as it is practised in Guernsey. 407 



remarkably in Sky. The result is consequently a gravelly loam. 

 It is remarked by Mr. Young, that the parsnip requires a rich 

 putrid dry sandy loam ; and he discourages its cultivation where 

 the soil is not of this desirable quality. This is assuredly not the 

 character of the soil of Guernsey, where the cultivation is suc- 

 cessfully carried on, even in situations where the land is stiff, cold, 

 and wet. An open and loose soil is obviously necessary, to al- 

 low of the growth and descent of the long-rooted vaiiety; but 

 it will be observed by and by, that two varieties are in use, of 

 which the one is much shorter than the other ; and consequently 

 better adapted to soils of no great depth. 



These two principal varieties, cultivated in Guernsey, are 

 known by the name of the Cocjuaine and the Lishonaise. 



The first of these roots is the finest, and sometimes runs four 

 feet deep. It is rarely so small in circumference as six inches^ 

 and has been known to reach sixteen. The leaves of this variety 

 grow to a considerable height, and proceed from the whole crown 

 of the root. 



The Lislonaise does not extend to so great a depth as the co~ 

 qualne; but the root is as good, and is preferred by many farmers, 

 since that which is lost in iengtU is gained in thickness, and it 

 does not require so deep a soil. Though t!ie crown is ecjually 

 large in this variety, the leaves are small and short, and only 

 proceed from its centre, in which tiiere is a hollow or cup. The 

 root terminates rather abruptly, in small fibrous radicles. 



There is yet a third variety known l)y tlie mnie of fnurqiiee 

 (forked), which appears to be only a modification of the last, 

 and whicli, altiiougli still cultivated, is less esteemed. 



On comparing the dimensions of these roots with those of the 

 variety cultivated in Britairi, it will he seen that tlie former are 

 much superior ; and it is supposed that their qualities in Guern- 

 sey are also superior to those of our varieties. It v.ill likewise 

 be seen that they can produce a heavier crop in that island on 

 the same extent of groimd. 



From these cou'-iderations, it would l)e advisable to cultivate 

 the Guernsey varieties in this country, by procuring the seeds 

 from that place, and to abandon those whose produce seems in 

 every rps])ect inferior. 



Although this root is cultivated in almost all the soils of that 

 island, that is esteemed the best which consists of a good light 

 loam, the deeper the better. If the loamy soil is not deej), the 

 under soil at least should be open, to allow of the free penetra- 

 tion of the roots. 



If the land is not perfectly clear from couch-grass and other 

 weeds, it is pared with the paring-plough in October, and har- 

 rowed to remove the weeds. About the middle of February, the 

 C c 4 land 



