ROOT CROPS, ETC. 107 



spring, but good crops have been grown from seed sown as late as 

 the middle of June. For field culture it is best to drill the seed in 

 rows eighteen to twenty-four inches apart. The depth of the 

 planting should not exceed one half inch, and when possible the 

 soil should be firmed by rolling. 



Salsify. This plant is sometimes called the vegetable oyster 

 because of its peculiar flavor. ' It has long, white, tapering roots 

 which grow best in a light, rich soil. Sow the seed early and rather 

 deep. The roots may be left in the ground all winter if protected 

 from frost by covering them with a layer of straw. 



Parsnips do well on deep, rich, sandy soil, but they will grow on 

 nearly any loose, mellow soil. Their true value in stock feeding is 

 just beginning to be appreciated. They are more valuable and 

 nutritious than carrots or turnips but more difficult to harvest. 

 Parsnips are especially recommended for dairy stock. 



EXERCISES 



1. Plant seed of several root crops and note the relative growths. 



2. Try various kinds of soil and note results in growth with the same 

 plant. 



3. Ascertain whether sugar beets are adapted to alkaline soils. 



QUESTIONS 



1. Name some of the root crops. 



2. Describe the cultivation of beets. 



3. Discuss the value of mangel-wurzels. 



4. Discuss the turnip family. 



5. Describe the cultivation of radish. 



6. For what kind of stock is rape especially recommended ? 



7. Discuss the cultivation of carrots. 



8. Describe the salsify plant. 



9. On what kind of soil should parsnips be planted ? 



10. For what kind of stock are parsnips recommended as a feed ? 



REFERENCES 



The Home Vegetable Garden, Farmers' Bulletin No. 255. 



Vegetable Gardening, Bailey. 



The Vegetable Gardener, Falconer. 



The Sugar Beet, Farmers' Bulletin No. 52. 



Rape as a Forage Crop, Farmers' Bulletin No. 164. 



