One of the largest of the Cabbage family, produced from the Mason, or Stone-mason, by Mr. Alley, and introduced by Mr. J. J. H. Gregory, of Marblehead, Mass.
Heads not uniform in shape,—some being nearly flat, while others are almost hemispherical; size very large, varying from fifteen to twenty inches in diameter,—although specimens have been grown of the extraordinary dimensions of twenty-four inches. In good soil, and with proper culture, the variety is represented as attaining an average weight of thirty pounds. Quality tender and sweet.
Cultivate in rows four feet apart, and allow four feet between the plants in the rows. For early use, start in a hot-bed; for winter, sow in the open ground from the first to the middle of May. Sixty tons of this variety have been raised from a single acre.
Mason. J. J. H. Gregory.
The Mason Cabbage, in shape, is nearly hemispherical; the head standing well out from among the leaves, growing on a small and short stalk. Under good cultivation, the heads will average about nine inches in diameter and seven inches in depth. It is characterized for its sweetness, and for its reliability for forming a solid head. It is also an excellent variety for cultivation in extreme Northern latitudes, where, from the shortness of the season, or in those sections of the South, where, from excessive heat, plants rarely cabbage well. Under good cultivation, nearly every plant will set a marketable head.
Originated by Mr. John Mason, of Marblehead, Mass.
Pomeranian.
This variety is of comparatively recent introduction. The head, which is of medium size, has the form of an elongated cone, and is very regular and symmetrical. It is quite solid, of a pale or yellowish green color, tender and well flavored, and remarkable for the peculiar manner in which the leaves are collected, and twisted to a point, at its top. The loose, exterior leaves are numerous, large, and broad; stalk rather high.
It is not early, but rather an intermediate variety, and excellent either as an autumnal or winter cabbage. As it heads promptly and almost invariably, and, besides, is of remarkable solidity, it makes a profitable market cabbage; keeping well, and bearing transportation with very little injury.
Premium Flat Dutch.