Endive
(Cichorium Endivia). A hardy annual, which has been cultivated in this country since the early part of the sixteenth century, for the use of its leaves as a ? before the flower stems appear. It is hardier than the majority of Lettuces, and is in season more in the autumn and winter; its cultivation in early summer is not generally followed by good results, as the plants run so quickly to seed. Endive receives greater attention, and is cultivated more largely, on the Continent especially in France, than in this country. It forms an important addition to salads; and, as it comes in use when few other salading vegetables are to be obtained, the cultivation should receive every attention, with a view to supplying well-blanched heads for use over as long a period in winter as possible. It is somewhat strange that many amateurs and cottagers, who consider their garden crops incomplete without a succession of Lettuces, should omit altogether the cultivation of Endive when the latter is just as easily grown, and may be sown or planted on land from which a previous crop has been taken. The means of blanching, and also of protecting, might be accomplished in various ways by those who took sufficient interest in doing it, and the result would be an excellent supply of salad in many places where now the existence of the means of such supply is unknown. Cultivation. Endive is seldom forced, and is unsuited for early summer cultivation. If, however, it is required, seed may be sown in a frame or a warm border, in April, and successional sowings made each time the previous one is well up. A first, of the Curled-leaved early sort, should, in all cases, be made not later than the beginning or middle of July; another, of the Broad-leaved varieties, early in August; and a third in the middle or at the latter end of that month. In many gardens, Endive runs prematurely to seed when sown earlier than the dates mentioned; while in others, in cold districts, it would be advisable to precede them in each case, in order to have the plants fully grown before winter. The Curled varieties, being close-growing, more tender, and blanching quicker than those with broad leaves, should be selected for the first supply. The seed may be sown either thinly in beds, and transplanted when large enough; or in the open ground where the plants are intended to remain. A border with a south or a west aspect is best; and if a previous early crop, such as Potatoes or Peas, has been removed from the soil, it will generally be in good condition by merely levelling down. Drills, 1ft. or 1 1/4ft. apart, may be drawn, and the seed inserted thinly, and covered with a rake. The young plants, when large enough to handle, should be thinned out to about 1ft. apart, and any blank spaces filled up. This system suits the early and main crops admirably; but those grown late for lifting are best transplanted when young, as this operation causes the production of more roots. A quick growth of the leaves should be encouraged by watering if the weather is dry, as this will also tend to prevent seeding. As soon as they are nearly full grown, blanching may be commenced, and this will be found practicable in many and various ways. Tying-up is sometimes sufficient; but, generally, inverted flower-pots, with the hole in the bottom stopped up; boards, placed at right angles over the rows, and covered with mats; frames with the glass darkened, or any other similar means, may be adopted with equally good results. The plants should, in no case, be covered except when quite dry. The blanching process takes from ten days to a fortnight, and, as Endive does not keep good for any length of time in this condition, a small quantity should be covered at frequent intervals. It is of little use unless thoroughly blanched. About the end of October, all full-sized plants should be lifted and stored close together in a frost-proof place, choosing a dry day for the operation. Any spare frames or pits may be utilised for the purpose; sheds will also be suitable for those intended to be used first, if the latter are covered and protected from frost. Where sufficient plant are grown, and means are at command for their preservation in winter, the season for Endive may be prolonged until the appearance of early Lettuces, in spring.
Seed-saving. Only such plants as are true to the character of the variety should be kept for this purpose. Seed is best obtained from selected plants, which should be protected in winter by some means, and allowed to grow the following season. The flower-heads should be tied to stakes, and the seed gathered, dried, and stored, as it ripens. It will keep good for several years, and is preferred by some when rather old, as the plants are considered not liable to seed again so quickly as if it were newly-gathered. Sorts. These may be separated into two classes: one, having narrow and much divided leaves, is called Curled Endives the other, with larger leaves, not curled, being termed Broad-leaved Endives. Subjoined is a selection from the best in both classes.
BROAD-LEAVED BATAVIAN, a vigorous-growing variety, much cultivated, requires, tying up; FRENCH SMALL GREEN CURLED, small, early, and very dwarf, blanches quickly; ITALIAN GREEN CURLED, dark green, narrow and much divided; LARGE GREEN CURLED, hardy, ties up well; MOSS CURLED, small, finely cut; PICPUS CURLED, a compact, close-hearted variety; SMALL BATAVIAN, broad leaves, the inner ones naturally forming a heart; STAG'S HORN, curled variety, hardy, much grown in France; WHITE BATAVIAN, broad-leaved, an excellent variety for blanching.
ENGINES, GARDEN. These are of two descriptions, several forms of both being in use in gardens. One is termed a Hand Engine, from its being small and carried by the hand; the other is the Barrow Engine, so-called from being constructed on two wheels, and having a handle fixed to either side. Beyond throwing a continuous stream from the jet when in use, many of the former kind are not superior to a good syringe. A Barrow Engine is most useful for syringing trees or plants that require a force of water. Peach and other fruit-trees, either in houses or on walls outside, may be syringed frequently in the season of growth, excepting when in flower, and kept clean much more effectually by this than by any other method. This kind of Engine is also most useful for washing the glass inside of fruit and plant houses, at any time. The Barrow Engine is composed of an oval-shaped cistern, made preferably of wood, but sometimes of galvanised iron. It is invariably broader each way at the bottom than at the top. The lid is generally perforated, and either movable or fixed in two parts on hinges to the cross bridge that holds all the other parts in position. The working arrangements inside are very similar in principle to that of a force-pump, and consist of two upright cylinders, one containing a piston and rod, and the other connected to this at the base for conducting the water, by means of a nozzle that turns round as desired, to any place within the reach of the force applied. The cylinder, with the piston inside, is connected with the water in the cistern, and has a valve at its base. On raising the piston by the handle attached to the rod at the top, the water passes into the cylinder, and the valve closes. By the next downward pressure, the water opens another valve and passes into the adjoining cylinder; and, as the latter valve will not allow it to return, and the outlet is frequently only a small hole, the water has to pass through in proportion to the size and the force applied. Many who have to use a Garden Engine almost daily in summer, have an insufficient knowledge of its construction and mode of working, and the result is that the leverage of the handle connected with the piston rod, and the great pressure of water consequently obtained, is unduly exercised, and the valves, or something else, soon become either out of order or broken. A perforated grating or rose should be placed at the base of the cylinder opening to receive the water, in order to prevent anything getting inside. Should an obstruction be caused, the use of the pump must be discontinued until the evil has been removed. These detailed remarks on the construction of the Garden Engine are given with a view to its being more generally understood and more carefully used.