CROPS 113 



The I'wniip (Brassica rapa) is a biennial, producing in its 



first year a large store of material in its " root," intended to 



serve as food for production of stem, flowers, and seed during 



. the second season. There are many varieties, differing in the 



shape and colour of their " bulbs " or roots. 



The Swede Turnip {Brassica rutabaga) closely resembles the 

 ordinary turnip in composition and habit, but is distinguished 

 by the possession of a distinct " neck," from which the leaves 

 gprir g. The foliage of swedes is generally bluer and less grass- 

 green than that of the turnip. The flesh is firmer and less 

 watery than that of the turnip, and the roots generally keep 

 better after being dug. 



Turnips do best on open, loamy soils and in somewhat dull, 

 damp climates. They are usually drilled in rows from 20 to 

 27 inches apart, and " singled " so as to be from 11 to 13 inches 

 apart in the rows. 



Turnips re^ond readily to applications of phosphatic 

 manures. They also require to be well supplied with nitro- 

 genous material. From 15 to 25 tons per acre is a fair yield 

 of turnips. 



The Beet {Beta vulgaris). — There are many varieties, 

 obtained by careful selection. Mangel-wurzel^ or field-beets ^ 

 include many varieties, which may be classified into long, 

 tankard, and globe forms. Differences in colour of the flesh are 

 also shown. Mangolds, or mangels, as they are often called, 

 require a warm, fairly dry climate and a deep, somewhat 

 clayey soil. The usual yield is from 18 to 25 tons per 

 acre. Mangolds require much nitrogen, and readily respond 

 to applications of nitrate of soda. Being descended from 

 a maritime plant, they also appreciate chlorides, and are 

 benefited by applications of common salt. They form excel- 

 lent food for cattle, but should not be used until they have 

 been stored for a few months. 



Tha Sugar-beet is a variety of the mangold, which has been 

 developed especially for its richness in sugar. Many varieties 

 are grown, but they are usually conical in shape, grow with 



