scourge on some soils, while plants from the same seed-bed remain healthy when transferred to different land, is deeply interesting, and the subject is discussed later on in the chapter on ‘The Fungus Pests of certain Garden Plants.’  Here it is sufficient to say that the presence of the disease is generally an indication that the soil is deficient in lime.  A dressing at the rate of from 14 to 28 or even 56 pounds per square pole may be necessary to restore healthy conditions.  The outlay will not be wasted, for lime is not merely a preventive, it has often an almost magical influence on the fertility of land.

For general purposes Cabbages may be classified as early and late.  The early kinds are extremely valuable for their earliness, but only a sufficient quantity should be grown, because, as compared with mid-season and late sorts, they are less profitable.  In the scheme of cropping it may be reckoned that a paying crop of Cabbage will occupy the ground through a whole year; for although this may not be an exact statement, the growing time will be pretty well gone before the ground is clear.  After Cabbage, none of the Brassica tribe should be put on the land, and, if possible, the crop to follow should be one requiring less of sulphur and alkalies, for of these the Cabbage is a great consumer, hence the need for abundant manuring in preparation for it.  The presence of sulphur explains the offensiveness of the exhalations from Cabbage when in a state of decay.

==Spring-sown Cabbage for Summer and Autumn use==.—­To insure the best succession of Cabbage it will be necessary to recognise four distinct sowings, any of which, save the autumnal sowing, may be omitted.  Begin with a sowing of the earliest kinds in the month of February.  For this, pans or boxes must be used, and the seed should be started in a pit or frame, or in a cool greenhouse.  When forward enough, prick out in a bed of light rich soil in a cold frame, and give plenty of air.  Before the seedlings become crowded harden them off and plant out, taking care to lift them tenderly with earth attached to their roots to minimise the check.  These will heart quickly and be valued as summer Cabbages.  The second sowing is to be made in the last week of March, and to consist of early kinds, including a few of the best type of Coleworts.  As these advance to a planting size, they may be put out a few at a time as plots become vacant, and they will be useful in various ways from July to November or later.  A third sowing may be made in the first or second week of May of small sorts and Coleworts; and these again may be planted out as opportunities occur, both in vacant plots for hearting late in the year, and as stolen crops in odd places to draw while young.  The second and third sowings need not be pricked out from the seed-bed, but may be taken direct therefrom to the places where they are to finish their course.