CHAPTER VIII._The Cauliflower

VARIETIES.

The varieties of cauliflower differ among themselves less than those of

most other vegetables, and their characters are less firmly fixed. Their

tendency to degenerate, especially under unfavorable conditions, and the

readiness with which they may be improved by selection, has given rise

within recent years to numerous so called varieties, some of them but

slightly differing from those from which they originated. These have

frequently received the names of the seedsmen who first sent them out.

Many of these seedmen's varieties have dropped out of cultivation, as

well as other varieties which have appeared from time to time, but which

have not possessed sufficient distinctive merit. Some varieties, from

not having been kept up to their original standard, have reverted to

those from which they sprang, or become so like them that their names

have come to be regarded as synonyms.

Nevertheless, all such names have been brought together in the following

catalogue, and all the obtainable information given concerning the

varieties which they represent. The testimony given is sometimes

contradictory, either from want of proper observation on the part of

the writers quoted, or from differences in the seeds sold under the same

name. This is necessarily somewhat confusing to one who is looking up

the merits of a variety, but it will form a better basis for judgment

than would a mere descriptive list, without reference to dates or

authorities. It is practically impossible to make a satisfactory

classification which will include all the varieties, and they have

therefore been arranged here in alphabetical order, as being most

convenient for reference. Nearly all of the most popular varieties have,

however, characters sufficiently distinct so that they can be easily

recognized. Some have short stems, others long; some are early, others

late; some have upright leaves, others drooping; their color varies from

grassy to bluish green; the heads vary from snow-white to cream-colored,

and in two or three varieties classed with the cauliflowers they are

reddish or purple, as in some of the broccolis. The form of the head

varies from flat to conical.

Most of our varieties have come from a few stocks whose characters, as

well as those of their descendants, seem to have been largely determined

by the locality in which they originated or have long been grown. The

Algiers, Paris and Erfurt groups are examples. In each of these groups

there is a series of varieties, differing mainly in size and earliness.

In the Erfurt group the production of early varieties has been carried

farthest, owing doubtless to the character of the climate, as well as

the greater skill employed in their selection. The early varieties,

particularly of this group, are characterized by having comparatively

small, narrow and upright leaves, and a rather short stem. A partial

list of varieties, arranged in the order of earliness, follows the

catalogue.

ADVANCE, see _Laing's Early Advance_.

ALABASTER.--Introduced to the general public by Johnson Stokes

in 1890. In their catalogue for that year these seedsmen say: "Our

_Early Alabaster_ was originally a sport from the finest German strain

of the selected Dwarf Erfurt, one extra fine head appearing some ten

days in advance of any other in the crop of one of the largest and most

expert cauliflower growers on Long Island in 1881. The seed of this was

carefully saved by him, and from it our stock has been brought up."

The seed of this variety has all been grown on Long Island, and it was

all taken by Long Island gardeners until 1889, at which time there were

said to be hundreds of acres of it in cultivation in Suffolk County,

where it originated. [See Frontispiece.]

ALGIERS, (Probably includes _Large Algiers_ and _Large Late

Algiers_).--Vilmorin, in 1883, described Algiers as follows: "Extremely

vigorous, stronger and better developed than the Giant Naples, [Veitch's

Autumn Giant]; leaves very large, undulate, almost curly, of a very deep

and reflective glaucous green; stem large and strong, rather tall; head

remarkably large, fine and white. In habit of growth it approaches the

Half Early Paris, but in time of maturity it agrees with the varieties

of Holland and England. It is especially adapted to open-air culture in

a warm climate."

M. May, of France, placed it in 1880 just before Giant Naples in

maturity, with a little shorter stem and little less ample foliage. He

said: "Late, but of gigantic size; leaves large, long and numerous, of a

glaucous green, and surrounding well the head, which becomes as large as

those of our native varieties, and is snow-white and exceedingly fine.

Specially suited to warm climates. In our country it may be sown in

September, and gathered the following August."

Rawson, a seedsman of New York, said in 1886: "A large and very popular

late variety, and one of the very best for the market. This variety is

largely grown for the New York market. It is one of the largest in

cultivation, and always sure to head." Frotzer, of New Orleans,

describes it as a French variety of the same season as Lenormand

Short-stem, but a surer producer, having taken the place there of other

second-early kinds since its introduction. At the Ohio experiment

station it proved unsuited to the climate. A writer in the _American

Agriculturist_ for 1889 stated that this variety was formerly largely

grown in Suffolk County, Long Island, but that for the past two or three

seasons it had done poorly, and would not be grown in the future. Its

large size required the plants to be set four feet apart.

ALLEAUME (_Early Alleaume_, _Dwarf Alleaume_).--This variety,

originated by an intelligent market gardener of Paris; was, according to

the originator, one of the best for cultivation under frames. Cultivated

there in the open ground, that is to say, sown in June and planted out

in July, it has given remarkably good results. It is a little below

medium height, and has a very short stem. Its oblong leaves are of a

light grayish green. The head is of medium size, very white, fine

grained, of first quality, and early. It is a variety of great promise.

This is the statement of the editor of _Revue Horticole_ in 1884. In

1888, Mr. Sutton, of England, calls it a distinct, dwarf, compact,

French variety, having creamy-white heads, and coming in after Sutton's

Favorite. In 1890, Vilmorin quotes it as a very early dwarf,

short-stemmed variety, especially good for forcing.

In 1885, W. A. Burpee offered an "Extra Early Alleaume," which he

described as "stem very short, leaves long, _entire_ or _very little

lobated_, of a grayish-green color, forming a close protection to the

head, which is large, fine grained and pure white." This is probably the

same variety as above.

ALMA (_Waite's Alma_).--Hackett sells this as a new English

variety of large size, firm, and surpassing in excellence the Walcheren.

There was, however, a variety named Alma, probably the same, growing at

Paris in 1857 (see _Jour. Cent. Soc. Hort. France_, 1857, p. 422). In

1865 Waite's Alma was considered by some to be merely the Early London,

and by others to be the same as Walcheren; at least, seeds of these two

varieties had been sent out for it.

AMERICAN.--Seed of a very early variety bearing this name was

sent by William Ingell, of Oswego County, New York, to the editor of the

_Country Gentleman_, in 1861. Mr. Ingell, who named the variety, does

not state whether he grew the seed or not. In 1889, Bailey's "Annals of

Horticulture" contained the name "American," with _American Beauty_ as

synonym.

ANCIENT LENORMAND, see _Lenormand_.

ASIATIC (_Early Asiatic_, _Large Asiatic_, _Large Late

Asiatic_, _Dur d'Angleterre_).--These seem to be substantially one

variety, the terms "early" and "late" being in this, as in some other

cases, applied by different seedsmen to the same variety, when, as in

this case, it is of intermediate season. Since the introduction of such

extremely early sorts as the Extra Early Erfurt, this and other

mid-season varieties are more often called "late." The Asiatic seems to

have originated from the Early London, of which it is regarded as merely

a stronger growing and later variety. The first mention I find of it is

in _Hovey's Magazine_, in 1845, where Large Asiatic and Walcheren are

called the two most noted varieties. In 1849 the same magazine states

that it was sent out by the London Horticultural Society. In 1850 a

writer in the _Gardener's Chronicle_ mentions this and Walcheren as his

two favorite varieties. In 1854, J. D. Browne describes the Large, Late

Asiatic in the report of the United States Department of Agriculture as

larger and taller than Early London.

In 1855 this variety is mentioned in the American edition of "Neill's

Gardener's Companion" as having recently come much into use. As this

edition was taken from the fourth Edinburgh edition, the actual date

here referred to was probably much earlier. Three other varieties,

scarcely differing in character, are mentioned--the Early, Late and

Reddish-stalked. The Large Asiatic is now extensively grown in Northern

India, where it seeds freely, but has a short season, and is not

considered as delicate or fine in flavor as the ordinary English

varieties.

AUTUMN GIANT, see _Veitch's Autumn Giant_.

BALTIC GIANT.--In Burpee's "How to Grow Cabbages and

Cauliflowers" (1888), Mr. J. Pedersen, of Denmark, gives the following

account of this variety: "A new variety of large, late cauliflower,

originated in these northern regions, and which I propose to name Baltic

Giant, is very hardy, of robust growth, and produces very large and

solid dazzling white flower-heads. A friend of mine writes from the

Baltic island of Bornholm that in mild seasons he has left this splendid

late variety in the open ground as late as Christmas, only protected by

a leaf or two bent over the heads." The variety is being tested in this

country by W. A. Burpee & Co.

BERLIN DWARF.--Rawson says: "In earliness, size and quality it

resembles the Snowball." Gregory, in 1890, makes the same statement.

BEST OF ALL.--An early variety mentioned in _Gardening

Illustrated_, 1885, p. 438.

BLACK SICILY (_Large Black_, _Dwarf Early Violet

Broccoli_).--Vilmorin says: "In growth and appearance this variety

somewhat resembles Algiers. Stem rather tall, leaves very large, broad

and much crumpled, almost curly; differs from all other cauliflowers in

the color of its head, which is violet, and with a grain much coarser

than in other varieties, while it is sufficiently close, solid and

large. Not very late; always grown in the open air, and ready to

commence cutting in September." Mentioned in _Bon Jardinier_, in 1859,

as one of the three principal Broccolis, with which it is generally and

properly classed.

BOSTON MARKET (_Improved Early Paris_).--This variety, which

has now gone out of existence, was formerly extensively cultivated

around Boston, where it originated by continued selection from the Early

Paris. In the _American Journal of Horticulture_, for 1869, p. 92, is a

figure and description.

BURPEE'S BEST EARLY.--An improved type of Dwarf Erfurt, named

and introduced by W. A. Burpee & Co. in 1886, after, as they say,

sixteen years selection by one grower. It is said to be of dwarf,

compact growth, with a short stalk, and large, solid, nearly globular

heads, very early and certain to head.

The Dingee & Conrad Company sell the same variety.

At the Ohio experiment station in 1889, this variety was regarded as

probably the same as Large Erfurt, rather large, and a few days later

than Early [Extra Early] Erfurt, but quite as good in other respects. At

the Colorado station, in 1888, "Burpee's Earliest" was noted for its

large leaves and white, compact heads. It headed ten days later than

Henderson's Snowball.

CARRARA ROCK.--An extra selected strain of Erfurt, said by Wm.

Elliott & Sons, of New York, to be the earliest and surest variety to

head.

CARTER'S DEFIANCE (_Early Defiance_).--Gregory considers this a

fine variety for forcing or very early use.

CARTER'S DWARF MAMMOTH.--An early variety, coming in just after

Carter's Defiance. Plant dwarf, head very large, perfect in form and of

fine color.

CARTER'S EXTRA EARLY AUTUMN GIANT.--A variety said, in 1889, to

have large, close, white heads, both flower and leaf being less coarse

than those of Autumn Giant.

CARTER'S MT. BLANC, see _Mt. Blanc_.

CHALON PERFECTION. A variety mentioned in _Gardener's Monthly_,

in 1886. Said to be as white as snow, almost as smooth as ivory, and to

make good heads in soil of moderate fertility. Probably the same as

Early Dwarf Chalon, which see.

CHAPEL (_Chapel's Cream_).--Catalogued in Bailey's "Annals of

Horticulture," in 1889.

CLARK'S CHAMPION.--An imported English variety mentioned in

_Vick's Magazine_ for 1887, p. 52, as being a little later than Snowball

and Vick's Ideal.

CYPRUS.--Said by Wolfner and Weisz, of Vienna, in 1888, to be a

beautiful early sort. It is an old Holland variety.

DANISH SNOWBALL.--Offered by Vaughn, in 1891, who says he has

tested it for two seasons, and finds it a good, extra early sort.

DEAN'S EARLY SNOWBALL.--This, the oldest, and for a long time

the most popular of the Snowball varieties, has now been displaced in

this country by Henderson's Snowball and other early sorts. It is often

said to be earlier than Early Dwarf Erfurt, but at the Chiswick trials,

in 1876, it did not prove to be so. A writer in the _Garden_, for 1880,

places it third on the list of early varieties, placing Carter's Extra

Early Defiance first, and Veitch's Extra Early second. It appears to be

fully as dwarf as the earliest Erfurts, and to have a little larger

head. It has been said, even by the introducer, to be the English

duplicate of the Early Dwarf Erfurt, but there is no doubt of its

distinctness from that variety, as was afterwards recognized. There was

another German variety, however, name not given, at the Chiswick trials

referred to, which was reported to be identical with Dean's Snowball.

Mr. Dean says: "The Snowball may be told by one unfailing test, viz.:

when the heads begin to burst into flower, they become suffused with a

pretty purple tint."

This variety was introduced into England in 1871, by Mr. A. Dean, from

Denmark, where it was largely cultivated. It is still one of the best

early varieties, especially for hot weather and light soils. Mr. Dean

states that it is about the only variety of which seed can be grown in

England, and he considers English-grown seed of this variety the best.

DICKSON'S ECLIPSE, see _Eclipse_.

DREER'S EARLIEST SNOWSTORM.--Henry A. Dreer, in 1890, says in

his catalogue: "The earliest and best of all for forcing. It is dwarf,

with short outer leaves, and can be planted two feet apart each way;

always sure to make large, fine heads earlier than any other, and is the

market-gardener's favorite. This variety must be kept growing

constantly, as it will not stand a check at any period of its growth."

In 1891, he writes that this variety is a strain of Extra Early Erfurt,

the seed of which is grown at Erfurt, Germany.

At the New York experiment station, in 1888, it produced heads fit for

use eighteen days later than Henderson's Early Snowball, and Earliest

Dwarf Erfurt.

DWARF ERFURT (_Extra Early Erfurt_, _Early Dwarf Erfurt_,

_Extra Early Dwarf Erfurt_).--These names all refer to practically the

same variety, which is usually sold in this country under the name of

Extra Early Dwarf Erfurt, and is now the most popular early variety

grown. It is similar in habit to its parent, the Early Erfurt, but more

dwarf, and the leaves smaller and more upright, allowing the plants to

be set closer together. The heads are close and well formed, but do not

remain solid long, owing largely to the hot weather in which they are

generally formed. The best seed comes from Erfurt, Germany, but as the

variety rapidly deteriorates, there is great difference between the

selected and ordinary stocks.

Johnson & Stokes say, in their catalogue for 1890, that their extra

selected Early Dwarf Erfurt is distinct from the Early Dwarf Erfurt.

Burpee calls his Extra Early Dwarf Erfurt "the finest of all early

cauliflowers." He, as well as some other seedsmen, sell different

qualities, "extra selected," "true," numbers "one" and "two," etc.

French-grown seed sells for about half the price of German seed.

At the Chiswick trials, in 1876, where all known varieties were grown,

the Early Dwarf Erfurt proved to be the earliest variety grown. It is

best grown as a summer variety, being rather tender for a late crop,

though sometimes used.

M. May, in the _Revue Horticole_, for 1880, describes this variety as

follows: "Early Dwarf Erfurt. Very early, with light-colored, short,

upright, spoon-shaped leaves, which surround the head well, but do not

cover it. The head is well rounded, very regular, of remarkable

whiteness, and very fine and close. It readily attains a diameter of

fifteen to twenty centimeters [about five to seven inches]. This variety

is especially adapted to forcing, as its small size permits it to be

readily cultivated under glass. The best times for sowing it appear to

be at the beginning of spring and the end of summer. One may also sow it

in September to obtain a crop in April and May."

Mr. J. Pedersen, of Denmark, speaks as follows of this variety in

Burpee's work on "Cabbages and Cauliflowers:" "The success with

cauliflowers depends greatly upon the right choice of varieties. This

year, for instance, we have in this country suffered from drouth to an

extent not known of for the last score of years, and yet I have seen a

surprisingly grand field of cauliflowers, of an improved strain of the

Early Dwarf Erfurt variety, grown in a stiff clayey soil, very dry in

the surface, not in the best state of cultivation, and without any

artificial watering whatever. The roots of the plants were 'puddled'

when planted out; that was all. I do not believe that seven per cent.,

perhaps not five, of said field of thirty or forty thousand plants

failed to make fine, large, solid, beautifully white and typical heads.

Other varieties have either utterly failed, or made stunted,

imperfectly developed heads."

At the New York experiment station, in 1882, the Extra Early Dwarf

Erfurt was slightly earlier than the Early Dwarf Erfurt, and produced

double the proportion of good heads.

The Ohio experiment station, in 1889, reported as follows: "The

varieties or strains most highly recommended are Early Puritan, Early

Padilla, Long Island Beauty, Early Sea Foam, Early Snowball and Vick's

Ideal. These all appear to be nearly identical with Early [Extra Early]

Erfurt, and may be considered as strains of that variety."

As the Dwarf, or Extra Early, Erfurt has furnished a large share of the

varieties now popular in this country, the following list of Erfurt

varieties will be useful for reference. The first three are in the order

of earliness; the others (descended from Dwarf Erfurt,) being

alphabetical:

Early Erfurt Mammoth.

EARLY ERFURT.

_Dwarf Erfurt._

Alabaster (Johnson & Stokes).

Berlin Dwarf.

Best Early (Burpee).

Carrara Rock.

Gilt Edge (Thorburn).

Ideal (Vick).

Imperial.

Lackawanna (Tillinghast).

La Crosse Favorite (Salzer).

Landreth's First.

Long Island Beauty (Brill).

Model (Northrup).

Padilla (Tillinghast).

Prize (Maule)?

Puritan (Ferry).

Sea Foam (Rawson).

Small-Leaved Erfurt.

Snowball (Faust).

Snowball (Henderson).

Snowball (Thorburn).

Snowstorm (Dreer).

Snowstorm (Pearce)?

EARLY.--At the New York experiment station in 1888, a variety

called "Early," from the English Specialty & Novelty Seed Co., was the

only one among nine varieties which failed to head. The Early London

White is sometimes known as "Early."

EARLY ALLEAUME, see _Alleaume_.

EARLY DEFIANCE (Sutton), see _Carter's Early Defiance_.

EARLY DUKE.--Mentioned as one of the best four early varieties

for Central France in the _Annales de la Societe d' Horticulture de l'

Allier_ for 1852. See Lefevre.

EARLY DUTCH.--An old variety, described by Vilmorin as follows:

"A large hardy variety, suitable for field cultivation. Stem long and

rather slender; leaves elongated, but very large, of a grayish green,

somewhat undulated. This is one of the varieties in which the side of

the leaf is bare at the base for a considerable distance. The head is

hard and solid, yet very large. It is a half-late variety. In its

original country it does better than the French varieties and it is

cultivated on a grand scale around Leyden. Large quantities are shipped

to England, where it is found in the London markets, together with

cauliflowers from the coasts of France, and especially Great Britain.

The name Dwarf Holland, which is given to this variety in Germany, can

only be explained by comparison with other Holland varieties. In

comparison with the French varieties it is tall."

EARLY DWARF CHALON.--Vilmorin catalogues this as "new" in 1889,

and says: "Stem very short, head rather large, grain white and very

close. Specially recommended for open air culture." See Chalon

Perfection.

EARLY DWARF FORCING (Sutton).--No description.

EARLY DWARF SURPRISE.--An early variety from Vilmorin, which

headed well at the New York experiment station, in 1884.

EARLY DWARF VIENNA.--Said by Wolfner and Weisz, of Vienna, to

be an old superior sort, still grown for the first and second crop.

EARLY ERFURT (_Erfurt_, _Large Erfurt_, _Large Early White

Erfurt_, _Late Erfurt_).--This is still a popular variety, but less

hardy and less valuable as a late sort than the improved varieties from

the south of Europe; and as an early sort it has been displaced by its

offspring, the Extra Early Erfurt, and the newer varieties derived from

that. The heads of the Early Erfurt are large and fine-grained but more

inclined to be open and leafy than those of Early Paris. It is a little

earlier than that variety. Vilmorin describes the Early Erfurt as

follows: "Very early, distinct, and valuable, but difficult to keep

pure. Below medium height; stem rather short; leaves oblong, entire,

rounded, and slightly undulated; of a peculiar light grayish green,

which, added to their form and their rather erect position, gives to the

plant an appearance somewhat resembling that of the Sugar Loaf. Head

very white, fine grained, rapidly developed, but not inclined to remain

long solid."

The _Bon Jardinier_ mentions the Erfurt, in 1859, among the novelties as

the earliest variety then known, being two weeks earlier than Salomon

(Early Paris) and very suitable for forcing on account of its straight,

upright leaves and earliness.

EARLY ERFURT MAMMOTH (_New Erfurt Dwarf Mammoth_ [Burr],

_etc_).--F. Burr, in 1886, said: "A recent sort with large, clear white

flowers, of superior quality. The plants are low and close, and

generally form a head, even in protracted dry and warm weather. It

appears to be one of the few varieties adapted to the climate of this

country." This form of Early Erfurt has not been kept distinct.

EARLY FAVORITE.--A variety without description is sold under

this name by A. B. Cleveland & Co. See also Haskell's Favorite.

EARLY GERMAN.--"A new variety advertised in English

Catalogues:"--(_Mag. of Hort._, 1838, p. 50).

EARLY LA CROSSE FAVORITE.--John A. Salzer offers this as

earlier than Henderson's Early Snowball, and "the earliest, finest,

whitest and most compact grown." At the Ohio experiment station in 1889

it was apparently the same as the ordinary large Early Erfurt. Mr.

Salzer writes me that it is a distinct type of his own originating from

the Early Erfurt.

EARLY LEYDEN, see _Walcheren_.

EARLY LONDON (_London Particular_, _Fitch's Early London_,

_Early English_, _Large Late_.)--An old sort, still quite popular in

both the United States and England. Vigorous and hardy, with large,

abundant, deep-green, undulated foliage; stem rather tall, but shorter

than that of Early Dutch; head well formed and somewhat conical.

Formerly the main variety grown as an early crop about London, but there

are now varieties much earlier.

Vilmorin regards it the same as Early Dutch, which is evidently an

error.

EARLY LONDON MARKET (Gregory), see _Early London_.

EARLY LONDON WHITE (Sutton).--An early form of Early London,

cultivated some twenty years ago, but now seldom heard of.

EARLY PADILLA (_Long Island Beauty_).--The Early Padilla was

named and sent out by Tillinghast in 1888, who says that it is a sport

from Henderson's Snowball which originated on one of his seed farms on

Padilla Bay, Puget Sound, in the State of Washington. Mr. H. A. March,

of Fidalgo, Washington, who states that he grows all of Tillinghast's

Puget Sound cauliflower seed, says that Early Padilla originated with

him from the Large Erfurt, and was named by him the "American." It was

published at first under this name in one of his circulars. Seed of the

same was also supplied by him to Francis Brill, of Long Island, who

named it and sold it as Long Island Beauty.

At the New York experiment station in 1888, the Early Padilla equaled in

earliness Henderson's Snowball, and was slightly surpassed by Extra

Early Dwarf Erfurt, while the variety obtained as Long Island Beauty was

the earliest of the nine early varieties on trial. At the Ohio

experiment station in 1889, Long Island Beauty was called a very perfect

strain of Early [Extra Early] Erfurt.

Gregory said in 1890: "Of the thirteen varieties of cauliflower raised

in my experimental plot in 1888, every specimen of the Long Island

Beauty made fine heads, and the heads averaged larger than any other

sort. It is among the very earliest.... Mr. Brill calls it, 'absolutely

and unequivocally the best cauliflower in the world.'"

EARLY PARIS (_Tendre de Paris_, _Salomon_, _Petit

Salomon_).--An excellent sort, more largely grown for a fall crop in

this country in the past than any other variety. Intermediate in season

between half Early Paris and the new Extra Early Paris. As grown by the

writer from seed obtained for several years of James Vick, the Early

Paris was later than Early Erfurt, but more certain to head, the heads

more globular, a little smaller, decidedly lighter in weight than those

of that variety, of better quality, and almost entirely free from

intermixed leaves. Sown about May 10, and set out the last of June, most

of the plants formed their heads during October. As a summer variety it

produces better heads than the Early Erfurt, but is less inclined to

head early in the season.

Described by Vilmorin as follows: "Plant small, rather tall; leaves

comparatively narrow, nearly straight, a little deflexed at the

extremity, and slightly wavy at the border; head of medium size, quickly

formed, but remaining firm but a short time. This variety is

particularly suitable for the summer crop; sown in April or May it heads

in August or September." In this country, when used as a fall crop, no

complaint is made of the heads not remaining firm. Sown in May in the

latitude of New York it heads in September and October. M. May, of

France, describes this variety as follows in the _Revue Horticole_ for

1880: "An early variety grown by gardeners in the outskirts of Paris. It

has nearly the appearance of the Half Early Paris, but is smaller, with

a little shorter leaves, which are more narrow and upright. It is sown

in September, and Wintered over under hand glasses on a bank composed of

manure from an old hot-bed and exposed to the south. The crop is then

gathered during May. It may also be sown in March and gathered in July."

Victor Paquet, in his work on Vegetables (_Plantes Potagers_), published

at Paris in 1846, gives a full account of cauliflower culture and says:

"We cultivate two distinct varieties, _tendre_ and _demi-dur_. The

sub-varieties _gros_ and _petit_ Salomon are sorts of the _tendre_."

Richard Frotzer, of New Orleans, catalogues the Extra Early and the Half

Early, but not the Early Paris.

Mr. Gregory, of Massachusetts, states that most of the seed sold in the

United States as Early Paris is really the Half Early. In a recent

letter he says: "The Early or Half Early Paris is now about dead, the

various strains of Extra Early Erfurt, such as Snowball, Sea Foam, etc.,

having taking its place." D. M. Ferry & Co. sell a variety called "Early

Paris or Nonpareil," the latter name having been first given by J. M.

Thorburn & Co. to the Half Early Paris. There is no doubt, however, of

the Early and Half Early Paris being two varieties. The former, which

has so long been a favorite in the Northern States may still be relied

upon, though in many cases, as stated, it is being displaced by the

Extra Early Paris, and particularly by the Extra Early Erfurt and

varieties derived from it.

EARLY PICPUS.--Catalogued by Vilmorin in 1889 as a new early

variety with large white heads, good for field culture.

EARLY PURITAN.--A little the earliest of four varieties at the

New York experiment station in 1889, the others being Early Erfurt,

Snowball, and Vick's Ideal. At the Ohio station the same year it was

considered to be a strain of Early [Extra Early] Erfurt and one of the

best of its class.

D. M. Ferry & Co., the introducers of this variety write me as follows

regarding its history: "The Puritan cauliflower originated as the

product of a particularly early, large-headed, and dwarf-growing plant

found in a large crop of Snowball during the summer of 1886. The seed

from this plant was saved, and selections made from the product until a

sufficient quantity was secured. It was first noticed and selected by

one of the largest cauliflower growers in this country, and great care

was taken in selecting and seeding the plant. It is purely American,

both in origin and growth."

It appears from the letter of H. A. March, on page 122, that this

variety originated with him from Henderson's Snowball, at Fidalgo,

Washington.

EARLY SNOWBALL.--Under this name Dean's Early Snowball is

generally known in England, and this is probably the variety often sold

as Snowball in the past in this country. Henderson's Early Snowball is,

however, now sold under that name by many seedsmen, and is the one sent

out as Early Snowball by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Seedsmen sometimes prefix their own name, to the variety or strain of

Snowball which they sell. All varieties bearing this or similar names

are, so far as known, of the Dwarf Erfurt group.

EARLY WALCHEREN, see _Walcheren_.

ECLIPSE.--The first notice I find of this variety is in the

_Gardener's Chronicle_ for 1877 (Vol. VIII), where it is mentioned as

being sent out by Dickson Brown & Tait. It is similar to Veitch's Autumn

Giant, but about three weeks earlier. It is said to be a fine variety,

with large heads, well protected by the leaves, and to stand drouth

well. At the Ohio experiment station in 1889, the heads were invariably

loose and sprangled.

ERFURT, see _Early Erfurt_.--The Erfurt varieties are

characterized by light pea-green color, and stiff, more or less upright

leaves.

EXTRA EARLY ALLEAUME, see _Alleaume_.

EXTRA EARLY DWARF FORCING.--Probably the _Dwarf Erfurt_.

EXTRA EARLY ERFURT, see _Dwarf Erfurt_.

EXTRA EARLY PARIS.--This variety is not described by Vilmorin

in his _Plantes Potagers_, but it is probably the one given in his

catalogue under the name of "Extra Earliest Paris (forcing)." It is

catalogued by the leading American seedsmen without description.

FAUST'S EARLIEST SNOWBALL.--H. G. Faust & Co., say in their

catalogue for 1890: "Our Snowball cauliflower is undoubtedly the best in

cultivation. It is the earliest grown, produces the finest snow-white

heads, and its compact habit enables it to be planted closer together

than any other variety."

FAVORITE, see _Early La Crosse Favorite_, _Haskel's Favorite_,

and _Early Favorite_.

FRANKFORT GIANT, see _Veitch's Autumn Giant_.

FRENCH, see _Large White French_ and _Half Early French_.

FRENCH IMPERIAL (Thorburn), see _Imperial_.

FROGMORE EARLY FORCING.--An old variety, described by F. Burr,

in 1866, as follows: "Stem quite short, and plant of compact habit. The

heads are large and close, and their color clear and delicate.

Recommended as one of the best for forcing, as well as an excellent sort

for early culture."

In 1876, a writer in the _Country Gentleman's Magazine_ mentions it as

the earliest variety grown, to be followed by Early London. It is now,

however, but little used.

GERRY ISLAND.--A variety said by Gregory to be a very reliable

header, closely resembling Early Paris. At the Colorado experiment

station, in 1888, it failed to head.

GIANT MALTA.--Said to be a large, fine variety, with beautiful

white heads of excellent flavor. Though dwarf, it is late, requiring six

months in which to develop.

GIANT NAPLES.--Described as synonymous with Veitch's Autumn

Giant, by Vilmorin, in 1883, but he now catalogues it as a separate

variety, similar to Veitch's Autumn Giant, but later. It is doubtless

the original, of which the Autumn Giant is a slightly improved form. M.

May said of Giant Naples, in 1880: "Very similar to Algiers, a little

taller stem, and more fully developed foliage. Highly esteemed in Italy

and Algeria. Requires the same culture as Algiers."

GILT EDGE EARLY SNOWBALL (Thorburn).--This American variety was

reported by the Pennsylvania experiment station in 1888, as having done

well and formed good heads, free from intermixed leaves, where nearly

all other sorts failed. "It is a superior selected strain of Early

Snowball which originated on Long Island and is of the same type as the

best strain of imported Dwarf Erfurt."--(Johnson & Stokes, 1891).

GRANGE'S AUTUMN.--A variety mentioned in the _Gardener's

Chronicle_, in 1870, as earlier and inferior to Veitch's Autumn Giant.

HAAGE'S EARLY GERMAN.--Said by Wolfner and Weisz, of Vienna, to

be an excellent short-stemmed variety for the open ground.

HAAGE'S DWARF.--Said by Wolfner and Weisz, of Vienna, to have

large, compact heads, which keep long in good condition.

HAAGE'S NEW DWARF EARLY.--"The best for forcing."--(Frederick

Adolph A. Haage, Jr., Erfurt, Germany, 1890).

HALF EARLY FRENCH (Landreth, 1886).--Thorburn, in 1891,

catalogued Half Early Large French, and in previous years Half Early

Dwarf French.

HALF EARLY GIANT ITALIAN.--A new variety catalogued without

description by Vilmorin, Andrieux, & Co., in 1889.

HALF EARLY LARGE WHITE FRENCH (Vilmorin, Andrieux & Co.)--No

description.

HALF EARLY PARIS (_Demi-dur de Paris_, _Gros Salomon_,

_Nonpareil_).--Valuable for a late crop in this country, and now the

most popular variety in the New Orleans market. Described by Vilmorin,

of Paris, as follows: "Plant medium; leaves rather large, of a deep,

slightly glaucous green, surrounding the head well, and gradually

reflexed from the base to the apex; border undulate and coarsely

dentate, stem rather short and stout; head very white, large, and

remaining solid a long time. Formerly the most extensively cultivated

for the Paris market, but now giving place to Lenormand Short-stem, and

several new varieties."

In the _Revue Horticole_ for 1880, M. May says: "This is the variety

most cultivated around Paris, because it is suited to all seasons. It

may be sown: (1) In September, to be gathered in May and June, being

protected during winter like the Early Paris; (2) in February, in a

hot-bed, or under hand-glasses or frames, to be gathered in June and

July; (3) at the first of March, also in hot-bed, to be set out in April

and gathered in July; (4) finally, it may be sown in June on a border of

rich mold, and set out in July, without having been transplanted. This

very simple method requires frequent waterings to yield good results.

The crop is gathered from September to November."

The name _Gros Salomon_, now given by Vilmorin and others as synonymous

with Half Early Paris, was applied by Ribaud, in 1852, to a separate

variety (_Annales de la Societe d' Horticulture de l' Allier_, 1852, p.

59). For remarks on the synonym "Nonpareil," see that name.

Mr. Gregory, of Massachusetts, says of the Half-Early Paris or

_Demi-dur_: "This is the kind usually sold in this country as Early

Paris, the true variety making so small a head as to be comparatively

worthless here."--(Gregory, "Cabbages and How to Grow Them," 1870, p.

69).

HALF EARLY ST. BRIEUC (_Demi-dur de St. Brieuc_).--"Plant large

and strong; leaves quite large, elongated, undulate and of a deep green;

stem long; head close, solid, and remaining a long time in good

condition. This variety, which is extensively cultivated around St.

Brieuc, [on the north coast of France] from which it is exported to

Paris, and even to England, is quite hardy, and is well adapted to

open-air culture."--(Vilmorin).

The St. Brieuc was described by M. May, in the _Revue Horticole_, in

1880, as "a hardy, but late variety, inferior in its head to our Paris

varieties, and not very generally cultivated."

At the New York experiment station in 1886, this variety gave good

results.

HASKELL'S FAVORITE.--As grown at the South Dakota experiment

station, in 1888, no difference was seen between this and Henderson's

Snowball. Seed was sown in hot-bed April 10, the plants set out in

well-manured soil, May 24, and the first heads cut July 13--from which

time the plants continued to head along through the season. The

introducer, George S. Haskell, of Rockford, Ill., writes: "The Early

Favorite we sell is a variety I found in Holland a number of years ago.

It has proved a very sure header in this section of the country, and

will yield more than other sorts. It is not of the 'Erfurt family,' but

about half way between the Early Paris and Erfurt."

HENDERSON'S EARLY SNOWBALL.--A German variety, derived from the

Dwarf Erfurt, introduced by Peter Henderson & Co., about 1878, and

which has become very popular. Gregory, in 1890, said that it was not

excelled by any other variety, unless it was Thorburn's Gilt Edge, and

that it combined the best characteristics of Berlin Dwarf, Extra Early

Erfurt, and Sea Foam. Henderson & Co. state that it is now grown for

forcing more largely than any other variety. It is also considerably

grown in field culture, not only for the early crop, for which it is

especially suited, but also for the late crop, the plants being set out

as late as the first of August. Its small size and reliability of

heading are valuable features where suitable soil and culture are given.

The high price of the seed and the lack of vigor in much of the seed of

this and other Dwarf Erfurt varieties, have prevented their cultivation

on as large a scale as they would otherwise be grown.

This variety was formerly sold by many seedsmen simply as Early

Snowball, and it is the one now usually referred to when the name Early

Snowball is used, (See Early Snowball.)

W. J. Green, of the Ohio experiment station, says of Henderson's

Snowball: "This justly celebrated strain of Early [Extra Early] Erfurt

is probably better known than the parent variety. The true Henderson's

Early Snowball is unexcelled, but there are other strains, and other

varieties even, that have been sent out under this name, which are very

inferior."

The stock of this variety is now all controlled Peter Henderson & Co.,

and is grown in Germany. Seed descended from Henderson's stock has been

grown at Puget Sound, and is claimed to be as good as the original.

Several other sorts, including Puritan, Padilla and Gilt Edge, have been

derived from Henderson's Snowball, which sometimes mature quite as early

as this variety.

IDEAL, see _Vick's Ideal_.

IMPERIAL.--May says, in the _Revue Horticole_, for 1880: "A

variety which seems to have originated from the Early Dwarf Erfurt,

being a little more vigorous, and producing a little larger heads, which

is without doubt a result of culture, for in head and leaf it wholly

resembles the Erfurt. It is an excellent variety, employed in the same

manner as the Erfurt, and deserves extended cultivation."

Vilmorin says: "This fine variety resembles the Dwarf Early Erfurt, but

it is of deeper green, and every way larger. It is an early variety with

beautiful white head, large and solid, and remarkable for its regularity

of growth and product. When well grown it is certainly among the most

desirable early varieties." Thorburn considers it one of the best for

the main crop. It originated about 1870. It matured in one season

eighteen days and in another thirty-two days before the

Lenormand.--(_The Garden_, 1878, p. 2).

IMPERIAL NOVELTY (Landreth), see _Imperial_.

IMPROVED EARLY PARIS, see _Boston Market_.

ITALIAN GIANT.--There are two or more forms of this variety in

the market. For example: Vick sells "Italian Giant;" Gregory, "Italian

Early Giant;" the Plant Seed Company, "Italian Early Giant Autumnal;"

Vilmorin, "Half-Early Italian Giant (new);" Frotzer, "Late Italian

Giant;" and Vilmorin, "Late Giant Italian Self-protecting." The early

form or variety seems to be the most generally sold by our seedsmen, and

is perhaps the one indicated when the simple name Italian Giant is used.

Gregory calls the Early Italian Giant a "fine, large white-headed early

Variety." Frotzer says it is not quite so late as the Late Italian,

almost as large, and in every way satisfactory. The Late Italian Giant,

he says, is grown to a considerable extent in the neighborhood of New

Orleans, and is the largest of all the cauliflowers and should not be

sown later than June, as it requires from seven to nine months to head.

JOHNSON & STOKES' EARLY ALABASTER, see _Alabaster_.

KING, see _Sutton's King_.

KNICKERBOCKER.--An early Variety with "fine large compact

snow-white heads of excellent flavor."--(E. & W. Hackett, Adelaide,

Australia, 1889).

LACKAWANNA.--All American variety sent out by Tillinghast,

about 1884, and said to be a little larger and later than Henderson's

Snowball.

LANDRETH'S FIRST.--As grown at the New York experiment station

in 1885, it was equal in earliness to the Early Dwarf Erfurt, and

surpassed only by Henderson's Snowball.

LARGE ALGIERS, see _Algiers_.

LARGE ASIATIC, see _Asiatic_.

LARGE ERFURT.--A name sometimes applied to the ordinary Early

Erfurt, in distinction from the Dwarf Erfurt.

LARGE EARLY DWARF ERFURT (Thorburn), see _Early Erfurt_.

LARGE EARLY LONDON.--Failed to head at the New York experiment

station, in 1882. In 1885 a small proportion of the plants headed; it

was the latest among 38 varieties.

LARGE EARLY WHITE ERFURT.--Brill calls this the lowest grade of

the Erfurt type, succeeding admirably at times, but not to be depended

on, and apt to grow with small fine leaves through the heads. See Early

Erfurt.

LARGE LATE ALGIERS, see _Algiers_.

LARGE LATE ASIATIC, see _Asiatic_.

LARGE LATE WALCHEREN (Dreer), see _Walcheren_.

LARGE WHITE FRENCH.--A fine large white variety, catalogued by

Gregory and others in 1890. Vilmorin calls it half-early.

LARGEST ASIATIC.--Taller and larger than the common Asiatic,

but apparently no longer grown. The _Gardener's Chronicle_ for 1848

mentions its being sold by Messrs. Schertzer, of Haarlem.

LAING'S EARLY ADVANCE.--A writer in the _Gardener's Chronicle_,

for 1891, p. 121, states that he has grown it for the past three years

and finds it a good variety, with close white heads of moderate size,

protected by many well-incurved leaves, and ready for use about five

months from the time of sowing the seed.

LATE DUTCH (_Large Late Dutch_).--Sold by several American

seedmen. Probably distinct from Early Dutch.

LATE LENORMAND SHORT-STEM, see _Lenormand Short-Stem_.

LATE LONDON (Burpee and Ferry).--No description. See Asiatic

and Large Early London.

LATE PARIS (_Dur de Paris_).--This, said Vilmorin in 1883, is

the latest variety cultivated by the market gardeners around Paris. It

differs from the Half Early Paris, especially in being a little later,

and in having its head remain hard and solid a long time; but it is also

distinguished by the appearance of its foliage, which is quite

abundant, elongated, very much undulated, and of an intense green.

This variety is the least cultivated of the three generally grown at

Paris. The gardeners use it only for the summer sowing to come at the

end of the season. It is now being supplanted by other late sorts.

LATE WALCHEREN, see _Walcheren_.

LEFEVRE.--Said to have been one of the best four varieties for

Central France in 1852, the others being _Demi-dur de Paris_ (Half Early

Paris), Early Duke, and _Gros Salomon_.

LE MAITRE PIED COURT.--As grown at the New York experiment

station in 1885, it was rather early. Probably the same as the

"Lemaitre" or Chambourcy Short-Stemmed, catalogued by Vilmorin in 1890.

LENORMAND (_Ancient Lenormand_, _Late Lenormand_, _Lenormand

Extra Large_, _Lenormand Mammoth_).--Vilmorin said, in 1883: "It is now

a score of years since the attention of the trade was called to this

variety, principally because of its beauty and its great hardiness

against cold. The Lenormand is in appearance but little different from

the Half Early Paris (_Demi-dur_). The leaves are only a little larger.

It certainly requires a little less care than other varieties, but its

chief merit is having given birth to the Lenormand Short-stemmed, which

is to-day one of the most generally prized."

M. May describes and figures this variety in the _Revue Horticole_ for

1880. In the _Journal of the Central Horticultural Society of France_

for 1857 is a report of a committee of that society upon this variety as

grown on the grounds of M. Lenormand near Paris, it having been

introduced by that gentleman in 1852 from Halle, in Central Germany,

where it was then largely cultivated. The committee made a very

flattering report, finding the Lenormand much finer than the other

varieties, Half Early Paris, Erfurt, and Alma, growing in the same

field.

In this country the Lenormand was formerly a popular variety, being

frequently mentioned, as long ago as 1858, with the Early Paris as one

of the two best varieties. Since then it has been displaced by the

following:

LENORMAND SHORT-STEM.--This variety, derived from the

Lenormand, is described by Vilmorin in 1883 as follows: "The aspect of

this variety is very characteristic, and enables it to be distinguished

easily from all others when it is well grown. The stem, extremely short,

strong and stocky, is furnished down to the level of the earth with

short, large, rounded leaves, slightly undulated except on the borders,

very firm and stiff, and more spreading than upright; color deep green,

slightly glaucous; head very large and solid, beautifully white, and

keeping in condition a long time. This variety is early, productive,

hardy against cold and drouth, and requires comparatively little room.

Its rapid extention in cultivation within the last few years is not

therefore surprising."

[Illustration]

To this it may be added that the variety is sold by nearly all our

American seedmen and is a popular variety for a fall crop, especially at

the South. Its large, solid, cream-colored heads are not however as well

protected by the leaves as those of most other medium early or late

sorts.

LENORMAND'S SHORT-STEMMED MAMMOTH (_Lenormand's Extra Large

Short-Stemmed_).--This appears to be a selection from the Lenormand

Short-stem. It is offered under the second of the above names by

Vilmorin, and under the first by Gregory and other American seedsmen.

LONG ISLAND BEAUTY (Brill), see _Early Padilla_. At the

Colorado station, in 1888, seeds of Long Island Beauty obtained from Low

appeared to be an inferior stock, and gave heads which were loose and

yellowish. For the origin of this variety see Early Padilla.

MALTA GIANT (Burpee), see _Giant Malta_.

MARTIN'S PRESIDENT.--As grown by Mr. R. Gilbert at Burghley,

England, in 1885, this variety stood the exceptionally dry season better

than Best of All, Snowball, Early Erfurt, or Veitch's Autumn

Giant.--(_Gardening Illustrated_, 1885, p. 438).

MAULE'S PRIZE EARLIEST, see _Prize_.

MITCHELL'S HARDY EARLY.--Said by F. Burr, in 1866, to be "a new

variety, bouquet not large, but handsome and compact. It is so firm that

it remains an unusual length of time without running to seed or becoming

pithy."

MODEL.--The Northrup, Braslan & Goodwin Co., of Minneapolis,

Minnesota, the introducers of this variety, say in 1891: "The history

of our Model cauliflower we can give you in a few words: We have for

several years been testing cauliflower seed from as many growers as

possible, in order to secure a variety which we could identify with our

name. We have never been fully satisfied until two years ago, when we

received from a foreign grower a sample for trial. Upon testing this

seed in our experimental grounds we found it so desirable that we

arranged for the stock we are now selling, and which gives excellent

satisfaction wherever grown. There are other varieties which produce as

good heads and as early, but in our growths of this sort we have found a

larger proportion of large, white, perfect heads than in any other

strains we have tested."

MOHAWK WHITE CAP (Nellis).--"Rather larger and later than Early

[Extra Early] Erfurt and seems to be identical with Snowball from the

same firm."--(Ohio Exp. Station, 1889)

MT. BLANC.--Said by Buist, in 1890, to be one of the largest

and finest for forcing, or the general crop. Stem medium; heads large,

snow-white, well protected by the leaves, and of delicate flavor.

At the Oregon experiment station, in 1890, Carter's Mt. Blanc resembled

Perfection in growth, but had somewhat larger heads.

NAPLES, GIANT, see _Veitch's Autumn Giant_.

NARROW-LEAVED ERFURT, see _Small-Leaved Erfurt_.

NE PLUS ULTRA.--A fine early variety, derived from the Giant

Naples, having well-filled heads, often nine inches in diameter. Highly

recommended by Wolfner and Weisz of Vienna, but little grown in this

country.

NONPAREIL.--In most American catalogues this is given as

synonymous with Half Early Paris. Buist and Rawson catalogue it as a

separate variety, and Brill mentioned it in 1872 as a distinct variety.

At the New York experiment station, in 1885, a variety called Thorburn's

Nonpareil matured among the half-early sorts at the same time as

Lenormand Short-stem. J. M. Thorburn & Co. write me in 1891 that

Nonpareil is a name which they gave to the Half Early Paris when they

first introduced that variety to the trade in this country.

NORTHRUP, BRASLAN & GOODWIN CO.'S MODEL, see _Model_.

PADILLA, see _Early Padilla_.

PALERMO VIOLET.--A variety catalogued by Wolfner and Weisz, of

Vienna, in 1888.

PAQUES.--A variety with fine white heads, usually classed with

the Broccolis. Catalogued by Vilmorin, in 1890.

PARIS, see _Early Paris_.

PEARCE'S SNOW-STORM (_J. S. Pearce & Co.'s Snow-Storm_).--This

variety, introduced by these seedsmen, of London, Canada, 1886, appears

from their description to be a selection from the Dwarf Erfurt.

PEARL (_Veitch's Pearl_).--A good second-early sort sent out

about eight years ago; said by some to be too near King in character. It

seems to be no longer grown.

PERFECTION (_March's No. 9_).--Received from H. A. March, of

Fidalgo, Washington, and grown at the Oregon experiment station in 1890,

it was found to be equally good with Snowball, and similar in growth to

Mt. Blanc, but with a little smaller head. Mr. March writes me as

follows, under date of April 3, 1891:

"My Early Perfection, or 'No. 9,' was a sport or, 'stray seed' found

among some Erfurt Earliest Dwarf, imported seed; and being the first in

the field to form a head by over a week, I naturally saved it for 'stock

seed,' and as it propagated itself perfectly, and as it was perfection

itself, I named it Early Perfection. I am not aware of another by the

name of Perfection in the market."

PICPUS EARLY HARDY.--At the New York experiment station in 1885

this proved to be a large, rather early sort. Vilmorin includes it in

his latest catalogue, but it is not in the American catalogues.

PRIZE (_Maule's Prize Earliest_).--An Erfurt variety sent out,

by Wm. H. Maule, of Philadelphia.

PURITAN, see _Early Puritan_.

RAWSON'S EXTRA EARLY SEA FOAM.--Said by Rawson in 1886 to be

the best forcing variety; dwarf, very compact, with large, firm,

well-rounded heads, pure white, and of the best quality. At the Ohio

experiment station in 1889 it appeared to be the same as Early [Extra

Early] Erfurt.

RICE'S GIANT SNOWBALL.--A late sort, which failed to head well

at the New York experiment station in 1883.

ST. BRIEUC, see _Half Early St. Brieuc_.

SMALL-LEAVED ERFURT (_Earliest Dwarf Small-Leaved Erfurt_,

_Narrow-Leaved Erfurt_).--This, according to Brill, differs from "Erfurt

Extra Dwarf Earliest" in having very narrow, pointed leaves which grow

perfectly upright, thus adapting it for close cultivation or for

forcing. It grows rapidly, which adapts it for spring cultivation; and

for a fall crop it may be sown later than any other variety--on Long

Island usually as late as July 1st.

SNOW'S WINTER WHITE.--A late variety usually classed with the

Broccolis.

SNOWBALL, see _Early Snowball_.

STADTHOLDER.--Burr, in 1866, said, "A recent variety introduced

from Holland.... In the vicinity of London, where it is largely

cultivated for the mediate between the Early Dutch and Walcheren. The

stem is a little shorter than that of other Holland cauliflowers [which

have rather tall stems], and the leaves are more undulated on the

border." The Stadtholder appears to be a good sort, but hardly equal to

Autumn Giant and some others which protect the head better, and which

have now largely displaced it in cultivation. It has never been grown to

any extent in the United States.

SURPRISE, see _Early Dwarf Surprise_.

SUTTON'S FAVORITE.--Said by Sutton & Sons, of Reading, England,

to be seven to twelve days earlier than Early London, of level and

compact habit, and good to succeed Sutton's Magnum Bonum.

SUTTON'S FIRST CROP.--Said to be the earliest to head, very

dwarf and compact, having snowy white heads, and so few leaves that it

may be planted closer than any other kind.

SUTTON'S KING.--Said by Sutton & Sons to be "the best

cauliflower for general use, coming in immediately after Sutton's

Favorite. Plant dwarf and compact, with large, firm, beautifully white

heads. Endures drouth well. Said to produce a greater weight on a given

area than other market, it is considered equal, if not superior, to the

Walcheren." Vilmorin describes it as follows: "Very near Early Dutch,

being distinguished mainly by being a few days later, being thus

inter-variety. Heads have been grown weighing 28 pounds."

SUTTON'S MAGNUM BONUM.--Sutton in 1888 says: "We introduced

this cauliflower to our customers last year as the finest and most

delicately flavored variety we have grown." Heads large, firm, snowy

white; plant medium early, of strong, dwarf, habit and broad leaves,

which "are serviceable for shading the heads."

SUTTON'S SNOWBALL.--A very early dwarf variety mentioned in the

_Garden_ in 1875.

TARANTO.--Offered as new by J. M. Thorburn, in 1891, and said

to be very large and to resemble Autumn Giant.

THORBURN'S EARLY SNOWBALL (Thorburn, 1890).--No description.

THORBURN'S GILT EDGE.--Gregory says in 1890: "This is

undoubtedly the finest strain of the Snowball variety. It is a little

later and larger than the common Snowball, and can be left longer in the

field without decaying. I considered it the best of all the dozen

varieties raised in my experimental grounds this season."

THORBURN'S NONPAREIL, see _Nonpareil_.

THORBURN'S WONDERFUL.--At the New York experiment station in

1883 this variety matured with Veitch's Autumn Giant and Walcheren, and

was larger than either of those. At the same station in 1885 a variety

called Wonderful, probably the same, was the latest of 30 sorts, being

sown March 30th, set out May 4th, and gathered Oct. 27th.

VAUGHN'S EARLIEST DWARF ERFURT.--In his catalogue for 1891,

Vaughn says that this is the highest priced and finest strain of the

Earliest Dwarf Erfurt, imported from Erfurt Germany. This strain has

been imported by him for several years. He remarks that many strains of

Dwarf Erfurt are given special names by other seedsmen.

VEITCH'S AUTUMN GIANT (_Autumn Giant_, _Giant Naples_,

_Frankfort Giant_).--No other new variety of cauliflower has attracted

so much attention as this. It was introduced into England about 1869,

since when it has become very popular there for a late crop and for

summer. It is rather too late for the ordinary fall crop in this

country, though a favorite with some growers on both the Atlantic and

Pacific coasts.

It was described by Vilmorin in 1883, as follows, under the name Giant

Naples, but is now sold by him as Autumn Giant: "Plant large and

vigorous, stem rather tall, leaves abundant, somewhat undulated, of a

deep green. The interior leaves turn in well over the head, which is

very large, solid, and white. It is a late variety of the same period as

Walcheren, but less hardy. At the north it can be employed for the

latest crop in open air culture by being sown in April or May."

In 1884 Vincent Berthault gave the following account of this variety in

the _Revue Horticole_: "This variety is still rare and little known in

France. I planted it last year for trial and obtained results which were

the admiration of all who saw them. It was from my small crop that I

took the four which I had the honor to present to the Central

Horticultural Society of France at its meeting on August 25, 1883. Some

of these cauliflowers were 35 to 38 centimeters [more than a foot] in

diameter, and weighed, including stem and leaves, 12 to 13 kilograms

[nearly 30 pounds] which is extraordinary for this time of the year,

when it is difficult to obtain cauliflowers of even ordinary size. At

one time I feared that their size was to the detriment of their quality,

but it has proved otherwise, and in all respects they are excellent, and

as good as beautiful. In fact they are perfect.

"The general characters of the Autumn Giant differ materially from those

of other varieties.

"The young seedlings become at once very tall and upright, and even

after being set out and planted as deep as the first leaves they quickly

assume their usual stellate appearance, and for about six weeks they are

simply furnished with eight or ten long narrow leaves borne on a long

stem. So up to this time the plants are not very promising, and one is

tempted to pull them up; but after this the plants rapidly change in

appearance; a dozen new leaves are quickly developed, and the plants

take on a half-upright form which recalls that of the Half Early Paris

variety. As to the head, it is more conical than flat. The leaves

sometimes attain a length of 90 centimeters [nearly three feet], by 40

centimeters broad. It is then that extra care should be given. The

waterings ought to be copious and frequent, especially at the time of

the formation of the heads, when I apply about 10 to 15 litres of water

to each head every other day. This, which certainly contributed to the

good result, is how I grew my plants. I chose good soil, which I

prepared during the winter, placing in the bottom of the furrow a good

thickness of manure, and a month before planting, or even at the time of

doing so, I spread on the surface a covering of decomposed manure, which

I incorporated with the soil by means of ordinary tillage. I visited the

plantation every day, not only to destroy the caterpillars, but to cover

the heads with leaves, which it was necessary to look after at least

every other day in order to preserve the whiteness of the heads. These

attentions are indispensable if one would secure a product of first

quality, free from insects. As to sowing the seed, it may be begun

about the 15th of September, and the plants wintered over under

hand-glasses, or in frames, to be set out in March, when heads will be

obtained in July. The plants of this sowing may also be set in hot-beds

in January and February, but this only in default of other varieties,

for they will be too tall and spreading.

"It is in February, on a bed with mild heat and under glass, that I make

my sowing to obtain plants which are to head in August and September,

and which give my best returns. A final sowing may be made at the end of

March or beginning of April; it matures its crop in October and

November.

"My opinion of the Autumn Giant is that it is destined to play an

important part in the market-gardening of the country when, probably in

the near future, there shall have been produced dwarf varieties

analogous to those which we already possess from other sorts."

VEITCH'S EARLY FORCING.--This variety "has small compact

hearts, very close and white. The habit of the plant is dwarf and

sturdy, and it is well adapted for forcing."--(_Gardening Illustrated_,

1885, p. 427). It is favorably mentioned by several writers in the

_Gardener's Chronicle_ for 1884 and 1885. In the _Garden_ for 1882

Veitch's Early is said to be two weeks earlier than Early London.

VEITCH'S PEARL, see _Pearl_.

VEITCH'S SELF-PROTECTING.--Said by the _Gardener's Chronicle_,

in 1874, to be a new variety, just tested by Mr. Veitch, much later than

Autumn Giant, hardy, and very self-protecting.

VICK'S IDEAL.--James Vick says in 1890: "We introduced the

'Ideal' to public notice in 1886, and claimed for it superiority to any

other variety in the following points: Reliability of heading, size and

solidity of heads, earliness, and protective habit of inner leaves."

Further tests by himself and others he says substantiate these claims.

The plants are said to be very dwarf, with erect outer leaves. At the

New York experiment station, in 1889, it was a few days later than the

three other varieties on trial. At the Ohio station the same year it was

considered one of the best strains of Early [Extra Early] Erfurt.

VIENNA CHILD.--Catalogued by Wolfner and Weisz, of Vienna, in

1888, at the highest price, as a fine new market-garden sort.

VIENNA EARLY DWARF, see _Early Dwarf Vienna_.

WAITE'S ALMA, see _Alma_.

WALCHEREN.--This old German variety is intermediate in

character between the true cauliflowers and the broccolis, and it has,

from the first, been frequently called Walcheren Broccoli. There seems

to have originally been two varieties, Early and Late. The earliest

appearance of the name Walcheren that I have seen is in an advertisement

of Walcheren cauliflower seed in the _Gardener's Chronicle_ for 1844.

Since that time it has remained one of the most reliable and popular

varieties with English growers.

McIntosh, in his "Book of the Garden," in 1855, said that it was hard to

get pure seed: "The true Walcheren is distinguished from all others by

its bluntly rounded and broad leaves, and the closeness and almost snowy

whiteness of its heads, even when grown to a large size." Others, before

this, state that it was sold on the Continent under the name of Early

Leyden.

Burr, in 1866, records it as synonymous with both Early Leyden, and

Legge's Walcheren broccoli or cauliflower. He describes it as resisting

both cold and drouth better than other varieties, "stem short, leaves

broad, less pointed and more undulated than those of the cauliflower

usually are."

Vilmorin described it in 1883 as synonymous with Walcheren Broccoli,

known in Holland as Late Walcheren. He said: "The latest and most hardy

of the cauliflowers, and therefore intermediate between the cauliflowers

and the broccolis, with which latter it is often classed. Stem high and

strong, leaves elongated, rather stiff and upright, abundant, and of a

slightly grayish green. The head forms very late, and is fine, large,

and very white, of fine close grain. The seed requires to be sown at

Walcheren, [an island on the coast of Holland] in April, in order to be

certain of heading before frost. If sown later it often passes the

winter and heads early in the spring."

Sibley, in 1887, sold this variety under the name of Early Walcheren,

though giving it the usual characters and season of the ordinary late

sort. Buist, in 1890, mentions it as a favorite, very hardy, late

variety. It is sold by most of our seedsmen, but is less popular in this

country than in England. Sutton, the English seedsman, describes it in

his latest catalogue as an "excellent mid-season cauliflower." It is

less liable to button in dry weather than most other varieties, but

sometimes forms imperfect heads.

WEBB'S EARLY MAMMOTH.--A variety advertised as follows by Webb

& Sons of Wordsley, Stourbridge, England, in _The Garden_, Feb. 9, 1878:

"An excellent compact variety; stands the drought remarkably well; heads

large, firm, and beautifully white. The best of all for the main crop."

WELLINGTON.--Introduced about 1860. Henderson & Co. describe it

as the finest kind in cultivation; pure white; size of head over two

feet in circumference, and as large as thirteen inches diameter; very

dwarf, the stem not more than two or three inches from the soil, but

with ample foliage; one of the hardiest varieties known, and said to

withstand well the variable climate of the United States. C. G. Anderson

& Sons of England, in 1880, claimed it to be earlier, white, and closer

than Early London.

A writer in the _New England Farmer_, in 1871, speaks of it as larger

than either Early Erfurt or Early Paris.

WONDERFUL, see _Thorburn's Wonderful_.

ORDER OF EARLINESS.

The following varieties cover the season, and are arranged in the order

of earliness, as near as can be determined. Many well known kinds are

omitted, and some little known sorts inserted, the only attempt being to

form a scale of maturity:

Early Dwarf Erfurt.

Extra Early Paris.

Early London.

Asiatic.

Early Erfurt.

Early Paris.

Lenormand Short-Stem.

Late Paris.

St. Brieuc.

Algiers.

Veitch's Autumn Giant.

Giant Naples.

Veitch's Self-Protecting.

Late Italian Giant.

Walcheren.

VARIETY TESTS.

NEW YORK EXPERIMENT STATION (_Geneva_).--In 1883 the following

twenty-two varieties were sown April 16, and eleven plants of each

variety set out May 15. One variety, however, Rice's Giant Snowball, was

sown May 13, and set out June 20. Treatment was the same as for cabbage.

--------------------------+---------+----------+---------+------------

| | | | Diameter

| First | | | of largest

VARIETY. | head in | No. of | No. of | head in

| days. | plants. | heads. | inches.

--------------------------+---------+----------+---------+------------

Algiers | 159 | 6 | 5 | 9

Algerian Late | 142 | 9 | 1 | 6

Berlin Dwarf | 124 | 8 | 2 | 5

Carter's Defiance | 124 | 7 | 6 | --

Carter's Dwarf Mammoth | 124 | 6 | 2 | 9

Earliest Dwarf Erfurt | 124 | 10 | 4 | 7

Erfurt Early Dwarf | 131 | 6 | 3 | 5

Early Dutch | 142 | 7 | 3 | 6

Early London | 129 | 6 | 4 | 9

Extra Early Paris | 142 | 3 | 2 | 9

Gerry Island | 133 | 3 | 3 | 6

Imperial | 119 | 8 | 7 | 10

Italian Giant White | 175 | 6 | 1 | 10

Large Late London | 128 | 6 | 5 | 7

Large White French | 105 | 8 | 8 | 6

Lenormand's Short-Stemm'd | 128 | 5 | 5 | 8

Rice's Giant Snowball | 152 | 7 | 1 | 4

Snowball | 128 | 5 | 4 | 6

Stadtholder | 128 | 6 | 5 | 9

Thorburn's Wonderful | 128 | 4 | 4 | 6

Veitch's Autumn Giant | 128 | 6 | 3 | 6

Walcheren | 128 | 3 | 3 | 6

--------------------------+---------+----------+---------+------------

In 1884, the following twenty varieties were grown. The seeds were sown

in a green-house March 5 and 6, and the plants set out May 2. It appears

from the table that some of the varieties called "late," formed heads

earlier than others called "early." The Lenormand Extra Large was the

earliest, forming its first head in 149 days, the Lackawanna heading a

day later. None of the heads were extra large:

------------------------------+---------+-----------+-----------

| First | |

VARIETY. | head in | Plants | Number of

| days. | survived. | heads.

------------------------------+---------+-----------+-----------

Dwarf Erfurt | 182 | 4 | 4

Early Dutch or Early London | 180 | 5 | 4

Early Dwarf Surprise | 175 | 6 | 6

Eclipse | 162 | 7 | 6

Half-Early Large White French | 190 | 9 | 6

Half-Early Paris | 197 | 8 | 7

Imperial | 160 | 8 | 8

Lackawanna | 150 | 9 | 8

Large Algiers | 189 | 6 | 3

Large Late Asiatic | 156 | 4 | 4

Large Late Stadtholder | -- | 8 | 3

Late Giant Italian | 154 | 8 | 8

Late Paris | 170 | 4 | 3

Lenormand's Extra Large | 149 | 7 | 6

Lenormand's Short-Stemmed | 161 | 8 | 6

Paris Extra Early | 154 | 6 | 6

Sea Foam | 182 | 3 | 2

Veitch's Autumn Giant | 182 | 6 | 3

Very Dwarf Alleaume | 189 | 8 | 6

Walcheren | 182 | 6 | 4

------------------------------+---------+-----------+-----------

In 1885 the following varieties were planted in the green-house March

30, and sixteen plants of each, with a few exceptions, transplanted to

the garden May 4. The plants of Algiers and Le Maitre Pied Court were

transplanted May 20, and those of the Wonderful May 21. The plants were

set in rows three and one-half feet apart, and eighteen inches apart in

the rows. Many were destroyed by various causes, and though the places

were twice reset there were many vacancies.

As will be seen, Henderson's Early Snowball (from Henderson in 1885) was

the earliest, forming the first head July 8, or ninety-seven days from

sowing the seed. The heads also were rather above the average in size.

Extra selected Dwarf Erfurt was the second in earliness and every plant

headed.

A notable fact brought out by this table is the effect of the early

planting on the late and half-early varieties. It might be supposed, as

these varieties require a long season, that this early planting would

give the best results, enabling them to attain their full development.

But it appears that it caused many of the plants to head prematurely

when small, while it greatly prolonged the season of the variety.

---------------------------------+----------+---------+--------+----------

| | | | Average

VARIETY. | First | No. of | No. of | diameter

| head. | plants. | heads. | of head.

---------------------------------+----------+---------+--------+----------

Algiers | Aug. 14 | 22 | 19 | 7-1/2

Alleaume | Sept. 24 | 5 | 4 | 7

Autumn Giant | " 24 | 17 | 17 | 7

D'Alger | " 15 | 14 | 12 | 7-1/2

Demi dur de St. Brieuc | " 15 | 11 | 11 | 7

Early Dutch (dur d' Holland) | Aug. 25 | 12 | 8 | 5

Early Dwarf Erfurt (Thorburn) | July 13 | 11 | 11 | 5-1/2

Early Dwarf Erfurt (Vilmorin) | " 13 | 5 | 4 | 5-1/2

Early London | Aug. 25 | 16 | 12 | 7-1/2

Early Paris | July 25 | 11 | 6 | 5-1/2

Early Picpus | Aug. 5 | 12 | 10 | 8

Early Snowball | July 31 | 17 | 15 | 7

Extra E. Dw'f Erfurt (Hend'son) | Sept. 27 | 18 | 8 | 6

Extra E'ly Dw'f Erfurt (Thorb'n) | July 13 | 12 | 11 | 5-1/2

Extra Earliest Paris (Vilmorin) | Aug. 10 | 7 | 6 | 7-1/2

Extra Early Paris | July 25 | 13 | 6 | 6-1/2

Extra Selected E'ly Dwarf Erfurt | " 21 | 13 | 13 | 5

Half Early Dwarf French | " 25 | 12 | 7 | 7-1/2

Half Early Paris (Thorburn) | Aug. 24 | 12 | 11 | 6-1/2

Half Early Paris (Vilmorin) | Sept. 15 | 11 | 11 | 7

Henderson's Early Snowball | July 8 | 12 | 9 | 7-1/2

Imperial | Aug. 10 | 10 | 8 | 6-1/2

Landreth's First | July 13 | 6 | 5 | 5-1/2

Large Early London | Oct. 27 | 14 | 4 | 6

Large Late Asiatic | Aug. 25 | 11 | 7 | 8

Late Giant Naples | Oct. 17 | 5 | 3 | 4

Late Paris | Aug. 12 | 10 | 7 | 7-1/2

Late Stadtholder | Oct. 7 | 11 | 6 | 5-1/2

Le Maitre Pied Court | Aug. 14 | 15 | 13 | 7

Lenormand | Sept. 15 | 12 | 10 | 6-1/2

Len'm'd Short-stem'd (Hend'son) | Aug. 14 | 20 | 11 | 6

Len'm'd Short-stem'd (Vilmorin) | July 25 | 12 | 7 | 7

Purple Cape (Noir de Sicilie) | Aug. 10 | 12 | 8 | 6-1/2

Thorburn's Nonpareil | " 14 | 7 | 6 | 8-1/2

Veitch's Autumn Giant | Sept. 24 | 13 | 11 | 7-1/2

Walcheren (Henderson) | " 1 | 4 | 4 | 7-1/2

Walcheren (Vilmorin) | Aug. 5 | 6 | 6 | 7

Wonderful | Oct. 27 | 7 | 6 | 6

---------------------------------+----------+---------+--------+---------

The following early varieties were tested in 1888. The seeds were all

sown May 10, and the plants set out June 23, two by three and one-half

feet. All the varieties headed well, except one called "Early," from the

English Specialty and Novelty Seed Co., which formed no heads.

-----------------------+--------------+---------+--------+-----------

| Seeds | No. of | No. of | Fit for

VARIETY. | from. | plants. | heads. | table use.

-----------------------+--------------+---------+--------+-----------

Dreer's E'st Snowstorm | Dreer. | 11 | 8 | Sept. 24

Earliest Dwarf Erfurt | Vaughn. | 9 | 5 | " 6

Extra E. Dwarf Erfurt | Tillinghast. | 9 | 4 | " 29

Gilt-edge Snowball | Thorburn. | 12 | 10 | Aug. 25

Henderson's E. Snowb'l | Henderson. | 12 | 8 | Sept. 6

Long Island Beauty | Tillinghast. | 11 | 8 | " 14

Long Island Beauty | Bragg. | 12 | 11 | Aug. 25

New Early Padilla | Tillinghast. | 11 | 8 | " 29

-----------------------+--------------+---------+--------+-----------

At the same station, in 1889, the following varieties were tested. The

seed was sown in frames April 23, and the plants set out June 22. The

Early Erfurt and Early Snowball were from seed grown by H. A. March, of

Fidalgo, Washington.

--------------+--------+--------+---------+--------+---------

--------------+--------+--------+---------+--------+---------

Early Puritan | Ferry. | 20 | Aug. 21 | 13 | 5-1/2

Early Erfurt | March. | 20 | " 22 | 19 | 8-1/2

Snowball. | March. | 20 | " 24 | 20 | 7-1/2

Vick's Ideal | Vick. | 20 | " 30 | 20 | 7

--------------+--------+--------+---------+--------+---------

The season of 1889 was uncommonly favorable for the cauliflower, and it

will be seen from the above table that these varieties headed with

greater uniformity and from two to four weeks earlier than the same or

similar varieties the preceding year.

COLORADO EXPERIMENT STATION (_Fort Collins_).--The following

report, slightly condensed, from the report of the Colorado experiment

station for 1888, will be useful for comparison: "Seed of sixteen

varieties of cauliflower was sown April 12 in hot-bed and transplanted

to the open ground May 7. They were irrigated at planting time, and on

May 14 and 28, June 11, July 5 and 20, August 3 and 15 and on September

5. The area in crop was one-third of an acre and the stand nearly

perfect. The plants were hoed twice and cultivated six times. The soil,

a clay loam, was lacking in fertility for the best culture of the

cabbage and the cauliflower. Of the varieties grown, Henderson's

Snowball was the best, with the latter's Erfurt a good second. These two

types, when well selected, are the only ones that can be relied upon to

give profitable results in Colorado."

It will be noticed in the table that Early Paris and Early London, two

varieties which have long been popular at the East, entirely failed to

head.

--------------------+----------+---------+---------------------------------

VARIETY. |Seed from |Mature | REMARKS.

--------------------+----------+---------+---------------------------------

Early Snowball. |Henderson.|July 20. |Heads compact, very white, leaves

| | | smaller, very uniform.

Extra E. Erfurt. |Henderson.|Aug. 6. |Heads fairly solid and white,

| | | leaves large.

Extra Early Paris. |Landreth. |Aug. 24. |Heads solid and white, leaves

| | | very large.

Early Paris. |Ferry. | |No heads formed.

Early Snowball. |Landreth. |Aug. 6. |Heads compact, very white, plant

| | | dwarf, small leaves.

Gerry Island. |Gregory. | |No heads formed.

Select Dwarf Erfurt |Landreth. |July 24.|Heads large and compact, very

| | | white and uniform.

Burpee's Earliest. |Burpee. |July 30.|Heads compact and white, leaves

| | | large.

Lenormand. |Landreth. |Sept. 20.|Heads solid and white, plant

| | | vigorous and dwarf.

Long Isl'd Beauty. |Low. |Aug. 24.|Heads loose, yellowish white,

| | | inferior stock.

Algiers. |Landreth. |Oct. 10.|Heads solid and large, plant

| | | vigorous, leaves very large.

Walcheren. |Landreth. | |No heads formed.

Large L. Dutch. |Landreth. |Oct. 10.|Heads fairly compact, plant

| | | vigorous & large.

Late London. |Ferry. | |No heads formed.

Landreth's First. |Landreth. |Aug. 24.|Heads solid, very white, of

| | | superior quality.

Vick's Ideal. |Low. |Aug. 6.|Heads solid, yellowish white,

| | | leaves large.

--------------------+----------+---------+---------------------------------

MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION (_Lansing_).--The Michigan

experiment station is connected with the Agricultural College, located

at Lansing, at the geographical centre of the Lower Peninsula. It is,

therefore, remote from any large body of water, and although the soil in

that portion of the state is mainly a strong loam suitable for

cauliflower, it is only in favorable seasons that good cauliflowers can

be obtained.

In the exceptionally favorable season of 1889, some of the sorts then

prominently before the public, were grown at the college, all of which

gave very good results, with the exception of Autumn Giant, which failed

to germinate. The American grown seeds, from H. A. March, of Fidalgo,

Washington, were large and plump and gave strong vigorous plants, and as

good or better results than is usually obtained from imported seed. The

following varieties were sown March 13, and set out May 14. It was

difficult to detect any difference between Puritan, Gilt Edge, Denmark,

Prize Earliest, Best Early, Snowball, and Erfurt, as they showed less

variation than appeared between the same sorts from different seedsmen.

The title "edible maturity" in the table refers to the period at which

the heads might be cut for one's own use, that is when they had attained

the size of one's two fists. "Marketable maturity" is when they had

completed their growth and would remain solid no longer.

---------------------+---------+---------------+--------+----------+--------

---------------------+---------+---------------+--------+----------+--------

Burpee's Best Early |Burpee. |Small; even. | Aug. 5| Aug. 10 | 100

Erfurt Earliest Dwarf|March. |Small; even. | Aug. 10| Aug. 27 | 92

Early Snowball |Henderson|Very weak; | Aug. 5| Aug. 10 | 100

Early Puritan |Ferry. |Small; even. | Aug. 7| Aug. 13 | 92

---------------------+---------+---------------+--------+----------+--------

THE BEST VARIETIES.

The points to consider in selecting varieties are first, earliness or

time of maturity; second, the certainty of their forming good heads. The

importance of having well grown seed has already been mentioned. This

being secured, the choice of varieties is largely a matter of

circumstances. A variety which is good for one climate, or for one

purpose, may not be good for another. For the early crop, an account of

which has already been given, the earliest variety obtainable should be

used, as our springs at the North are short enough at best. The Earliest

Dwarf Erfurt strains include nearly all the earliest varieties now

grown, and, for this country, at least, are the best. The typical

variety is usually sold under the name Extra Early Dwarf Erfurt, and if

properly selected seed is secured, this is nearly or quite as early as

any of the strains which have received special names. Among the best of

these latter are Henderson's Snowball, Thorburn's Gilt Edge, and Vick's

Ideal, the latter a little the largest and latest. For growing under

glass the first two of these varieties are as good as any. The earliest

varieties are now often grown also for the fall crop, particularly at

the North, by being sown late. Their greater certainty to head on time,

and the increased number that can be grown on an acre, renders them

especially valuable.

A variety which in the past has given the most general satisfaction for

the fall crop is Early Paris. Of the later maturing varieties, Veitch's

Autumn Giant and Lenormand Short-stem, have been, and are still,

popular, especially at the South. At present probably more than

three-fourths of the cauliflowers grown in this country are of the new

varieties of the Dwarf Erfurt group. For the North, especially, these

are now the most reliable and are increasing in popularity.