RUTABAGAS. 211 



crop that is off the land by the first of August, since after 

 this time a good crop of many varieties of late turnips will 

 mature before winter, though some of the large kinds need to 

 be sown earlier in the season. The seed is sometimes sown 

 broadcast just before a shower or else it is harrowed in. It 

 is also grown in rows about two feet apart and cultivated 

 by a horse cultivator, or the rows may be put nearer to- 

 gether and a hand cultivator used. 



Varieties. Some of the best varieties of turnips are: 

 Early Flat and Extra Early Milan for early use, Red Top Strap 

 Leaf and White Egg or White Globe for autumn use. 



Rutabagas are grown in the same manner as the common 

 turnips but require about four weeks longer to attain edible 

 size and, on this account, should be planted by the middle of 



June or first of July.- 

 They are generally grown 

 in rows thirty inches 

 apart and cultivated with 

 a horse hoe. Rutabagas 

 are sometimes grown in 

 beds and transplanted. 

 This is not done with tur- 

 nips. 



The seed of both tur- 

 nips and rutabagas is so 

 smooth and fine that it is 

 generally sown too thick. 

 Mixing the seed with flour 

 is a good way to prevent its running too rapidly through 

 the seed sower. The crop should be allowed to stay in the 

 ground until the approach of severe cold weather. They will 

 stand some little freezing without injury, but will not live in 

 the land over winter. They should be stored in frost proof 

 pit or cellars. In dry cellars they should be covered with a 

 few inches of sand or other material to prevent wilting. ( See 

 directions for keeping carrots. ) 



Varieties. Improved Purple Top Swede, and White 

 Rock, are both excellent varieties of rutabagas. 



Fig. 118.— Rutabagas. 



