REPORT ON TURNIPS FOR SEED. 103 



To replant full-grown bulbs in autumn, or store them and plant 

 in early spring, would not pay the labour by any extra amount 

 of seed that might be obtained ; and when left in the ground all 

 winter, they are much more liable to be destroyed by the frost, 

 &c, than the smaller and hardier bulbs. By the plan recom- 

 mended, the bulbs will be about half the usual size of full-grown 

 turnips, although there is another system practised by some of 

 sowing them broadcast, when neither plough nor harrow can get 

 through them for cleaning, and only thumb bulbs are obtained. 

 This is such an untidy method that it is scarcely worth noticing ; 

 but in the case of swedes, I have sown in drills about one foot 

 apart, and thinned out and transplanted like cabbage plants. 

 This latter plan may do in a case of emergency, and a fair yield 

 may be got in a favourable season, but it is not safe to continue 

 the stock from such. Even with the plan above recommended 

 for half-grown bulbs, the stock ought to be renewed from full- 

 grown roots every third year. I do not mean to infer that they 

 will not continue genuine for a longer period, but it is much 

 safer to renew them at that interval. 



We have now to wait for the flowering season, during which 

 they ought to be gone over carefully, and all those differing in 

 colour of bloom from the main stock pulled out. These are 

 easily distinguished — the whiter or paler in colour the. flesh of the 

 turnip, the brighter the yellow of the blossom, and vice versa. 

 This inspection ought to be gone about very carefully, as the 

 purity of the stock depends in a great measure upon its being 

 clone thoroughly. But, indeed, however particular one may be 

 in selecting their stock, some rogues are almost sure to escape de- 

 tection, and the blooming season is the only opportunity for get- 

 ting quit of such. 



Nothing further is necessary until harvesting, which in average 

 seasons will be about the end of July or beginning of August. Let 

 the seed be well matured. Before cutting, examine the top pods, 

 the seeds of which should be black, and the side shoots or late- 

 rals of a brown colour. It is quite safe to cut them, for if left to 

 be dead ripe, or nearly so, the pods are very brittle, and much loss 

 may follow. If the quantity is small, such as for stock or own 

 use, cut, bind, and stook as with grain ; but if by the acre or 

 in quantity, cut and lay down in swathes, which may be easily 

 turned. When properly dried, and all the seed perfectly black, 

 and the pods quite free and crisp, choose a nice airy day, when 

 it may be carted to the barn in close carts, and thrashed out at 

 once. I do not approve of stacking. There is always a loss in 

 handling much about it, so that it is much better to have the 

 seed thrashed out immediately on being brought in-doors. If 

 at all convenient, so soon as thrashed and cleaned, let it be spread 

 out in the loft to dry thoroughly, and do not leave it lying in a 



