the plain-leaved hearting garden varieties of _Brassica oleracea_. To
obtain good tender Cabbages in early spring and throughout the summer,
it is necessary that they should be planted on rich, deeply-trenched
ground, in a position free from the shade of fruit or other trees.
Stable dung or good farmyard manure is best for this crop, and should
be applied when trenching is being done, burying the manure a spit
below the surface. Cabbages should not be planted successionally on
the same ground, nor should they follow any of the other species of
_Brassica_, if it can be avoided. A warmer position, not too much
sheltered to make the plants tender, will be found beneficial for the
earliest spring crop. This should not be planted too soon in autumn, as
the plants are more subject to run to seed, especially if the winter
be mild. The several forms of Cabbage are well known, being so much
cultivated by cottagers as well as gardeners. None of those forming
close hearts will bear severe frost, but the Savoys are improved by a
little in the early autumn. The Coleworts are very useful in winter,
being perhaps the hardiest of all; and, as the hearts do not get so
close and hard as the Savoy and other Cabbages, the frost, unless it is
very severe, does not injure them so much.
_Cultivation._ The crop obtained in April and May is usually the most
important one, young Cabbages being then much appreciated by everyone.
The time for seed-sowing varies in different localities, from the third
week in July to the middle of August. The first date would probably
prove suitable for the northern parts of the country; and the latter
would be early enough for the south. The seed should be sown thinly in
beds of rather light, well pulverised soil, afterwards covering these
with netting, to protect the seed from birds. The plants will be ready,
in most cases, for placing out during September, or as soon as the
ground can be cleared of other crops and prepared for their reception.
The Early Battersea, or one of its many allied sorts, is best for
sowing at this season; and, when planting out, an allowance of 2ft.
apart each way will be sufficient. Seed should again be sown on a mild
hotbed in February, and occasionally afterwards, for succession; and a
second crop may be obtained from the plants put out in autumn if they
are allowed to remain. Drumhead and other strong-growing sorts, sown
in spring, will require from 6in. to 1ft. more space when planted out.
These are not, however, of such good quality as the smaller-growing
varieties.
_Savoys._ The seed of these should be sown in March or April, according
to the locality, in the same way as described above, in seed beds; and
the after treatment is also very similar. The young plants must not
be allowed to starve in the seed bed, but should be kept watered, and
planted out in June and July, choosing dull weather for the operation.
The ground should occasionally be hoed between the plants, to keep
the surface open and destroy weeds. Distances of from 15in. to 30in.
between the plants, according to the variety, must be allowed. See Fig.
305.
[Illustration: FIG. 305. SAVOY CABBAGE.]
_Coleworts._ Seed of these should be sown about the end of June, and
planted out 1ft. apart on a sheltered border, when large enough.
Rosette is one of the best varieties; but the early Cabbages are often
grown and used as Coleworts before they have had time to form close
hearts.
[Illustration: FIG. 306. EARLY YORK CABBAGE.]
_Pickling Cabbage._ The Red Dutch is the variety generally grown for
pickling, and is probably the best to keep its colour when so treated.
Seed should be sown in August, to stand the winter, and again in
February for a succession; only a few plants will, in the majority of
cases, be required, as, if liberally treated, they grow to a good size.
[Illustration: FIG. 307. OXHEART CABBAGE.]
_Sorts of White Cabbage._ These are extremely numerous, and selections
or improved forms are of annual appearance. Some of the old types are,
however, still much cultivated. The following are a selection of the
best sorts for general purposes: Atkins' Matchless, Carter's Heartwell,
Early Battersea, Early York (see Fig. 306), Ellam's Early Dwarf,
Enfield Market, Little Pixie, Oxheart (see Fig. 307), St. John's Day
(see Fig. 308), Sugarloaf, Wheeler's Imperial, and Portugal or Couve
Tronchuda. The last-named variety was introduced from Portugal some
years ago, where it is much grown. It has a large midrib, and does
not form very close hearts. It is very tender when cooked, and is only
suitable for culture in summer. Under the name of Gilbert's Cabbage
Broccoli, or Chou de Burghley, a variety of Cabbage was recently
distributed which produces, if left long enough, hearts resembling
Broccoli. Although there are different opinions as to its merits, it
is said to be very tender when cooked, and is considered a decided
acquisition.
Of Savoys, the best are: Drumhead, Dwarf Green Curled, Early Ulm, Large
Late Green, and Tom Thumb.
[Illustration: FIG. 308. ST. JOHN'S DAY CABBAGE.]
_Insects, &c._ The majority of the Cabbage tribe is attacked by a very
large number of different caterpillars and other pests, both above and
below ground. The plants in their young stages are always a prey for
snails and slugs, and often require a dusting of soot and lime as a
protection. When planting out, many of the plants are often found with
a protuberance at the root, caused by an insect, and termed "clubbing."
Those so injured should be thrown away if they can possibly be spared,
and the others dipped in a thick solution of soot water. This is the
worst kind of disease the Cabbage tribe is subject to. The caterpillars
of several moths and butterflies are very destructive in summer,
often eating through the hearts of Cabbages and Cauliflowers, and so
rendering them totally unfit for use. Hand-picking, or dusting with
lime, is apparently the only means of diminishing the numbers of these
pests.
=CABBAGE CATERPILLARS.= _Large Cabbage White_ (_Pieris brassicæ_).
From May to July, and again in September and October, this, the most
common of our butterflies, may be seen in great numbers, frequenting
gardens, lanes, and fields, being especially numerous where Cabbages
are growing. Their beautiful yellow eggs are laid singly on the under
surface of the leaves, and securely fastened by a natural glue;
from these, in due time, issue the small, but destructive, "green
caterpillars." Shortly after birth, they become quite green in front
and yellow behind. They then get hairy and dotted over with black; they
have eight pairs of feet, of which the three front ones only are "true"
legs, or those which ultimately develop into the legs of the butterfly.
They change their skin several times, and at each moult become larger
in size. When full grown, they are about 1-1/2in. long, of a light
green or bluish hue above, and yellow beneath; along the back of the
adult caterpillar is a conspicuous yellow line, edged on each side with
black dots.
[Illustration: FIG. 309. CATERPILLAR AND CHRYSALIS OF LARGE CABBAGE
BUTTERFLY.]
The chrysalis, or pupa, is commonly found on window-ledges, palings,
walls, and similar places; but is sometimes attached to the plant (see
Fig. 309). It is a rather curious object, of the colour of stone, and
prettily chiselled. It is fastened to the plant by the tail and by a
belt of silk round the middle.
[Illustration: FIG. 310. LARGE WHITE CABBAGE BUTTERFLY.]
[Illustration: FIG. 311. SMALL WHITE CABBAGE BUTTERFLY AND CATERPILLAR.]
The perfect male insect has the body black and wings white on the
upper side, except the tips of the fore-wings, which are black and
crescent-shaped; and on the upper edge of the hinder wings there is a
black spot. On the under side, the fore wings are white with yellow
tips, and two black patches on each; the hind wings are yellow, with
small black markings. The antennæ are alternately black and yellow,
with the club black above and yellow beneath. The female (see Fig. 310)
differs from the male in having two large black spots on each of the
fore or upper wings, and a spot on the inner margin.
_The Small White_ (_Pieris rapæ_, see Fig. 311) has two broods in the
year, the first batch about April, and the second in July. The eggs
are always placed on the upper side of the leaf, and are hatched in
from ten to thirteen days, the caterpillars becoming full grown in
about three weeks after emerging. The colour of the caterpillar is
dark green, with a fine line of yellow, and a row of yellow spots down
the sides. The chrysalis is attached by the tail and a band of silk to
the place selected by the caterpillar, and varies greatly in colour,
although generally it is of a whitish-brown.
_Cabbage Moth_ (_Mamestra brassicæ_). Newman, in his "British Moths,"
thus describes the Cabbage Moth: "The antennæ are rather long and
slender, and scarcely ciliated in either sex; the fore-wings are dark,
smoky, grey brown, mottled and marbled with confused markings, both
darker and paler; the orbicular spot is inconspicuous, but decidedly
to be traced; the reniform stigma is delicately outlined with white or
whitish-grey, and has a pale anterior disc, in which the same pale grey
colour predominates; the hind wings are dark, smoky brown with rather
pale base, and rather darker crescentic discoidal spot and wing-rays;
the head, thorax, and body have the same colour as the fore and hind
wings." The eggs are laid on Cabbages, or similar plants, and are
hatched in a few days. The caterpillars are very voracious, feeding by
day and night, and, what is worse, they spoil with their excrement, in
the case of Cabbages, more than they eat. They are of a dark colour,
with a kind of marbling, more or less distinct, on the back, the effect
being produced by a triangular mark containing two white dots on each
of their segments. On being disturbed, they roll themselves into a
tight ring, and so remain until they suppose that danger is over. They
descend into the earth for change to smooth red-brown chrysalids,
and remain there till the following spring. If the chrysalids were
collected and destroyed during the autumn and winter digging, much
injury would be obviated through the succeeding spring and summer.
The destruction of these pests is a very troublesome matter, as the
grubs of the last-named kind bore into the heart of the cabbage.
Hand-picking is the only sure method. Anything emitting a distasteful
odour will also keep them at bay. Miss Ormerod recommends throwing
gas-lime over the plants, but it must be previously weakened by a few
months' exposure. The following remedy may also be recommended:
_Paraffin_, or _Coal Oil_. Mix one ounce of oil with a gallon of
soapsuds, and water the plants with the mixture before the caterpillars
appear. If any have appeared, an application at the rate of two
ounces to the gallon will generally clear them off. Of course, this
operation must not be performed less than a month previous to cutting
the cabbages, on account of the smell. Soapsuds alone will also clear
caterpillars from most smooth-leaved subjects if frequently applied.
=CABBAGE FLY= (_Anthomyia brassicæ_). Among the injurious insects which
infest Cabbages, none commit greater havoc to both stem and root, than
the maggots of the Cabbage Fly. "They are whitish, cylindrical, and
legless, tapering to the head, and blunt at the tail, which has short
teeth on the lower margin, and two brown tubercles in the middle. When
full grown, they are about 1/3in. long. They then leave the plants, and
turn, in the earth, to pupæ, with a few black spots at the head, and
short teeth at the tail, inside which the flies form, and emerge in
about a fortnight or three weeks. The fly is of an ashen-grey colour,
and smaller than the Onion Fly, which it much resembles. The male is
of a darker grey, and has a short black stripe along the back between
the wings, with a curved one on each side of it, and one black stripe
along the abdomen" (Ormerod). The presence of these maggots may be
easily detected by the flagging and change of colour of the leaves.
The infested plants should be immediately removed and destroyed. The
following remedy will be found beneficial:
_Lime._ Hot lime should be soaked in water for about twenty-four hours.
When clear, the infested Cabbages should be well washed with the
liquid. Superphosphate of lime may also be applied with advantage.
=CABBAGE GALL WEEVIL= (_Ceutorrhynchus sulcicollis_). This is a pretty
little beetle, about three-quarters of a line or one line in length.
Its colour is dark, but the insect is really of a coppery hue; on the
thorax and head are rather large depressions; the wing-cases vary
in colour from green to greenish-blue, or even black, and along the
entire length of the elytra are parallel lines or holes, as may be
seen with the aid of an ordinary lens. This insect, which causes much
damage to plants of the _Brassica_ family, is, in some places, very
difficult to eradicate. It is also very destructive to other crops,
and, therefore, any effectual remedy is valuable. The following methods
may be recommended:
_Carbolic Acid._ Mix 1oz. Calvert's No. 5 carbolic acid with two
gallons of soapsuds, and add sufficient loam or clay to make a thin
paste. Dip the roots of the whole of the plants into this before they
are set out. Well stir the mixture, and put the plants out in a damp
soil, so that watering will not be necessary.
_Paraffin_, or _Coal Oil_. This, applied in the same manner as
recommended for Carbolic Acid, is also very good.
_Guano, Superphosphate of Lime, and Nitrate of Soda._ A good dressing
of either of these, given after the ground is dug, and in wet weather,
about a month before the plants are put out, has been found very
beneficial; but, although preventatives, they do not totally clear the
crop from insects for the season.
_Soot and Lime._ Take equal parts of air-slaked lime and soot, and mix
together. Set the plants with a trowel, and, having placed some soil
over the roots, throw in a little of the mixture, filling up the hole
with soil.
=CABBAGE MOTH.= _See_ =Cabbage Caterpillars=.
=CABBAGE PALM.= _See_ =Euterpe oleracea=.
=CABBAGE POWDERED-WING= (_Aleyrodes brassicæ_). A small four-winged
powdery fly, closely allied to the Aphides. As implied by its
name, this pest infests the various sorts of Cabbages. It is more
particularly prevalent in autumn. Its presence may be readily detected
by the partial discoloration of the leaves attacked. The head and
body between the wings are black, with yellow variegation; abdomen
yellow or rosy; wings white and mealy (whence its common name), the
upper pair each having a darker spot, near the centre. Its destructive
power resides in the rostrum, or sucking-tube, with which its head is
furnished.
_Remedies._ The only effectual means of exterminating this pest is to
destroy the leaves, preferably by burning. If its presence is detected
early, an application of tobacco water, or diluted soft soap, may prove
beneficial.
=CABBAGE ROOT-EATING FLY.= _See_ =Root-eating Fly=.
=CABBAGE-TREE.= _See_ =Euterpe oleracea=.
=CABBAGE WEEVIL.= _See_ =Cabbage Gall Weevil=.
=CABOMBA= (the native name in Guiana). ORD. _Nymphæaceæ_. SUB. ORD.
_Cabombeæ_. Small and very interesting aquatics. They thrive well in a
cistern 1ft. deep, with 2in. of loam in the bottom, for the plants to
root in, then filled up with water, and placed in a warm part of the
greenhouse during summer, being allowed a rest in a cool part of the
stove in winter. Propagation may be effected by root division.
=C. aquatica= (water-loving). _fl._ yellow, small; peduncles long,
axillary, solitary, one-flowered. July. Submerged leaves opposite,
stalked, cut into five divisions even to the petiole; segments
multifid; floating leaves alternate, on long petioles, peltate,
orbicular, entire. Guiana, 1823. SYN. _Nectris aquatica_.
=C. caroliniana= (Carolina) is somewhat similar to _C. aquatica_.
It is a native of the Southern United States.
=CACALIA= (from _kakalia_, a name used by Dioscorides). ORD.
_Compositæ_. A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, here treated
as distinct from _Senecio_, of which genus, from a botanical point
of view, it is but a section. Heads five to many-flowered; florets
all tubular and perfect; scales of the involucre in a single row;
receptacle naked; pappus of numerous capillary bristles. For culture,
_see_ =Senecio=.
=C. atriplicifolia= (Atriplex-leaved). _fl.-heads_ white. August.
_l._, lower ones triangular-kidney shaped, or slightly cordate;
the upper rhomboid, toothed. Stem terete. _h._ 3ft. to 6ft. United
States of America.
=C. hastata= (hastate). _fl.-heads_ white, nodding, racemose.
Autumn. _l._ stalked, three-lobed, hastate, serrate. _h._ 1ft.
Siberia, 1780.
=C. reniformis= (reniform). _fl.-heads_ white, disposed in large
corymbs. August. _l._ dilated, fan-shaped, 1ft. to 2ft. broad,
repandly-toothed and angled, petiolate. Stem grooved and angled.
_h._ 4ft. to 9ft. New Jersey, 1801.
=C. suaveolens= (sweet-scented).* _fl.-heads_ white. Autumn. _l._
triangular-lanceolate, halbert-shaped, pointed, serrate; those of
the stem on winged petioles. Stem grooved. _h._ 3ft. to 5ft. North
America, 1752.
=C. tuberosa= (tuberous).* _fl.-heads_ whitish. June. _l._ thick;
lower ones lanceolate or oval, nearly entire, tapering into long
petioles; upper ones on short margined petioles, sometimes toothed
at the apex. Stem angled and grooved. _h._ 2ft. to 6ft. North
America.
=CACOUCIA= (its name in Guiana). ORD. _Combretaceæ_. A small genus
of stove twining or climbing shrubs. Flowers large, showy, racemose.
Leaves opposite, oblong or ovate-elliptical. For culture, _see_
=Combretum=.
=C. coccinea= (scarlet).* _fl._ scarlet, alternate, bracteate at
the base, disposed in long terminal racemes. May. _l._ ovate,
acuminated, shortly petiolate. Guiana. (A. G. i., 179.). A handsome
stove climber.
=CACTEÆ.= A large order of succulent plants, with remarkable spines
clustered on the cylindrical, angular, two-edged, or leafy stems.
Flowers very variable, showy or minute, usually solitary, sessile,
rarely in fascicles, ephemeral; petals disposed in two or more series,
hardly distinguishable from the inner sepals, and sometimes united with
them; sepals numerous, united and adnate a great length to the ovarium.
Fruit fleshy, one-celled, many-seeded. Well-known genera are _Cereus_,
_Melocactus_, _Mammillaria_, _Opuntia_, _Pereskia_, and _Rhipsalis_.
=CACTUS= (from _kaktos_, a name used by Theophrastus to describe a
spiny plant). This generic term is popularly applied to all members
of the extensive family _Cacteæ_, which order may be distinguished by
the following characteristics: Calyx composed of many sepals, usually
indefinite in number, the inner series not readily distinguishable from
the petals, united and adnate a great length to the ovary; with the
tube smooth in the genera _Mammillaria_, _Melocactus_, and _Rhipsalis_;
or with the lobes of the sepals crowning the fruit, and having the
tube scaly, as in the genera _Cereus_, _Opuntia_, and _Pereskia_.
Petals disposed in two or more series, hardly distinguishable from the
inner sepals, and somewhat united to them; sometimes irregular, and
disposed in a long tube at the base, but distinct at the apex, as in
the genera _Mammillaria_, _Melocactus_, and _Cereus_; sometimes equal
and distinct to the very base, forming a rotate corolla, as in the
genera _Opuntia_, _Pereskia_, and _Rhipsalis_. Stamens indefinite,
disposed in many series, more or less cohering with the petals or
inner sepals; filaments slender, filiform; anthers ovate, versatile,
two-celled. Ovarium obovate, fleshy, one-celled. Fruit fleshy,
one-celled, many seeded, either smooth and crowned by the calyx, or
covered with scales, scars, or tubercles, and umbilicate at the apex.
This order contains fleshy or succulent shrubs, very variable in habit
and size. Flowers very variable, showy, or minute, usually solitary,
sessile, rarely in fascicles, ephemeral, expanding by night or day.
Leaves usually wanting, but, when present, small, caducous, and
terete, rarely flat and expanded, sometimes alternate and disposed
in a spiral order, always glabrous and fleshy. Prickles or bristles
disposed in fascicles, rising from the axils of the leaves. In the
leafless genera, the fascicles of spines are disposed on the angles
of the stem, rising from tubercles. Stems usually angular, winged,
or regularly beset with tubercles, rarely terete, usually jointed;
joints compressed. A group of Cacti is shown at Fig. 312, for which we
are indebted to Herr Fr. Ad. Haage, jun., of Erfurt, Germany. _See_
=Cereus=, =Disocactus=, =Echinocactus=, =Epiphyllum=, =Leuchtenbergia=,
=Mammillaria=, =Melocactus=, =Nopalea=, =Opuntia=, =Pelecyphora=,
=Pereskia=, =Phyllocactus=, and =Rhipsalis=.
_Cultivation._ Perhaps no class of plants more easily accommodate
themselves to a general system of treatment, than do these; although
certain genera would undoubtedly thrive better than when subjected to
the lower temperature, suited to the requirements of those coming from
cooler regions. Notwithstanding that nearly all the species are natives
of the western hemisphere, they occur in various geographical and
altitudinal areas, in which the temperature is proportionately lessened
or increased, as the case may be; yet, presuming a special house is set
apart for their culture, the majority of the species may be happily
suited therein. The warmest end of the structure should be selected for
the tropical kinds; while those found in cooler regions may be grown
in the other portions of the house; even those which are hardy in our
climate are really best wintered in a house or frame. Granted that
several species will endure our winter outside, it is yet necessary to
give them the shelter of a friendly ledge of the rockery, or frame, or
to cover them in their permanent position with a hand light, or sheet
of glass, in order to prevent the ill-effects of excessive moisture.
Generally, a winter temperature of from 50deg. to 55deg., and a summer
one of from 70deg. to 80deg. during shade, or in sunshine up to 90deg.,
will be found advantageous. When thus treated, it will be necessary to
keep the tropical species, on the whole, very dry during the winter. As
regards soil, potting, and general treatment, all may be treated alike,
except _Epiphyllum_, _Disocactus_, and _Pereskia_ (which _see_). Some
growers give them the protection of a house in winter, and stand them
outside during the summer, which is not, however, a very commendable
plan, as, in consequence of the very variable character of our climate
being especially prejudicial to several of the tender and more delicate
species, the often excessive amount of moisture they would receive,
will produce a weakly state of health in many, while others will be
lost. It is far better if their culture is attempted at all, to give
them the proper treatment. The numerous species and varieties found
on the Rocky Mountains are a most interesting series, and may be well
managed in a cold frame facing south, arranging them on shelves as
close to the glass as possible, and keeping them very dry through the
winter. If the weather is very severe, the lights should be matted. One
of the best collections of these in the country, is in the possession
of E. G. Loder, Esq., Floore House, Weedon, Northampton, where a great
number are admirably grown in frames, and under a large ledge of the
rockery outside. Amateurs may grow quantities of handsome Cacti either
in dwelling rooms near the window, or in small frames or greenhouses.
As they are slow growing, not much space will be occupied; at the
same time, a great deal of interest will be centred in their culture.
As regards watering and insect pests, they are but little trouble.
Miniature Cacti, of numerous kinds, are now often sold in small pots,
and most attractive little subjects they prove.
[Illustration:
1. Opuntia.
2. Cereus.
3. Opuntia streptacantha.
4. Cereus candicans.
5. Mammillaria.
6. Cereus peruvianus monstrosus.
7. Echinocereus electracanthus.
8. Mammillaria.
9. Echinopsis formosa.
10 Echinocactus Visnaga.
11. Cereus peruvianus var.
12. Opuntia candelabriformis.
13. Cereus strictus.
14. Pilocereus senilis.
15. Cereus Tweedii.
16. Cereus chilensis.
FIG. 312. GROUP OF CACTI.]