176 AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



more of growth, frequently adds largely to the product. An 

 early sowing also gives time to plant for another crop in case 

 of failure of the first. 



Enemies. The turnep is exposed to numerous depreda- 

 tors, of which the turnep flea-beetle is the most inveterate. 

 It attacks the plant as soon as the first leaves expand, and 

 often destroys two or three successive sowings. The 

 black caterpillar, slugs, wire-worms, and numerous other 

 insects, grubs and aphides prey upon and greatly dimmish 

 the crop. 



Remedies have been tried to an almost indefinite extent, 

 but none hitherto, with more than very partial success. 

 Liberal sowing and rapid growth best insure the plant from 

 injury ; and to effect this, the seed should be plentifully sown 

 in a rich soil, and if possible, when the ground is moist. 

 Before sowing, the seed should be steeped in some prepara- 

 tion, which experience has shown will the most quickly de- 

 velop the germ. Solutions of the "nitrates or sulphates, 

 urine, soot-water, liquid guano, or currier's oil, impregnate 

 the first leaves with substances distasteful to their early ene- 

 mies, and thus a short respite from their attacks will be se- 

 cured. Gypsum, ashes, bone-dust and poudrette drilled in 

 with the seed, are excellent forcers for the young roots. 

 Charcoal dust applied in the same way, has been found to 

 increase the early growth from four to ten-fold. When the 

 fly or bug is discovered, the application of lime, ashes or 

 soot, or all combined, should be made upon the leaves, while 

 the dew or a slight moisture is on them. This leads the 

 young plant along, and kills such enemies as it reaches. 

 Stale urine, diluted sulphuric acid, (oil of vitrol,) and other 

 liquid manures will have the same effect. Ducks, chickens, 

 young turkeys and birds will devour innumerable quantities, 

 and their presence should always be encouraged not only on 

 this, but on most of the fields. Dragging the surface with 

 fine, light brush, will lessen the slugs and insects. The 

 ground should be plowed just before winter sets in, which 

 exposes the worms and the Iarva3 of insects to the frost, 

 when they are unable to work themselves into a place of 

 safety. The seed should not be planted on ground recently 

 occupied by any of the order of plants crucifercz, (cabbage, 

 radish, mustard, charlock and water-cress), as they all afford 

 food for the enemies of turneps, and thereby tend to their 

 multiplication. 



Harvesting may be deferred till the approach of cold 



