fcHAP. VI.] SWEDISH TURNIPS. 207 



Swedish turnip seed had degenerated with him 

 to a long whitish root ; and, having, besides, 

 seen the long, pale looking things in New York 

 Market in June ; I took no eare of what I had 

 growing, being sure of the real sort from Eng 

 land. However, Mr. BYRD'S were from his own 

 seed, which he has saved for several years. 

 They differ from mine. They are longer in 

 proportion to their circumference. The leaf is 

 rather more pointed, and the inside of the bulb 

 is not of so deep a yellow. Some of Mr. BYRD'S 

 have a little hole towards the crown, and the 

 flesh is spotted with white where the green is 

 cut off. He ascribes these defects to the season ; 

 and it may be so ; but, I perceive them in none 

 of my turnips, which are as clear and as sound, 

 though not so large, as they were last year. 



246. Seed is a great matter. Perhaps the 

 best way, for farmers in general, would be 

 always to save some, culling the plants care 

 fully, as mentioned in paragraph 32. This 

 might be sown, and also some English seed, the 

 expense being so very trifling compared with 

 the value of the object. At any rate, by saving 

 some seed, a man has something to sow ; arid 

 he has it always ready. He might change his 

 seed once in three or four years. But, never 

 forgetting carefully to select the plants, from 

 which the seed is to be raised. 



