256 IRRIGATION FARMING. 



acre, and the irrigation given is two or three times a 

 week. 



Beets. — These need rich garden soil with plenty of 

 humus. Sow from March 15th to April 15th. For 

 first early the Egyptian is all right, the Eclipse coming 

 next in order, the Blood Turnip variety still later, 

 while the mangel-wurzel, for stock feeding, comes last 

 in planting order. We do not believe in the pra<5lice 

 of irrigating the seeds before they germinate. Table 

 beets may be given more irrigation than is allotted to 

 the sugar-beet, and for early growth they may be irri- 

 gated every fortnight during rainless seasons. Culti- 

 vation the second day after irrigation is quite as 

 essential as the irrigation itself. The soil should be 

 kept as mellow as possible, and it is well to have the 

 rills located six or eight inches away from the plants, 

 so that water may not come in contact with them, as 

 flooding is considered injurious. 



Radishes. — This popular relish crop may be pro- 

 duced in greatest perfedlion by irrigation. Light 

 sandy loams well enriched are best. The first crop 

 should be planted by March 15th, and others at fre- 

 quent interv^als thereafter. I/Ong scarlet varieties are 

 preferable for this planting. For general summer use 

 the early, round, dark red are good, and for fall and 

 winter we sow the Chinese Rose. It is best to plant 

 the seed in rows from sixteen to eighteen inches apart, 

 and give an abundant amount of water at all stages of 

 growth. No root crop requires more water than does 

 the radish, and once a week during dry periods is not 

 too often to irrigate. Cultivate the same as for beets. 



Carrots and Parsnips. — Sow the seed a half 



