ROOT CROPS. 77 



Harvested 30 bunches June 8th, and 3,300 bunches before 

 July 4th, and the remainder during the month of July, putting 

 six in a bunch, after trimming and washing. Cost, $140. 



The earlier part of the season has been favorable to the 

 growth of English turnips, producing early those of large size 

 and of excellent quality. ■ It is evident, however, that in 

 instances of this kind, turnips are more liable to be checked in 

 their growth by blight followed by extreme heat, which has been 

 the case the present season to a considerable degree and at an 

 earlier period than usual. As the turnip is easily affected by 

 climate, soil and mode of culture, there are methods, when 

 adopted, which, in a measure, will tend to prevent the injurious 

 effects of blight and hot weather. First, early sowing tends to 

 prevent the ravages of the turnip-fly ; second, it may mature for 

 the market before the 1st of July, before which time the blight 

 or very warm weather seldom occurs ; 3d, manure should not 

 be too forcing in its nature, creating large tops and a conse- 

 quent reaction in very warm and dry weather ; 4th, sufficient 

 space should be given for each plant to thrive and mature early ; 

 5th, weeds should never be removed from the crop, (if early,) 

 when springing up after the 15th of June, as they shade and 

 protect rather than injure the turnip. For the last eight or ten 

 years I have adhered to these rules, generally with gratifying 

 results. 



MiDDLETON, October, 1865. 



