ROOTS. 175 



Cultivation. Turneps are sown from the 15th of June 

 to the 1st of August. The first give a greater yield ; the last, 

 generally a sounder root, and capable of longer preservation. 

 The ground should be plowed and harrowed immediately be- 

 fore sowing, as the moisture of the freshly-turned earth in- 

 sures rapid germination of the seed, which is of great import- 

 ance to get the plants beyond the reach of insects as soon as 

 possible. They may be sown broadcast, at the rate of one or 

 two pounds per acre, and lightly harrowed, or brushed and 

 rolled ; or it is better that the seed be sown in drills, when a 

 less quantity will suffice. A turnep drill will speedily ac- 

 complish the furrowing, sowing, covering and rolling at a 

 single operation. The crop will be materially assisted by a 

 top dressing of lime, ashes, and plaster, at the rate of fifteen 

 or 20 bushels of the first two, and one and a half to three 

 bushels of the last per acre. When the plants show them- 

 selves and the leaves are partially expanded, the cultivator 

 or hoe may be freely used, stirring the ground well, and ex- 

 terminating all weeds. 



Ruta-Baga or Swedes Turnep. The introduction of 

 this is comparatively recent, and it proves to be more worthy 

 of attention than the English or white turnep. It will 

 grow in a heavier soil, yield as well, give a richer root, and 

 it has the great advantage of keeping longer in good condi- 

 tion ; thus prolonging the winter food of cattle when they 

 most need it. 



Cultivation. It is usually planted after wheat or corn ; 

 but if a virgin soil or old pasture sward is chosen, it will 

 materially lessen its liability to insects and other enemies. 

 It is generally sown in drills, about two feet apart ; and on 

 heavy lands, these should be slightly ridged. The plants 

 must be successively thinned, to prevent interfering with such 

 as are intended to mature, but enough should remain to pro- 

 vide for casualties. Where there is a deficiency, they may 

 be supplied by transplanting during showery weather. 

 They should be left six or eight inches apart in the drills. 

 The Swede turnep is a gross feeder, and requires either a 

 rich soil or heavy manuring ; though the use of fresh ma- 

 nures, has been supposed to facilitate the multiplication of 

 enemies. Bones, ground and drilled in with the seed, or a 

 dressing of lime, ashes, gypsum and salt, are the best applica- 

 tions that can be made. The Swede should be sown from 

 the 20th May to the 15th June, and earlier than the English 

 turnep, as it takes longer to mature ; and two or three weeks 



