172 Southern Gardener^ s Practical Manual 



growing the seed. The substance of the root is con- 

 sumed in producing the seed, and only the shell of the 

 old turnip is left. The seed -stalks should be supported 

 by stakes, to which they may be tied with a soft cord. 

 I have found the germinating qualities of home-grown 

 seed superior to those of the purchased seed. 



Varieties. — Milan Strap -leaf is the earliest variety I 

 have planted. It has small top -growth, the turnip is 

 fiat, and grows on the surface of the ground. The part 

 showing above is purple, while the lower part is white. 



Flat Butch is another very early, flat and delicate 

 variety of fifty years' standing. 



Purple Top Globe. — This is probably the most 

 satisfactory as a medium -early, heavy -producing 

 variety. I have grown of this variety twenty- two two- 

 horse wagon -loads per acre on ordinary land three years 

 in cultivation. It has a beautiful top -shape, with deep 

 purple above and white below the surface. 



White Globe is an excellent variety, but not so 

 popular as the latter. This is white within and without. 

 Flavor good. 



White Egg is similar to the last, but earlier and not 

 so large and superior in quality. 



Yellow Aberdeen. — This is one of the best, and most 

 productive varieties of best quality. 



To test the quality of varieties, I had six cooked alike 

 and placed on my table together. The members of the 

 family tasted all, but ate the Aberdeen. It is purple on 

 top, with a rich yellow below. The flesh is yellow, 

 tender and sweet. Left in the row all winter, it keeps 

 well and is the last to run to seed in spring. It combines 



