238 



THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



season. Its seeds, which are really fruits, are long and 

 thin, difficult to sow in the seed-drill. The roots, like 

 those of parsnip, can be left 

 in the ground all winter with- 

 out detriment. Varieties are few, 

 and are distinguished chiefly 

 by size, the largest of them be- 

 ing small compared with other 

 root-crops. See also Scolymus 

 and Scorzonera, which may be 

 used as substitutes. 



Soil. Should be deep, cool, 

 rich, and not recently manured. 

 It should be freshly and deeply 

 dug. 



Distances. Rows twelve 

 inches or more apart, preferably 

 eighteen inches. 



Depth. About one inch. 

 Sow in early spring, or in 

 May at the latest. 

 Thin to five or six inches. Thinnings may be 

 transplanted, but the tap-root should not be in- 

 jured. 



Culture. Preserve the surface mulch, until the tops 

 cover the ground. 



Fertilizer. Dig in, before sowing, a good general 

 fertilizer, rich in potash. 



Fig. 115. Salsify roots. One- 

 sixth natural size. 



