BEET. 29 



The Turnip Rooted is the earliest variety, and takes its name 

 from the form of the root. Its quality is decided by the rich- 

 ness of color and closeness of the grain. 



Long Blood is tlie sort run upon for a general crop, to use dur- 

 ing Winter and Spring It often grows twelve or fourteen inches 

 long and four or five inches thick. Beet is used and prepared 

 for the table in a great variety of ways. It is boiled and sliced, 

 and eaten cold with vinegar ; it is sliced in salads, both as an 

 eatable and a garnish ; it also makes a beautiful and agreeable 

 pickle. The root itself, if eaten alone, affords but little nourish- 

 ment, though quite indispensable on a table of any pretensions. 



White Beet is esteemed only for its stalks, or the mid-rib of 

 the leaves, which, being divested of the leafy part, improves 

 the flavor of soups ; or if peeled and stewed, it can be eaten 

 like Asparagus. 



Radish-rooted Beet is a new variety, of a very dark blood-red 

 color ; in shape very similar to the long scarlet Radish, though 

 much larger. 



Whyte^s New Blood-Beet is an improvement in richness of 

 color on the old Long Beet. 



London Blood-Beet is a new variety, with something more 

 than a name. We are as particular at our table in discuss- 

 ing the qualities of vegetables as others are in the cut or the 

 joint, or .the peculiar flavors of Port or Madeira, and we feel 

 assured that this variety of the Beet is more delicate in flavor, 

 more brilliant in color, and of as good a form as any other sort. 



Silver or Sea- Kale Beet very much resembles the White Beet, 

 though the ribs of the leaves are larger, and, when cooked, has 

 much of the flavor of sea-kale. There are several other sorts 

 which come more under the notice of the agriculturist, such 

 as Sugar Beet, Mangel- Wurtzel, &c. 



Culture. — Little art is requisite for the culture of this vege- 

 table. One grand essential for an early crop is to dig deep 

 and manure well. Sow as soon as the soil will admit of work* 



