6 HORTICULTURAL MEMOIRS. 



are small and short, and only proceed from its centre, in 

 which there is a hollow or cup. The root terminates 

 rather abruptly, in small fibrous radicles. 



There is yet a variety, known by the name of Fourquee 

 (1) (forked,) which appears to be only a modification of the 

 last, and which, although still cultivated, is less esteemed. 



On comparing the dimensions of these roots with those 

 of the variety cultivated in Britain, it will be seen, that 

 the former are much superior; and it is supposed, that 

 their qualities in Guernsey are also superior to those of our 

 varieties. It will likewise be seen, that they can produce 

 a. heavier crop in that island on the same extent of ground. 



From these considerations, it would be advisable to 

 cultivate the Guernsey varieties in this country, by procu- 

 ring the seeds from that place, and to abandon those whose 

 produce ?eems in every respect inferior. 



Although this root is cultivated in almost all the soils of 

 that island, that is esteemed the best which consists of a 

 good light loam, the deeper the better. If the loamy soil 

 is not deep, the under soil at least should be open, to allow 

 of the free penetration of the roots. 



If the land is not perfectly clear fiom couch-grass and 

 other weeds, it is pared with the paring-plough in October, 

 and harrowed,* to remove the weeds. About the middle of 

 February, the land is prepared for sowing by means of 

 two ploughs. A small plough precedes, and opens the furrow 

 to the depth of four inches, and is followed by a larger 

 plough, drawn by four or six oxen and as many horses, 



(1) This variety is only accidental, seeds are not saved from it r and it 

 Is never cultivated. 



