60 LTIST'S FAIUILY KITCHEN GARDENER. 



either for medicine, salads, or sauces. The root, scraped into 

 shreds, or grated fine and soaked in vinegar, is a well-known 

 accompaniment to roast beef. Its medicinal effects are t"o 

 stimulate the glands to activity ; and on account of its warm 

 nature it is good in numerous cases arising from cold and 

 viscid juices. The root, when fresh grated, assists digestion ; 

 it may therefore be properly employed as a condiment at the 

 table. It is also considered of great service in rheumatic 

 cases, and on the first appearance of scurvy. 



Culture. — In a commercial point of view it has become of 

 late extensively cultivated ; acres are yearly planted and al- 

 lowed to grow two or three years, when it is lifted and sold by 

 weight to pickle manufacturers, who grind it up, and pack it in 

 jars with vinegar for home use and exportation. It grows best 

 in a deep, rich soil, inclining to moisture ; on low ground,' or 

 contiguous to water. It is propagated by the tops or crowns, 

 or any part of the root cut into pieces two inches long will 

 grow. 



When a convenient spot of ground is chosen, take out ao 

 opening at one end fifteen inches deep, in the common way of 

 trenching, and two feet wide. Plant therein two rows, one foot 

 apart and nine inches from plant to plant. Put over them 

 from the next trench fifteen inches of soil, and so continuing 

 till the whole is finished. 



Another method of planting is readily done by trenching 

 the ground as above, and leveling and raking it properly. 

 Then take a dibber fifteen inches long, and of sufficient thick- 

 ness to allow the sets to drop into the bottom of the holes so 

 made, and fill up the holes with fine earth. This method 

 makes a very clean and handsome root. To make the most of 

 every part of the Garden, some light and quick crop may be 

 sown on the ground early in Spring after being planted, such 

 as Spinach, Radish, Lettuce, &c., which will be off in time not 

 to injure the roots. As Spring has its multitude of operation*; 



