THE EADISH. 201 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



THE RADISH (Raphanus sativus). 



Radis and Rave French ; EetHg, German ; Tamme radijs^ Dutch ; Rofan(\ 

 Italian ; and Jlabano, Spanish. 



The Radish is not known in the wild state, and its 

 native country is doubtful. It is mentioned as being 

 cultivated in England in 1584. 



The radish, to be marketable, should not lose its ac- 

 ceptable crispness, and I have, therefore, never heard of 

 its satisfactory cultivation for the Northern markets 

 south of Norfolk. 



The varieties there used are: "Th? Long Scarlet Short 

 Top," and "The Scarlet Tur- 

 nip," which are sown, as the 

 season will admit, at any time 

 from Christmas to the last 01 

 February. A light, mellow soil 

 is best adapted to this crop, as 

 it produces cleaner, nicer rad- 

 ishes, and of better flavor, than 

 a heavier soil. This applies 

 particularly to the longer-rooted 

 va-ieties. The manure should Flg 56._ SCARLET ' TUUNIP , 

 be deeply plowed under. The BADISH. 



field having been plowed in narrow lands and finely 

 harrowed, the seed is sown broadcast at the rate of 

 about twelve pounds to the acre, and covered with a 

 light harrow. The crop is sometimes large enough 

 to be marketable in March, but it is generally shipped 

 throughout April. The radishes are washed, bunched, 

 and packed tightly in ventilated barrels, generally 

 holding about two hundred bunches. The price 



