408 HORTICULTURAL MEMOIRS. 



gravelly loam. It is remarked by Mr Young, 

 that the parsnip requires a rich putrid dry sandy 

 loam ; and he discourages its cultivation where 

 the soil is not of this desirable quality. This is 

 assuredly not the character of the soil of Guern- 

 sey, where the cultivation is successfully car- 

 ried on, even in situations where the land is 

 stiff, cold and wet. An open and loose soil is 

 obviously necessary, to allow of the growth and 

 descent of the long-rooted variety ; but it will be 

 observed by and bye, that two varieties are in 

 use, of which the one is much shorter than the 

 other ; and consequently better adapted to soils 

 of no great depth. 



These two principal varieties cultivated in 

 Guernsey, are known by the names of the Co- 

 quaint and the Lisbonaise. 



The first of these roots is the finest, and some- 

 times runs four feet deep. It is rarely so small 

 in circumference as six inches, and has been 

 known to reach sixteen. The leaves of this va- 

 riety grow to a considerable height, and proceed 

 from the whole crown of the root. 



The Lisbonaise does not extend to so great a 

 depth as the Coquaine ; but the root is as good, 

 and is preferred by many farmers, since that 

 which is lost in length is gained in thickness, 

 and it does not require so deep a soil. Though 

 the crown is equally large in this yariety, the 

 leaves are small and short, and only proceed from 



