the growing of Broccoli in this country arise
mainly from the extreme heat and dryness of the summer and the intense
cold of the winter. Whatever will tend to counteract these will promote
the growth of the plants, and tend to secure the development of large
and well-formed heads.

"When the heads of White Broccoli are exposed to light, and especially
to the direct influence of the sun, the color is soon changed to a dingy
or yellowish hue. It is, therefore, necessary to guard against this as
much as possible by frequently examining the plants; and, when any
heads are not naturally screened, one or two of the adjoining
side-leaves should be bent over the flower-head to shade it from the
light, and likewise to protect it from the rain. Some kinds are almost
self-protecting; whilst the leaves of others spread, and consequently
require more care in shading."--_Thomp._

_Taking the Crop._--"Broccoli should not be allowed to remain till the
compactness of the head is broken, but should always be cut while the
'curd,' as the flowering mass is termed, is entire, or before bristly,
leafy points make their appearance through it. In trimming the head, a
portion of the stalk is left, and a few of the leaves immediately
surrounding the head; the extremities being cut off a little below the
top of the latter."--_Thomp._

_Preservation._--"They are sometimes preserved during winter as follows:
Immediately previous to the setting-in of hard frost in autumn, take up
the plants on a dry day, with the roots entire, and turn their tops
downwards for a few hours, to drain off any water that may be lodged
between the leaves. Then make choice of a ridge of dry earth, in a
well-sheltered, warm exposure, and plant them down to their heads
therein, close to one another; having previously taken off a few of the
lower, loose leaves. Immediately erect over them a low, temporary shed,
of any kind that will keep them perfectly free from wet, and which can
be opened to admit the air in mild, dry weather. In very severe freezing
seasons, an extra covering of straw, or other description of dry litter,
should be applied over and around the shed; but this should be removed
on the recurrence of moderate weather."

They will keep well in a light, dry cellar, if set in earth as far as
the lower leaves.

_Seeds._--The seeds of Broccoli are not distinguishable from those of
the Cauliflower. They, however, rarely ripen well in this country, and
seedsmen