CULTURE OF THE CAULIFLOWER. 
49 
alone effect that of another, so when vegetable substances are decoin- 
sed in the soil, the phenomenon is effected by the electrising princi¬ 
ple of light; and the results are the liberation of a given quantity of 
ethereal fluid, which accompanies and propels the sap thus formed 
into the spongioles of the roots. 
The processes are those of a beautiful routine; the decomposition 
of one substance leading to the formation of another; and furnish¬ 
ing, in the subjects under enquiry, new developements to the plant, 
and staple earths to the soil. 
Truly much mystery is still involved, but the facts assuredly dis¬ 
covered, furnish a well grounded hope that, with the advance of elec¬ 
tro-chemical science, new and still more important truths, will be re¬ 
vealed, and place the science of Vegetable Physiology, in a situation 
wherein its phenomena, may be referred to certain well defined laws. 
At all events, if the vital principle remain unappreciable, we may 
reasonably hope that the decomposition of manures will be thoroughly 
understood ; and great improvements in horticulture effected, as a 
natural and inevitable consequence. 
Dec. 10th, 1834. 
Article II.—CULTURE OF THE CAULIFLOWER. 
In Vol. 3, p. 377, we gave the culture of the common red and white 
cabbages, also the arrangement of the varieties of Brassica, by M. 
de Condolle. We now preceed to detail the culture of Cauliflower. 
The ground on which the cauliflower plants are intended to be 
planted can scarcely be made too rich, therefore lay on a large por¬ 
tion of rotten dung, and dig it well in. 
The best soil in which to sow the seed is one somewhat light, and 
for the first spring sowings rather rich; at all other sowings this is 
not material. 
Always plant in open, airy situations, for the plants will never 
form good heads under the shelter or drip of trees; sometimes none 
at all. 
The Varieties known amongst us are only two, the early, and the 
late. The difference betwixt them is very trifling; the one, called 
the early, has a slight purple or red colour in its stalks, and probably 
is a little hardier than the other, and therefore is generally sown in 
the autumn, to preserve in frames or under hand glasses, for the first 
crop in spring. 
Cauliflowers are raised annually from seeds, and are liable, like 
cabbages, to be impregnated by bees &c., during the time of flowering. 
