198 VEGETABLE GARDENING. 



naturally grow long and tender. An old sash laid over the 

 barrel is an improvement on this method. 



Varieties. There are several varieties but the following 

 kinds are the most highly esteemed: 



Myatt's Linneus. An early sort having deep green 

 stalks and attaining to a large size. 



Myatt's Victoria. A much later kind than the preced- 

 ing. Stalks red, very thick and large. 



SALSIFY, or VEGETABLE OYSTER. {Tragopogon por- 

 rifolius. ) 



Native of Europe.— Biennial.— A plant with long fleshy 

 tap-root and grass-like leaves. 

 The flower stalks grow three 

 feet high: the seed is long, 

 ridged, generally curved and 

 pointed at both ends. It is rath- 

 er difficult to plant with a seed 

 sower because of its peculiar 

 form, but when thoroughly 

 cleaned it is often so planted. 



Culture. The cultural direc- 

 tions given for the parsnip ap- 

 ply to this plant. It is very ea- 

 sily grown and hardy, and 

 generally comes through the 

 winter in tha extreme northern 

 states without injury: it is safer, 

 however, to dig the roots in 

 autumn and put in pits until 

 spring or for use during winter. 

 The root is highly esteemed and 

 has the flavor of oysters: it 

 is used for soups but may be 

 cooked in the same manner as 

 parsnips. 



The best variety is the Mam- 

 moth Sandwich Island, which 

 Fig. 108.-Sandwich Island salsify, is far superior to any other. 



