or Yeitch’s Matchless, i3 
undoubtedly a great improvement on the old James’ Intermediate, 
and must eventually supersede that well known variety. With us 
it is not so coarse, and very much superior both in appearance and 
quality. Early Nantes is the best of the Horn varieties, and cannot 
well be too often recommended for general culture. 
Cauliflower. —As many have lost their autumn-sown plants 
of such good sorts as Early London, Dwarf Erfurt Mammoth, and 
Mont Blanc, they will act wisely in sowing in gentle heat seed of 
either Carter’s Defiance or Extra Early Forcing, a quick supply of 
pretty little heads resulting. These small sorts are also particularly 
good for pot or frame culture. To succeed either of the first- 
named sorts I can recommend Yeitch’s Pearl, Eclipse and Autumn 
Giant completing the succession. 
Celery. —White Plume will not long be grown in this country, 
as it is of no real value. A good stock of Incomparable Dwarf 
White is most suitable for the earliest sowings. In addition to this 
we have planted Major Clarke’s Solid Red and Carter’s Incom¬ 
parable Crimson in equal quantities, and the latter has turned out 
the best of the two ; our heaviest, and in other respects best sticks, 
being of this variety. 
Endive.— Green Curled and Improved Broad-leaved Batavian 
are all that need be grown in any garden, the latter being the 
hardiest, and is the best substitute for Lettuce. The two varieties 
in mixture form the best salad when no Lettuce is forthcoming. 
Leek. —Prizetaker is a fine, and as far as my experience goes, 
most distinct variety, the Lyon also proving exceptionally good in 
every respect. For ordinary purposes either Ayton Castle or 
Musselburgh will give satisfaction. 
Lettuce. —Early Paris Market Cabbage still proves to be the 
best for the first crops in frames or the open border, spring-sown 
plants hearting in very rapidly. It is very crisp and tender, 
and is one of the best varieties ever introduced. All the Year 
Round, a hardy and useful sort, is the only other Cabbage variety 
we grow for winter use. Yeitch's Perfect Gem is both distinct and 
good, being remarkably crisp, and does not bolt or get flabby so 
quickly as most Cabbage varieties are very liable to do. Bath or 
Black-seeded, and H>cks’ Hardy White are good hardy Cos varieties, 
and the first-named is also one of the best for summer culture. 
Paris White Cos, or one of the selections from it, is also most 
suitable for spring and summer sowing. 
Onion. —The Queen, and its newer companion Carter’s Golden 
Queen, are quick growing, mild flavoured, and very pretty little 
Tripoli Onions. Early Naples forms a good succession, Giant 
White and Giant Rocca also being usually grown by us. Giant 
Zittau may be sown either in the spring or autumn, but we prefer 
the former time, as it proves one of the heaviest croppers, and 
keeps rather better than the White Spanish varieties. Banbury 
Improved and Sandy Prize are large and handsome. The Wroxton 
also grows to a great size and keeps well. The old Brown Globe is 
yet unsurpassed for the latest supplies. 
Parsnip. —There is no better sort than The Student, and I am 
glad to find that it is sometimes considered good enough for the 
table of the wealthier classes. Mashed Parsnips go well with 
various “ roasts.” 
Parsley. —Fern-leaved is the prettiest variety in cultivation, 
but a good selected stock of Double Curled proves the most hardy 
and serviceable. 
Radishes. —The Early Scarlet and White Forcing Turnip are 
both very quick growing and tender, and such sorts as French 
Breakfast and Wood’s Early Frame are always appreciated. All 
are suitable for frames or warm borders. Red and White Turnip 
are the best for summer use, and the Long Scarlet for the 
autumn. 
Savoys. —Gilbert’s Universal again did us good service. It is 
rather early, and of very superior quality. Tom Thumb, Early 
Ulm, Dwarf Green Curled, and Drumhead give a good succession. 
