of a glaucous or bluish green color, and form a
sort of loose heart, or head, at the centre of the plant. Its only
superiority over the common varieties consists in its more hardy
character.

The Fringed Tronchuda is, however, very succulent, and of good quality;
and is cultivated to some extent in France, particularly in the vicinity
of Paris.

WHITE-RIBBED TRONCHUDA.

White-ribbed Aviles Cabbage. White-ribbed Portugal Cabbage. Chou a Cotes
blanches d'Aviles.

This variety nearly resembles the Dwarf Portugal Cabbage, or Dwarf Couve
Tronchuda, if it is not identical. It has white ribs, and forms a close
heart.

It should be planted, and in all respects treated, as the Dwarf Portugal
Cabbage.

* * * * *

PAK-CHOeI. _Vil._

Chinese Cabbage. Brassica sp.

An annual plant, introduced from China. The root-leaves are oval,
regular, very smooth, deep-green, with long, naked, fleshy, white stems,
somewhat similar to those of the Swiss Chards, or Leaf-beets.

When in blossom, the plant measures about four feet in height, and the
stem is smooth and branching. The flowers are yellow; the seeds are
small, round, blackish-brown, and, in their general appearance, resemble
those of the Turnip or Cabbage. An ounce contains about ten thousand
seeds, and they will keep five years.

_Sowing and Cultivation._--The seed should be sown in April or May, and
the plants may be grown in hills or drills. They are usually sown in
rows, and thinned to twelve inches apart.

_Use._--The leaves are eaten boiled, like cabbage; but they are much
more tender, and of a more agreeable flavor.

* * * * *

PE-TSAI.

Chinese Cabbage. Brassica chinensis.

The Pe-Tsai, like the Pak-Choei, is an annual plant, originally from
China. The leaves are of an oval form, rounded at the ends, somewhat
blistered on the surface; and, at the centre, are collected together
into a long and rather compact tuft, or head. The plant, when well grown
and ready for use, has somewhat the appearance of a head of Cos Lettuce,
and will weigh six or seven pounds; though, in its native country, it is
said to reach a weight of upwards of twenty pounds.

Towards the end of the summer, the flower-stalk shoots from the centre
of the head to the height of three feet, producing long and pointed
leaves, and terminating in loose spikes of yellow flowers. The seeds are
small, round, brownish-black, and resemb