136 



THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



diment, and is propagated from root-cuttings, which 

 may be taken from the plant when the roots are dug in 

 the fall. Horse-radish being very hardy and persistent, 

 all the roots should be taken up, or the plant will be- 

 come a pest, unless persistently cultivated out. Old- 

 fashioned gardening allows the roots to 

 remain from year to year, to be dug as 

 wanted; the results are inferior to those 

 from annual planting, as here advised. 

 Use of old crowns for reproduction, which 

 is an old method, is also no longer advised. 

 Pests are chiefly those of cabbage, which 

 see. Diseases are not troublesome. (See, 

 also, Wasabi.) 



Soil should preferably be a medium 

 loam, deep, and moderately rich and 

 moist. Dry soils give woody roots with 

 weak taste ; wet soils make soft roots with 

 too strong flavor. Subsoil should be open 

 for drainage and to allow the roots to 

 penetrate; otherwise the main root will 

 branch. 



Distances. Rows two feet or more 

 apart ; cuttings twelve to eighteen inches 

 in the row. 



Depth varies according to purpose. It 

 is usual to plant the cuttings three to six inches deep ; 

 planted among other crops, which are at first to occupy 



Fig. 94. 



Horse -Radish. 

 A good root. 



