Sorts of White Cabbage. These are extremely numerous, and selections or improved forms are of annual appearance. Some of the old types are, however, still much cultivated. The following are a selection of the best sorts for general purposes: Atkins' Matchless, Carter's Heartwell, Early Battersea, Early York (see Fig. 306), Ellam's Early Dwarf, Enfield Market, Little Pixie, Oxheart (see Fig. 307), St. John's Day (see Fig. 308), Sugarloaf, Wheeler's Imperial, and Portugal or Couve Tronchuda. The last-named variety was introduced from Portugal some years ago, where it is much grown. It has a large midrib, and does not form very close hearts. It is very tender when cooked, and is only suitable for culture in summer. Under the name of Gilbert's Cabbage Broccoli, or Chou de Burghley, a variety of Cabbage was recently distributed which produces, if left long enough, hearts resembling Broccoli. Although there are different opinions as to its merits, it is said to be very tender when cooked, and is considered a decided acquisition.
Of Savoys, the best are: Drumhead, Dwarf Green Curled, Early Ulm, Large Late Green, and Tom Thumb.
FIG. 308. ST. JOHN'S DAY CABBAGE.
Insects, &c. The majority of the Cabbage tribe is attacked by a very large number of different caterpillars and other pests, both above and below ground. The plants in their young stages are always a prey for snails and slugs, and often require a dusting of soot and lime as a protection. When planting out, many of the plants are often found with a protuberance at the root, caused by an insect, and termed "clubbing." Those so injured should be thrown away if they can possibly be spared, and the others dipped in a thick solution of soot water. This is the worst kind of disease the Cabbage tribe is subject to. The caterpillars of several moths and butterflies are very destructive in summer, often eating through the hearts of Cabbages and Cauliflowers, and so rendering them totally unfit for use. Hand-picking, or dusting with lime, is apparently the only means of diminishing the numbers of these pests.
CABBAGE CATERPILLARS. Large Cabbage White (Pieris brassicæ). From May to July, and again in September and October, this, the most common of our butterflies, may be seen in great numbers, frequenting gardens, lanes, and fields, being especially numerous where Cabbages are growing. Their beautiful yellow eggs are laid singly on the under surface of the leaves, and securely fastened by a natural glue; from these, in due time, issue the small, but destructive, "green caterpillars." Shortly after birth, they become quite green in front and yellow behind. They then get hairy and dotted over with black; they have eight pairs of feet, of which the three front ones only are "true" legs, or those which ultimately develop into the legs of the butterfly. They change their skin several times, and at each moult become larger in size. When full grown, they are about 1½in. long, of a light green or bluish hue above, and yellow beneath; along the back of the adult caterpillar is a conspicuous yellow line, edged on each side with black dots.
FIG. 309. CATERPILLAR AND CHRYSALIS OF LARGE CABBAGE BUTTERFLY.
The chrysalis, or pupa, is commonly found on window-ledges, palings, walls, and similar places; but is sometimes attached to the plant (see Fig. 309). It is a rather curious object, of the colour of stone, and prettily chiselled. It is fastened to the plant by the tail and by a belt of silk round the middle.
