R GIANT BRUSSELS SPROUTS.

Stem nearly four feet in height; plant healthy and vigorous, producing
the small heads peculiar to its class in great abundance. It is somewhat
hardier than the foregoing variety; and, on account of its greater
length of stalk, much more productive.

There is, however, very little permanency to these sorts. Much of the
seed found in the market will not only produce plants corresponding with
both of the varieties described, but also numerous intermediate kinds.

* * * * *

THE CABBAGE.

Brassica oleracea capitata.

The Cabbage is a biennial plant; and, though comparatively
hardy,--growing at all seasons unprotected in England,--will not
withstand the winters of the Northern States in the open ground.

When fully developed, it is from four to five feet in height. The
flowers are cruciform, generally yellow, but sometimes white or
yellowish-white. The seeds, which ripen in July and August of the second
year, are round, reddish-brown or blackish-brown, and retain their
vitality five years. About ten thousand are contained in an ounce.

_Soil and Situation._--"Though not particularly nice as to soil or
situation, cabbages do best when grown in well-manured ground. In such
soil, they are generally earlier than when raised in cold and stiff
ground. But manure need not be profusely applied, if the ground is
naturally of a fertile and open kind; for the flavor is generally better
in such soil than where a great quantity of fertilizer is used."

_Propagation._--All of the varieties are propagated from seed sown
annually. For early use, a sowing may be made in a hot-bed in February
or March; and, for winter use, the seed may be sown in a nursery-bed in
the open ground in May or June. When five or six inches high, transplant
to the distance directed in the description of the variety. In the
hot-bed or nursery-bed, the plants should not be allowed to stand too
thickly together, as this causes them to draw up weak and feeble.

_To raise Seed._--At the time of harvesting, select a few of the most
compact and best-formed heads possessing the characters of the pure
variety; and, in the following April, set the plants entire, three feet
apart in each direction. As they progress in growth, remove all of the
side-shoots, and encourage the main sprout, that will push up through
the centre of the head. Seeds from the side-shoots, as well as those
produced from decapitated s