138 



Bulletin 244. 



a little bunch every six, eight or ten inches as required. After this 

 they should be singled to one plant every six to ten inches, depending 

 on the variety; the globes and tankards require rather greater width in 

 the row than the long varieties. It is important that but one plant be 

 left in a place, otherwise small, distorted roots will result. It is equally 

 important that the thinning be done while the plants have but three or 

 four leaves and before they become " drawn." If they are checked in 

 any way at this time, the injury is permanent. 



Cultivation of mangels: 



As soon as the rows are discernible, shallow cultivation should be 

 given. The cultivator should have shields to prevent soil being thrown 

 on the young plants, and yet permit tillage close to them. If the stand is 

 good the weeder may be run across the rows to destroy small weeds and 

 aid in thinning. As soon as the plants are thinned, or before, if they ap- 

 pear stunted, they should receive an application of 50 pounds of nitrate 

 of soda per acre, which may be mixed with 50 pounds of acid phosphate, 

 or salt or sand to give it bulk and aid in distribution. This should be 



applied when the leaves are 

 dry, since if it comes in contact 

 with wet leaves it will injure 

 them ; and it should be applied 

 close to the plants and har- 

 rowed in. At this stage the 

 plants grow slowly and no 

 pains should be spared to 

 push them on with tillage and 

 fertilizers and get them ahead 

 of the weeds. A second or 

 third application of nitrate 

 of soda at intervals of ten 

 to fourteen days is generally 

 profitable. When thorough prep- 

 aration has been given, shallow 

 cultivation to keep the weeds in 

 check is deemed advisable. The 

 cultivator should go through the 

 rows about every ten days to 

 maintain a mulch, until the tops 

 meet in the rows, which will pro- 



FiG. p.— Kangaroo ridahaga A fair j j^j^ further intertillage. It has 

 ytelder. Flesh of good texture. Ke- ° 



quires early sowing. Six-inch squares. been suggested to run the shovel- 



