Varieties of Roots. 155 



The tankard shape is one having its sides more or less parallel for a 

 length of 1.5 to 2.5 times its thickness whence it tapers abruptly to the 

 tap roots. Frequently, in specimens of this shape, a large proportion of 

 the root is above ground, and the part underground tapers toward the 

 root. 



The term round or globe (Fig. 39) is applied to all roots which are 

 nearly spherical. As a rule they tend to grow deep in the soil and are 

 well suited to deeper soils than the tankard or flat types. They are also 

 better protected from frost, and where early fall frosts occur this is an 

 important consideration. 



In the flat-shaped roots the width is greater than the length from 

 the " top " to the " tail." This necessarily results in the exposure of a 

 large proportion of the surface of the root to the air. 



Shape for the upper part of the root: 



Roots are sometimes spoken of as " flat-topped," or " round-topped," 

 according to the shape of the upper part of the root and the character of 

 the shoulders. It is desirable that the crown of the root be convex, as 

 when concave it furnishes a lodgement for water, which is liable to 

 encourage decay. 



Color of the upper part of the root: 



Roots are spoken of as white, yellow, green, bronze, purple or red- 

 tops and greystones, according to the color of the upper part of the root, 

 i. e., the part exposed to the light, and above ground. The term " grey- 

 stones " is applied to roots having the upper part mottled with transverse 

 green and purple streaks. 



Color of the iiesh of turnips: 



The flesh is generally either white or yellow. White-fleshed varie- 

 ties are generally regarded as of lower feeding value, softer and more 

 liable to be injured by frost than the yellow-fleshed varieties. They usu- 

 ally make rapid growth and are useful for feeding in autumn. There are, 

 however, white-fleshed rutabagas. The yellow-fleshed varieties of com- 

 mon turnips are held to be more robust, less liable to injury by frost, of 

 slower growth, and usually of superior feeding and keeping qualities than 

 the white-fleshed. Most of the hybrid turnips which have been introduced 

 on account of their superior merit have yellow flesh. 



The neck: 



The neck in the case of rutabagas may be long, medium or short. 

 Figs. 46-49. Since it is always cut oflF and wasted, it should be kept as 



