THE FIELD AND GARDEN VEGETABLES OF AMERICA TEXT

A fine, white, early autumn variety, much grown about Edinburgh. GRANGE'S EARLY CAULIFLOWER BROCCOLI. _M'Int._ Grange's Early White. Hopwood's Early White. Marshall's Early White. Bath White. Invisible. This is an old variety, and, when pure, still stands in high estimation; having a head nearly as large and as white as a cauliflower. The leaf-stems are long and naked; the leaves are somewhat ovate, lobed at the base, very slightly waved, and, incurving a little over the flower, defend it from frost and wet. It is not a large grower; and, being upright in habit, may be grown at two feet distant. Hardy, and well deserving of cultivation. The London market-gardeners cultivate four varieties, of which this is the principal. GREEN CAPE. _Thomp._ Autumnal Cape. Maher's Hardy Cape. Leaves long and narrow; the veins and midribs green; the head is greenish, and generally covered by the leaves. This variety and the Purple Cape often become intermixed, and are liable to degenerate. They are, however, quite distinct, and, when pure, very beautiful. GREEN CLOSE-HEADED WINTER. _Trans._ Late Green. Siberian. Dwarf Roman. This new and excellent Broccoli is apparently a seedling from the Green Cape. The plants are dwarf; the leaves are large and numerous, with white veins. The flower grows exposed, is not of large size, and resembles that of the Green Cape. Its season immediately follows that of the last-named variety. HAMMOND'S WHITE CAPE. An excellent, pure white variety, obtained in England by cultivation and selection. KENT'S LATE WHITE.. _R. Hogg._ A remarkably hardy, dwarf-growing variety, with very dark-green foliage. Bouquet white, of good size, and well protected. KIDDERMINSTER. _R. Hogg._ Head large and handsome, of pure whiteness, and much exposed. It is evidently a form of "Willcove," and has, undoubtedly, emanated from that variety; but it is somewhat earlier. KNIGHT'S PROTECTING. _R. Hogg._ _M'Int._ Early Gem. The Gem. Lake's Gem. Waterloo Late White. Dilliston's Late White. Hampton Court. Invisible Late White. When pure, this variety is of a dwarfish habit of growth, with long, pointed, and winged leaves, which have a spiral twist about the head, and turn in closely over it, so as effectually to protect it from the effect of frost, and preserve it of a fine white color. It is remarkably hardy; and as the plants are of small size, with comparatively large heads, a great product is realized from a small piece of ground. LATE DWARF PURPLE. Dwarf Swedish. Italian Purple. Dwarf Danish. This is the latest purple Broccoli. The plants seldom rise above a foot in height. The flower, at first, shows small and green; but soon enlarges, and changes to a close, conical, purple head. The leaves are short and small, dark-green, with white veins, much sinuated, deeply indented, and form a regular radius round the flower. The whole plant presents a singular and beautiful appearance. MILLER'S LATE WHITE. _Thomp._ Miller's Dwarf. This is an old variety; but is considered by some to be the best late sort, if it can be obtained true. Hardy. Transplant two feet apart. MITCHELL'S NE PLUS ULTRA. _Thomp._ Hardy, and of dwarf habit; leaves smooth, glaucous, protecting the head, which is cream-colored, large, and compact. Transplant two feet apart. MITCHINSON'S PENZANCE. _R. Hogg._ Early White Cornish. Mitchinson's Early White. One of the best of the Spring Whites. The leaves are much waved on the margin, and enclose large and fine heads, which are nearly of a pure white color. Very hardy. PORTSMOUTH. _Thomp._ Cream-colored. Southampton. Maher's New Dwarf. Leaves large, broad, with white veins, spreading; although the central ones partially cover the flower, or head, which is buff, or cream-colored. It is a hardy sort; and the flower, which is produced near the ground, is said to exceed in size that of any other variety. The plants should be set three feet apart. PURPLE CAPE. _Trans._ Early Purple Cape. Purple Silesian. Howden's Superb Purple. Grange's Early Cape. Blue Cape. This has a close, compact head, of a purple color, and, in favorable seasons, comes as large as a cauliflower. The plants grow from a foot to a foot and a half in height, with short, erect, concave leaves, regularly surrounding the head. The veins and midribs are stained with purple. The head is exposed to view in growing; and, as it enlarges, the projecting parts of the flower show a greenish-white mixed with the purple color. When boiled, the whole flower becomes green. Excellent for general culture, as it is not only one of the finest varieties for the table, but the plants form their heads much more generally than many other kinds. It is the earliest of the purple broccolis. The seed should not be sown before the middle or last of May, and the plants will require a space of two feet and a half in each direction. SNOW'S SUPERB WHITE WINTER. _Thomp._ Gill's Yarmouth White. This variety is of dwarfish habit. The leaves are broad, with short stems; the heads are large, white, very compact, well protected by the incurved leaves, and equal in quality to those of the Cauliflower. By many it is considered superior to Grange's Early Cauliflower Broccoli. SNOW'S SPRING WHITE OR CAULIFLOWER BROCCOLI. _Trans._ Naples White. Early White. Adam's Early White. Neapolitan White. Imperial Early White. Grange's Cauliflower. Covent-Garden Market. Plant about two feet high, robust, and a strong grower. The leaves are large, thick-veined, flat, and narrow; and generally compress the head, so as to render it invisible when ready for cutting, and thus protect it from rain and the effects of frost. Head large, perfectly white. SULPHUR OR BRIMSTONE BROCCOLI. _Trans._ Late Brimstone. Fine Late Sulphur. Edinburgh Sulphur. Leaves with long stems; heads large, compact, somewhat conical, sulphur-colored, sometimes tinged with purple. Hardy. WALCHEREN BROCCOLI. _M'Int._ Comparatively new, and so closely resembling a cauliflower as to be scarcely distinguishable from it. The leaves, however, are more curled, and its constitution is of a hardier nature, enduring the cold, and also withstanding heat and drought better. Much esteemed in England, where, by successive sowings, it is brought to the table at every season of the year. WARD'S SUPERB. _R. Hogg._ This is a form of Knight's Protecting, but is from two to three weeks later. It is of a dwarfish habit of growth, closely protected by the spirally compressed leaves, with a good-sized and perfectly white head. One of the best of the late White Broccolis. WHITE CAPE. _Thomp._ Heads of medium size, white, and compact. WILLCOVE. _R. Hogg._ Late Willcove. The true Willcove is a variety perfectly distinct from every other of its season. The heads are very large, firm, even, and fine, and of a pure whiteness. They are fully exposed, and not protected by the leaves as most other broccolis are. On this account, the variety is more liable to be injured by the weather than any other late sort; and therefore, in severe seasons, it must be regarded as deficient in hardiness. "It derives its name from a small village near Devonport, Eng.; where it originated, and where the Broccoli is said to be grown in great perfection." * * * * * BRUSSELS SPROUTS. Thousand-headed Cabbage. Brassica oleracea var. [Illustration: Brussels Sprouts.] In its general character, this vegetable is not unlike some of the varieties of Kale or Borecole. Its stem is from a foot to four feet in height, and from an inch and a half to upwards of two inches in diameter. It is remarkable for the production of numerous small axillary heads, or sprouts, which are arranged somewhat in a spiral manner, and which are often so closely set together as entirely to cover the sides of the stem. "These small heads are firm and compact like little cabbages, or rather like hearted savoys in miniature. A small head, resembling an open savoy, surmounts the stem of the plant, and maintains a circulation of sap to the extremity. Most of the original side-leaves drop off as these small buds, or heads, enlarge."--_Thomp._ _Culture._--The plant is always raised from seeds, which, in size, form, or color, are scarcely distinguishable from the seeds of the Common Cabbage. These should be sown at the time and in the manner of the Cabbage, either in hot-beds in March or April, or in the open ground in April or May. When three or four inches high, transplant two feet apart in each direction, and cultivate as directed for cabbages and cauliflowers. In September, the early plantings will be fit for gathering; whilst the later plants will afford a succession that will supply the table during the winter. For the latter purpose, they should be harvested before severe freezing weather, and preserved in the cellar as cauliflowers and broccolis. They are quite hardy, easily grown, thrive well in New England or in the Middle States, and deserve more general cultivation. _To raise Seeds._--In the autumn, select two or three of the finest plants; keep them in the cellar, or out of the reach of frost, during winter; and in the spring set them in the open ground, two feet apart, and as far as possible from all flowering plants of the Cabbage family. Cut off the top shoot, and save the branches of pods that proceed from the finest of the small heads on the sides of the main stem. _Use._--The small heads are boiled and served in the manner of cabbages. They are also often used in the form of the cauliflower, boiled until soft, then drained, and afterwards stewed with milk, cream, or butter. _Varieties._--Two varieties are enumerated by gardeners and seedsmen; viz.:-- DWARF BRUSSELS SPROUTS. A low-growing sort, usually from eighteen inches to two feet in height. It differs from the following variety principally in size, though it is somewhat earlier. The dwarf stems are said to produce heads which are more tender and succulent when cooked than those obtained from taller plants. TALL OR 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 stems, are of little value. No cabbage-seed is really reliable that is not obtained from firm and symmetrical heads; and seed thus cultivated for a few successive seasons will produce plants, ninety per cent of which will yield well-formed and good-sized cabbages. American-grown seed is generally considered superior to that of foreign growth; and, when it can be obtained from a reliable seedsman or seeds-grower, the purchaser should not be induced by the difference in price to select the nominally cheaper, as there are few vegetables with which the character of the seed is of greater importance. _Varieties._--The varieties are numerous, and the distinction, in many instances, well-defined and permanent. Between some of the sorts, however, the variations are slight, and comparatively unimportant. ATKINS'S MATCHLESS. _M'Int._ This is a variety of the Early York: the head, however, is smaller and more conical, and the leaves are more wrinkled,--somewhat similar to those of the Savoys. It is of tender texture and delicate flavor; and, with the exception of its smaller size, is considered equal, if not superior, to the last-named variety. It is comparatively a recent sort, and seems to be desirable rather for its precocity and excellent quality than for its size or productiveness. Transplant to rows fifteen inches apart, and twelve inches asunder in the rows. BARNES'S EARLY. Barnes's Early Dwarf. This variety, in respect to season, size, form, and general habit, seems to be intermediate between, or a hybrid from, the York and Ox-heart. Head ovate, rather compact; texture fine and tender; flavor mild and good. Set in rows two feet apart, and eighteen inches apart in the rows. BERGEN DRUMHEAD. Large Bergen. Great American. Quintal. _Vil._ Large German Drumhead. Head remarkably large, round, flattened at the top, compact; the leaves are of a peculiar, glaucous-green color, of thick texture, firm, and rather erect; the nerves large and prominent; the outer leaves of the head are usually revoluted on the borders; the loose leaves are numerous, and rarely rise above a level with the summit of the head; the stalk is short. The Bergen Drumhead is one of the largest and latest of all the cabbages; and, when not fully perfected before being harvested, has the reputation, if reset in earth in the cellar, of heading, and increasing in size, during winter. It is a popular market sort; and, notwithstanding its extraordinary proportions, is tender, well flavored, and of more than average quality for family use. The plants should be set three feet apart. CHAMPION OF AMERICA. One of the largest of the recently introduced sorts; the whole plant sometimes attaining a weight of forty pounds and upwards. Head very large, flattened, somewhat resembling the Drumheads; outer leaves very few, succulent, and tender; stalk short; quality tender, mild, and well flavored. As a market variety, it has few, if any, superiors. It heads with great uniformity, and bears transportation well; but its large size is objectionable when required for the use of families numbering but few members. EARLY BATTERSEA. _Thomp._ Dwarf Battersea. Early Dwarf Battersea. The type of the Early Battersea is very old. When fully grown, the four outside or lower leaves are about sixteen inches in diameter; and, when taken off and spread out, their general outline is nearly circular. The stem is dwarfish, and the leaf-stalks come out quite close to each other; so that scarcely any portion of the stem is to be seen between them. The whole cabbage measures about three feet in circumference. The heart is shortly conical, with a broad base; near which it is about two feet in circumference, when divested of the outside leaves. The ribs boil tender. It is one of the best sorts for the general crop of early cabbages; is not liable to crack; and, when cut close to the stem, often puts forth a number of fresh heads, of fair size and good quality. EARLY CORNISH. Penton. Paignton. Pentonville. This is an intermediate sort, both in respect to size and season; and is said to derive its name from a village in Devonshire, Eng., where it has been cultivated for ages. The head is of full medium size, somewhat conical in form, and moderately firm and solid. The outside leaves are rather numerous, long, and of a pale or yellowish green color. Its texture is fine and tender, and its flavor mild and agreeable. It is three or four weeks later than the Early York. If reset in spring, this variety, like the Yanack, will send out from the stalk abundant tender sprouts, which will supply the table with the best of coleworts, or greens, for several weeks of the early part of the season. The plants are somewhat leafy and spreading, and require full the average space. The rows should be two and a half or three feet apart, and the distance between the plants in the rows full two feet. EARLY DRUMHEAD. This is an intermediate variety, about the size of the Early York, and a little later. The head is round, flattened a little at the top, firm and well formed, tender in texture, and well flavored. It is a good sort for the garden, as it heads well, occupies but little space in cultivation, and comes to the table immediately after the earlier sorts. The plants should be set in rows two feet apart, and eighteen inches apart in the rows. EARLY DUTCH TWIST. _M'Int._ An excellent cabbage of the smallest size. It is very early and delicate, and may be planted almost as close together as a crop of cabbage-lettuce. The first sowing should be made early; afterwards, sowings should be made at intervals of two or three weeks, which will secure for the table a constant supply of fresh and tender heads from July till winter. EARLY HOPE. A rather small, solid, oval-headed, early sort, nearly of the season of the Early York. Its color is bright-green, and its leaves rather erect and firm. In quality, it is not unlike the Small Early Ox-heart, and requires the same space in cultivation. The variety is comparatively new; and, though found on the catalogues of seedsmen, is little disseminated. EARLY LOW DUTCH. Early Dutch Drumhead. This well-known and standard variety has a round, medium-sized, solid head, sometimes tinted with brown at its top. The outside and loose leaves are few in number, large, rounded, clasping, blistered, and of a glaucous-green color; the ribs and nerves are small; the stalk is thick and short. It is rather early, tender, and of good quality; heads well; and is one of the best sorts for growing in a small garden for early table use. The plants should be allowed a space of two feet and a half between the rows, and nearly two feet in the rows. EARLY NONPAREIL. Head of medium size, bright-green, rather ovoid or egg-shaped, solid; the leaves are generally erect, roundish, concave, and of thick, firm texture; the stalk is comparatively short, and the spare leaves few in number; flavor mild and pleasant. By some, it is considered the best of the intermediate varieties. In many respects, it resembles the Small Ox-heart. EARLY SUGAR-LOAF. The color of this variety, and the form of its head, distinguish it from all others. The plant, when well developed, has an appearance not unlike some of the varieties of Cos lettuces; the head being round and full at the top, and tapering thence to the base, forming a tolerably regular,