250 THE SOILS AND CROPS OF THE FARM. 



eral species. Those most commonly grown as food for 

 stock are some of the many varieties of the common 

 turnip, Brassica rapa, L., and the larger, coarser 

 ruta-bagas or Swedish turnips, Brassica Campestris, 

 L. The turnip is of European origin. Some species 

 have long been cultivated in Europe and parts of 

 Asia. The field cultivation of turnips as food for 

 stock was introduced into England from the conti- 

 nent about 1650, and made great changes and im- 

 provements in British agriculture. 



A moist, cool climate is best for turnips and the 

 crop is especially subject to attack by insects. The 

 uncertainty of securing a good stand of the plants; 

 the small percentage of solid matter and consequent 

 low feeding value, compared with bulk and weight, 

 and the impracticability, in most parts of the United 

 States in which the summer climate is suitable, of 

 having the crop eaten, where it grows, by sheep, a com- 

 mon practice in England, have all tended to prevent 

 popularity of the crop among American farmers gen- 

 erally. 



Culture. — The largest and best crops are grown 

 where the seeds are sown in drills, far enough apart to 

 permit cultivation. But in many parts of the country, 

 especially where the land is comparatively low-priced, 

 broadcast sowing is more commonly practiced. 



The seed may be sown in July or August, some- 

 times in the early part of September. Ruta-baga seed 

 should be sown earlier; in June or early in July. The 

 soil should be finely " pulverized. For the flat or 

 globe-shaped varieties deep culture is not necessary. 

 The seed should be very slightly covered. It is desira- 

 ble to sow while the soil is moist. Dry weather at 



