Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/445

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C.

Rh CABBAGE, or Brassica, L. a genus of plants comprising sixteen species, of which the following are the principal:

1. The orientalis, or perfoliate cabbage. This species is indigenous, grows in corn-fields, and cliffs on the sea-coast near Harwich, and Bardsey near Orford, Suffolk; but it is not cultivated.

2. The campestris, or field-cabbage, which is also a native, and grows on the sea-shore near Dover. The severest winters do not injure this plant, which becomes peculiarly useful when every other species is destroyed. It is more generally known under the name of cauliflower, and its culture has been much improved in Britain, where it has become a source of national wealth; the greater part of Europe being supplied thence with seeds, and, till lately, Holland almost wholly with plants.

3. The Napus, or, or coleseed cabbage, which is indigenous, and also reared in various parts of England, especially in the Isle of Ely, for its seed, Irom which rape-oil is extracted; the refuse is called oil-cake, and is useful for the fattening of oxen, and other cattle. The most piercing frost affects not this hardy plant, which, in severe winters, is of no small service in feeding ewes; when, from the intenseness of the cold, the ground is so frozen that no turnips can be taken up. In the county of Norfolk, the cakes are broken to pieces and strewed on the land as manure, for which purpose it is considered particularly efficacious. The cultivated variety, though it has a stronger taste, may be eaten like the turnip.

4. The rapa, or turnip-cabbage. This is a native of Britain, and grows principally in corn-fields: it is eaten either boiled, roasted, or raw, generally with the addition of pepper. The importance and value of this species, for the fattening of cattle in particular, have not been generally known or ascertained till within these few years. The soil intended for planting, ought to be manured and tilled in the same manner as for the common turnip, the necessary extent of old pasture-ground being previously breast-ploughed and burnt. The land should be dug as shallow as possible, and the ashes turned in: about Midsummer, or sooner, should the weather be favourable, the planting ought to be commenced; two perches, if well stocked with plants, being sufficient to supply an acre.

Independently of the utility of this plant, as a fodder for cattle during the winter season, it has been much recommended as a sea-store, from the facility with which it may be preserved on ship-board; and as it furnishes an agreeable and wholesome food for sailors on long voyages, at a time when every other fresh vegetable is entirely spoiled.

5. The Oleracea, or sea-colewort, sea-cabbage, or common cabbage, is also indigenous, and grows principally on cliffs near the sea-coast. Early