IRRIGATION OF FIELD CROPS. 178 



irrigation water than do the shallow-rooted grains and 

 graces. During the fall the beet requires a dry surface 

 soil to increase its saccharine content, and will thrive, 

 getting all the moisture it needs from the summer irri- 

 gated subsoil. Stop the irrigation early. Guard against 

 seepage from surrounding land, and above all avoid such 

 an excess of water as to flood the ground or accumulate 

 in pools on any portion of it. Irrigators of sugar beets 

 learn to use less water each year. 



The foregoing instructions apply to beets grown for 

 the sugar factories. Producing them for live stock de- 

 mands more frequent wetting and a forced habit of 

 growth throughout. We have relied upon from four to 

 seven irrigations in a season on subsoiled land, and have 

 had the most flattering success when the water was ap- 

 plied at least every fortnight from the first of June. 



Turnips, Beets and Carrots. These may be 

 irrigated at any time, the only care necessary being to 

 keep the ground mellow and in good tilth. Field tur- 

 nips for live stock feeding should be sown broadcast 

 about the first of August. Set out the irrigating fur- 

 rows every six or ten feet, according to the porosity of 

 the soil, and have them run at an easy grade. Wait 

 long and patiently for the seed to germinate before 

 irrigating for that purpose. Never flood turnip, 

 parsnip or carrot ground, as the water would rot the 

 crowns, undersoaking is the thing. Give frequent irri- 

 gations until the root has fully formed. After the 

 plants are large enough to shade the ground irrigation 

 is scarcely necessary, and it might prove an injury and 

 cause decay. 



Canaigre. This is a species of dock weed coming 

 into great popularity in the Southwest on account of the 

 tannic acid contained in the roots. The tubers must be 

 planted in the early fall much the same as potatoes. 

 With rain or irrigation in the fall the leaves appear and 



