plant forms a loose, open head, and, when full grown, is
nearly two feet high.

_Culture._--It should be planted and treated like the Common Cabbage.
The seeds may be sown early in frames, and the plants afterwards set in
the open ground; or the sowing may be made in the open ground in May.
The plants require two feet and a half between the rows, and two feet
between the plants in the rows. The seeds, in size, form, and color,
resemble those of the Cabbage, and will keep five years. One-fourth of
an ounce will produce about a thousand plants.

_To raise Seed._--In the autumn, before severe weather, remove two or
three plants entire to the cellar; and, in April following, reset them
about two feet apart. Cut off the lower and smaller side-sprouts as they
may appear, and allow only the strong, central shoot to grow. The seeds
will ripen in August.

_Use._--Different parts of the Couve Tronchuda are applicable to
culinary purposes. The ribs of the outer and larger leaves, when boiled,
somewhat resemble sea-kale in texture and flavor. The heart, or middle
of the plant, is, however, the best for use. It is peculiarly delicate,
and agreeably flavored, without any of the coarseness which is so often
found in plants of the Cabbage tribe.

DWARF COUVE TRONCHUDA. _Trans._

Murciana. Dwarf Portugal Cabbage. Dwarf Trauxuda Kale.

Much earlier and smaller throughout than the Common Couve Tronchuda.
Stem from fifteen to eighteen inches high. The leaves are of medium
size, rounded, smooth, and collected at the centre of the plant into a
loose heart, or head. When the lower leaves are taken off for use, the
plant, unlike the former variety, throws out numerous sprouts, or
shoots, from the base of the stem, which make excellent coleworts, or
greens. It is, however, wanting in hardiness; and appears to be better
adapted for early use than for late keeping.

_Soil and Cultivation._--Both of the varieties require a well-manured
soil. The seeds of the Dwarf Couve Tronchuda may be sown early in
frames, and the plants afterwards set in the open ground; or the sowing
may be made, in May or June, where the plants are to remain. They should
be two feet apart in each direction.

FRINGED TRONCHUDA.

Stem short; leaf-stems thicker and larger than those of the Common Couve
Tronchuda, but not so fleshy and succulent. The leaves expand towards
their extremities into a spatulate form, the edges being regularly lobed
and curled. They are