THE RADISH. 69 



An ounce and a half of seed will sow a bed five feet in 

 width and twelve feet in length. Ten pounds are required 

 for seeding an acre. 



The excellence of a Radish consists in its being succulent, 

 mild, crisp, and tender ; but, as these qualities are secured 

 only by rapid growth, the plants should be frequently and 

 copiously watered in dry weather. The varieties are divided 

 into two classes ; viz., Spring or Summer, and Autumn or 

 Winter, Radishes. 



SPRING OR SUMMER RADISHES. 



These varieties are all comparatively hardy, and may be 

 sown in the open ground as early in spring as the soil is in 

 good working condition. 



Early Radishes are easily grown in a common hot-bed, 

 and as the plants will withstand cold and moisture, the seeds 

 may be sown in February ; or they may be successfully 

 grown in frames with early lettuce, sowing the seeds in any 

 of the winter months, or early in March. If the long-rooted 

 sorts, as the Long Scarlet and the like, are grown, the depth 

 of earth upon the surface of the bed should not be less than 

 eight inches ; while the Turnip-rooted varieties will succeed 

 well on a depth of four inches. Sow the seeds in drills four 

 or five inches apart, cover half an inch deep, and when well 

 up, thin the young plants to two inches apart. On sunny 

 days, give plenty of air, water sparingly, and in severe 

 weather cover the sashes at night with garden mats, woollen 

 carpets, or like material. 



It is a good practice to sow a few rows across the bed at 

 intervals of a fortnight, which will insure a succession of ten- 

 der, medium-sized roots. When overgrown, whether tinder 

 glass or in the open ground, most of the early sorts become 

 pungent, dry, and fibrous, and are worthless for the table. 



