This is a new variety, and very much resembles the Dwarf Green Curled in the nature, color, and general appearance of the leaves: the heart-leaves, however, fold over each other, somewhat like those of a cabbage, but, on account of the curls of the margin, not so compactly. The quality is excellent.
Cock's-Comb Kale.
Curled Proliferous Kale. Chou frisé prolifère. Vil.
Stalk about twenty inches high. The leaves differ to a considerable extent in size, and are of a glaucous-green color. From the upper surface of the ribs and nerves, and also from other portions of the leaves, are developed numerous small tufts, or fascicles of leaves, which, in turn, give rise to other smaller but similar groups. The foliage thus exhibits a cock's-comb form: whence the name.
The variety is hardy, but more curious than useful.
Cow-Cabbage.
Tree-cabbage. Thomp. Cesarean Borecole. Cesarean Cabbage. Chou Cavalier.
This variety generally grows to the height of about six feet; although in some places it is reported as attaining a height of twelve feet, and even upwards. The leaves are large,—measuring from two and a half to nearly three feet in length,—smooth, or but slightly curled.
It is generally grown for stock; but the young sprouts are tender and mild-flavored when cooked. Its value for agricultural purposes appears to have been greatly overrated; for, when tried in this country against other varieties of cabbages, the produce was not extraordinary.
The plants should be set three feet or three feet and a half apart.