TURNIPS. 359 



To give an idea of the comparative nutritive value of some of the leading root-crops, we 

 append the following table of analyses from the work of Drs. Voelcker and Lankester : 



TABLE OP NUTRITIVE VALUE OP ROOTS. 



Water. Flesh Formers. Fat Formers. Woody Fiber. Ash. 



Sugar Beets, . . . 81.05 1.00 15.40 1.03 .80 



Mangel-Wurtzels, . . . 87.78 1.54 8.60 1.18 .96 



Ruta-bagas, . . . 89.40 1.44 5.93 2.54 .62 



Yellow Aberdeen Turnip, . 90.57 1.80 4.64 2.34 .65 



Large Globe Turnip, . . 90.43 1.14 2.96 2.00 1.02 



Carrot, .... 85.00 1.50 10.80 1.70 1.00 



Varieties. There are many varieties of both the white and yellow turnip, while the 

 ruta-baga, Swedish or Russian turnip, also known as the &quot; French turnip,&quot; form a distinct 

 class. The following are some of the best white-flesh varieties : Early Flat Dutch, Early 

 Snow-Ball, White-Top Strap-leaved, Red-Top Strap-leaved, Purple-Top Globe, White Globe, 

 Long White Jersey, Large White Norfolk, Long White Tankard, and Long White or Cow 

 Horn. The first two are of medium size, quick growth, tender and juicy when young, but if 

 overgrown or long kept, will become spongy and inferior in quality. Both the strap-leaved 

 varieties are early, of medium size, and nearly round in form ; they have but few leaves, 

 which somewhat resemble the horse-radish in shape. They are essentially alike, except the 

 Red-Top is either red or purple above ground, while the other is pure white. They are now 

 taking the place of the old Early Dutch varieties. The Purple-Top Globe is a fine market 

 variety and keeps well. 



The White Globe attains a large size and is better adapted to stock-feeding than table 

 purposes, being too coarse in texture for the latter. The same might be said of the Norfolk, 

 which is a large English variety, and valuable for field culture and feeding stock. The Long 

 White Jersey and Long White Tankard are both good early varieties. The Long 

 White or Cow Horn, attains a large size, and is in shape similar to the carrot ; it grows half 

 out of the ground with tops small and spreading, is sweet and tender and valuable for general 

 cultivation. It should be harvested before severe frosts, or its quality will be liable to be 

 injured, being exposed to frost more than those covered wholly by the soil. Some of the 

 leading yellow varieties are the Yellow Malta, Early Yellow Dutch, Early Yellow Finland, 

 A.berdeen Purple-Top, Robertson s Golden Ball, and Large Yellow Globe. The first three are 

 early, with small or medium-sized globular roots, and are excellent garden varieties for sum 

 mer and autumn use. The Yellow Aberdeen is globular, hardy, and solid, and valuable for 

 general cultivation. Robertson s Golden Ball is globular, of rich flavor, and has unrivalled 

 keeping qualities ; it is valuable for both culinary and stock purposes. The Large Yellow 

 Globe has a large globular root of pale yellow, and is one of the best for general use ; it will 

 keep hard and brittle until late in the spring. The Ruta-baga is close-grained, very hard, 

 and will endure considerable cold without injury, but is not in perfection for table use until 

 nearly spring. It is much richer and sweeter than the common turnip, and will keep much 

 longer in good condition. 



Among the choice varieties of the ruta-baga are the Skirving s Purple-Top, Laing s 

 Improved, the Bloomsdale, Carter s Imperial Swede, Button s Champion Swede, Improved 

 American, Sweet German, and Long White French. The first, by its quick vegetation, gen 

 erally escapes the ravages of the enemy of the turnip, the fly, and is of strong growth and 

 well adapted to field culture. Laing s Improved is a very handsome variety, of globe shape 

 and fine quality. Carter s Imperial Swede is a new English variety, highly recommended for 

 both its quality and for producing extraordinarily large crops. The Bloomsdale is an improved 

 purple-top variety and is regarded with much favor. Button s Champion Swede is also an 

 English variety, and is said to be the hardiest, heaviest cropping, and one of the most nutri- 

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