306 
A CATECHISM OF GARDENING. 
and twelve inches apart in row ; the larger sorts should have two feet 
intervals between the rows, and eighteen inch distances from plant to 
plant. The planting may be done as the digging proceeds, which 
saves treading the ground; or first digged and planted afterwards. 
What precautions are necessary in transplanting cabbage P That 
the plants be carefully taken up ; long straggling roots may be 
shortened; and should the maggot have seized the root or stem, the 
tubercles must be pared off. In dibbing or planting with the trowel, 
the plants should be let in up to their lower leaves, and made per¬ 
fectly firm in their new place. If the ground or weather be dry, give 
each a little water. 
What is the maggot you mention P It is a fly, or beetle, which 
deposits her eggs within the cuticle of the lower part of the stem, 
causing deformities called “ clubbing” by gardeners, and “ fingers 
and toes” by farmers. 
Is there any preventive against this insect ? It is found that soap¬ 
boiler’s waste is useful; and probably, were the seed-beds occasionally 
watered with soap suds, the parent fly might he deterred from laying 
her eggs on the plants. Some gardeners make a puddle of earth, 
soot, and lime, with which the roots are smeared before planting, but * 
this is not always effectual. 
When are autumn-planted cabbages fit for use ? Generally about 
the beginning of May following. The forwardest are tied up like 
lettuce, which serves to whiten the heart. If the plants be true in 
kind, and have had equal treatment, many come in together; in 
which case a good plan in using them is not to cut one here and 
there, but to begin at one side, taking row after row till the whole 
are used. The advantage of this in a little garden is, that so soon as 
one row is cleared, the ground may be immediately recropped. 
And how is the summer supply continued ? By a succession crop 
from the seed-bed sowed in September, and again from those sowed 
in April, from the last of which plants may be had to serve till win¬ 
ter. 
Are any later sowings made ? Yes : a seed-bed is sowed in June 
to raise what are called coleworts, or open cabbages, during autumn 
and winter. 
Are red cabbages sowed and cultivated in the same way ? Yes : 
nearly so. Sow in August for the summer supply; and again at the 
end of March, for winter service. Red cabbages require more room 
than other sorts, and do best in single rows; as in the alleys of other 
low crops. Though seldom used in cottages, the cottager should al¬ 
ways raise a few, as they meet a ready sale in market towns. 
