44 VEGECULTURE 



methods of planting, in order to secure facility of lifting the 

 matured roots. 



EVENING PRIMROSE ((Enothera biennis}. Although the 

 roots of this plant, used in a young state, before the plant sends 

 up its flower-spike, are edible, even tender, I do not recom- 

 mend it as a vegetable ; still, it is used as, and really is, such. 

 I mention it here as a tap-root worthy of a place in the kitchen- 

 garden on account of its gorgeously beautiful flowers, and as an 

 illustration of my idea of combining the beautiful with the 

 commonplace in the vegetable domain. A few of these four-feet 

 plants growing in an odd corner where little else can be planted, 

 along a fence, against a shed or a wail that may be unsightly, 

 or by a manure-pit or rubbish-heap that requires to be hidden, 

 are extremely useful and ornamental. The Evening Primrose 

 is a biennial ; seeds never fail to give good results, and little 

 or no culture is required. 



LARGE-ROOTED OR HAMBURG PARSLEY, an excellent 

 vegetable with a good-sized edible tap-root, is dealt with under 

 the heading of "Parsley" (page 142). Its culture, however, 

 coincides with that of the commoner long-rooting vegetables. 



RAMPION. Particulars of this useful plant will be found in 

 the Herb Section (page 130) ; but, being a tap-rooted subject, 

 demands mention herein as requiring soil and culture conditions 

 usually afforded plants with long roots. 



Attention may be drawn at this juncture to the long-rooted 

 varieties that occur amongst the strictly turnip or ball-shaped 

 roots. They include long Radishes and Horn Turnips, both 

 of which require treatment similar to that accorded to Carrots 

 and Beet. 



THE STORAGE OF TAP-ROOT CROPS. Carrots, Beet, Chicory, 

 Scorzonera, and Salsify require to be lifted when matured and 

 stored out of the way of damp and frost. Large quantities 

 are usually stored outdoors in pits or clamps ; but smaller lots 

 should be given a place indoors, placed in dry sand, or where 

 available in an outhouse or cellar. Arrange the roots in double 

 rows, placing the crowns outside, and over each layer of roots 

 place an inch of sand. When required for use commence with 

 the top layers. In the event of severe weather being likely to 

 set in, Parsnips may be stored. Many gardeners do not lift 

 this crop, but cover the ground with a thick layer of dry straw 

 or bracken. 



