182 IRRIGATION FARMING. 



Carrots and Parsnips. Sow the seed a half inch 

 deep, or even deeper on very light, sandy soils. The 

 rows should be from sixteen to eighteen inches apart. 

 Give frequent irrigation until the roots are fully formed. 

 These wettings may be from four to seven days apart, 

 according to the natural condition of the soil. Stop the 

 irrigation as soon as the plants are large enough to shade 

 the ground, as there is then danger of rotting the roots in 

 the ground and thus ruining the crop. In no instance 

 allow the plants to become flooded after they are half 

 grown, as this would surely so injure the crowns as to 

 ^poil the crop. This rule must also be observed in irri- 

 gating salsify, the general conditions of which are the 

 same as those of carrots. With the oyster plant, cultiva- 

 tion is of more value than is irrigation, and in any event 

 make it a rule not to irrigate after the plant is half grown, 

 or well under way. 



Turnips. The seed of the turnip may be sown as 

 early in the spring as the ground can be worked. For 

 fall and early winter use grow the White Dutch, for 

 winter use and early spring the White Egg. The seed 

 and turnips can be grown the same season. Finely pul- 

 verized new soil is the best. Sow broadcast the first of 

 August, drag the ground with a light harrow, then 

 make irrigating furrows every six feet. Wait long ami 

 patiently for the seed to germinate before irrigating for 

 that purpose. Never flood the turnip ground, under- 

 soaking is much the better. The best success is the 

 result of careful preparation and close attention. 



Horse- Radish. This root flourishes in deep, rich, 

 moist soil which can be kept so by an irrigation every 

 few days. It is grown or propagated from sets or pieces 

 of small roots cut at least four inches long, with the 

 upper end slanting and the lower end square. The 

 ground is well manured, deeply plowed and thoroughly 

 harrowed or otherwise put in good condition, thru 



