RUTA-BAGA, OR SWEDE TURNIP. 79 



Soil and Cultivation. All the varieties succeed best in a 

 deep, well-enriched, mellow soil ; which, previous to planting, 

 should be very deeply ploughed, and thoroughly pulverized 

 by harrowing or otherwise. Some practise ridging, and 

 others sow in simple drills. The ridges are usually formed 

 by turning two furrows against each other ; and, being thus 

 made, are about two feet apart. If sown in simple drills, the 

 surface should be raked smooth, and the drills made from 

 sixteen to eighteen inches apart, the distance to be regulated 

 by the strength of the soil. 



Seed and Solving. About one pound of seed is usually 

 allowed to an acre. Where the rows are comparatively 

 close, rather more thau this quantity will be required ; while 

 three fourths of a pound will be amply sufficient, if sown on 

 ridges, or where the drills are eighteen inches apart. The 

 sowing may be made from the middle of May to the 1st 

 of July ; the latter time being considered sufficiently early 

 for growing for the table, and by some even for stock. Early 

 sowings will unquestionably give the greatest product ; while 

 the later-grown bulbs, though of smaller dimensions, will 

 prove of quite as good quality for the table. 



To raise Seeds. Select the smoothest and most symmet- 

 rical bulbs, and transplant them in April, two feet asunder, 

 sinking the crowns to a level with the surface of the ground. 



The seeds are similar to those of the common garden and 

 field turnip, and will keep from five to eight years. 



Varieties. The varieties are as follow : 



Bulb of medium size, ovoid, smooth and sym- Ashcroft. 

 metrical ; neck very short, or wanting. Above ground, 

 the skin is purple ; below the surface, yellow. Flesh yellow, 

 solid, fine-grained, and of excellent flavor. It forms its 

 bulb quickly and regularly ; keeps in fresh and sound con- 

 dition until May or June; and well deserves cultivation, 

 either for agricultural purposes or for the table. 



