ROOT AND ALLIED CROPS 307 



the field, and mature seed about April. Individual plants will 

 yield twelve ounces to one pound of seed. 



Pests, — Cutworms often destroy young seedlings. The 

 Leaf-Spot Disease, as well as Mangel Kust, often cause a 

 certain amount of damage. 



4 & 5.— TUENIPS AND SWEDES. 



While grown largely in other countries, particularly in 

 Europe, these are cultivated to a small extent in South Africa, 

 and are limited to the mist belt in eastern parts of the Union. 

 In other parts of the country they thrive vcrj'^ indifferently and 

 are often destroyed by plant lice. Plenty of moisture, dull and 

 cool weather, are required for their best growth. They are 

 often pastured in situ by sheep, and are also fed to cattle in 

 the same manner as in the case of mangels. As they taint the 

 flavour of milk they should be fed cautiously to dairy cows. 

 When grown close to towns they are often sold for human 

 consumption. 



Description. — Swedes (Eutabagas) can be distinguished 

 from turnips by the " neck " found at the top of the root. 

 The flesh is firmer than that of the turnip, and the keeping 

 quality is better. White, but chiefly yellow-coloured flesh is 

 found, the latter being preferred, as the keeping quality is 

 usually superior. The skin may be green, purple or bronze. 

 They are not so easily injured by frosts as turnips, and are 

 one to tiwo months later in maturity. 



The Farmer's Handbook (N.S.W.) gives the following 

 composition of Swedes : — 



Cultural Methods. — They may be planted on ridges or 

 broadcasted. When ridged in rows 2 feet 6 inches apart, two 

 pounds of seed are required per acre ; when broadcasted, about 

 five pounds per acre. The soil preparation is very much the 

 same as that required for mangels. Sandy loams are preferred. 

 The seed sliould not be planted deeper than one inch. If 

 drilled, they should be thinned by hoe, when a few inches 

 high to about 8 inches in the row. Planting takes place from 

 November to early in January. 



