The Kitchen Gaeden. 77 



toes in the bed early in April, covering them three or four 

 inches deep. They will throw np sprouts in three or four 

 weeks. When these are about four inches above the surface, 

 they may be separated from the parent tuber and planted out 

 in hills, leaving the latter to put out other shoots for future 

 plantings. The hills or beds should be about four feet apart, 

 and raised from six inches to a foot above the common level of 

 the ground. Some make continuous ridges four feet apart, and 

 plant the sprouts on the top, about a foot asunder. They must 

 be kept free from weeds till the vines cover the ground. They 

 are fit for gathering when the vines are dead. They are very 

 diflicult to preserve through the winter. A careful seclusion 

 from air and light, the absence of frost, and absolute dryness 

 are essential to their preservation. The best way to cook them 

 is by baking. 



3. The Tuexip — Brasslca Eepa. 



The French call the turnip le navet, and the Germans ber 

 ©tedruk. It has been in cultivation at least two hundred and 

 fifty years. There are many varieties. For early crops the 

 Enghsh or Flat White, the Early White Dutch, and the Early 

 Yellow Dutch are to be preferred. For later sowing we would 

 name the Purple-Topped Swede, Skirving's Improved Swede, 

 and the White French. Elvers' Swede and Ashcroft's Swede, 

 two varieties lately imported by the Patent Office Department, 

 are highly spoken of; but we have not tested them. 



Turnips thrive best in a rich, sandy loam. Bone-dust, lime, 

 ashes, and plaster of Paris are good special manures. Sow in 

 drills about two feet apart. Thin out the plants gradually to 

 six or eight inches apart. They may be readily transplanted 

 if desired. Stir the soil well, and keep the weeds in subjec- 

 tion. English turnips do well sown broadcast. Sow the early 

 sorts from February to May, according to climate and season. 

 Other sowings may be made in July and August for winter 

 nse. In the latitude of Georgia they may be sowed as late as 

 October. Harvesting should be deferred till the approach of 



