e dark-red cabbage.

* * * * *

THE CAULIFLOWER.

Brassica oleracea var.

The Cauliflower, like the Broccoli, is strictly an annual plant; as it
blossoms and perfects its seed the year in which it is sown. When fully
grown or in flower, it is about four feet in height, and in character
and general appearance is similar to the Cabbage or Broccoli at a like
stage of growth. The seeds resemble those of the Cabbage in size, form,
and color; although not generally so uniformly plump and fair. From ten
to twelve thousand are contained in an ounce, and they retain their
germinative properties five years.

_Soil._--"Much of the delicacy and excellence of the Cauliflower depends
on the quickness of its growth: therefore, to promote this, the soil
cannot be too highly enriched or too deeply cultivated; and, as all the
tribe thrive best in new soil, the deeper the ground is dug, and the
more new or rested matter that is turned up for the roots, the better."

_Sowing and Culture._--The seed may be sown in a hot-bed in March, at
the same time and in the same manner as early cabbages, and the plants
set in the open ground late in May; or the seed may be sown in the open
air in April or the beginning of May, in a common nursery-bed, in
shallow drills six or eight inches apart; and, when sufficiently grown,
the plants may be set where they are to remain. They need not all be
transplanted at one time; nor is it important when, except that, as soon
as they are large enough, the first opportunity should be improved for
beginning the setting.

"Cauliflowers, after transplanting, require no particular skill during
summer, and not much labor. The soil, however, must be kept free from
weeds, and stirred with the hoe from time to time. As the plants
increase in size, a little earth should be drawn about their roots from
the middle of the row; and, in continued dry weather, an application of
liquid manure will be very beneficial."

The leaves are sometimes gathered, and tied loosely over the tops of the
heads, to facilitate the blanching.

_Taking the Crop._--Cauliflowers raised by open culture will generally
come to the table in October. Such as have not fully perfected their
heads, may, just as the ground is closing, be taken up by their roots,
and suspended, with the top downward, in a light cellar, or other place
secure from frost; by which process, the heads will increase in size,
and be suitable f