216 VEGETABLE GROWING. 



CHUFA. 



This product is known by several other names, but 

 this seems to be the one in general use. The term 

 " ground-nut" is also often applied, and it is some- 

 times called " nut grass," but both of these terms are 

 used for other vegetables than this one, and the term 

 chufa is restricted to this particular species, conse- 

 quently we consider this the best of the names. The 

 "seed" of this consists of a tuber which is formed 

 quite deeply under ground, consequently it is not very 

 easy to harvest. These "nuts" (tubers) have a 

 meaty or nutty flavor and are usually quite hard, and 

 are eaten out of the hand like peanuts. Their value 

 lies, however, in their fattening qualities when hogs 

 are turned upon the field, and this is about the only 

 profitable way in which they can be used. 



Make the rows about three feet apart, and drop one 

 or two of these tubers to the foot. When the plants 

 appear above the ground they look very much like 

 grass, but more nearly like our common sedge or nut- 

 grass. This plant will be found adapted to any mod- 

 erately warm soil. The cultivation is very simple, 

 being just such as is given the ordinary field crops, as 

 cow peas or peanuts. 



When they have become full grown, and when the 

 frost has killed the herbage, they may be gathered by 

 plowing down the row and picking up those that are 

 in sight. The greater part of the tubers will usually 

 cling to the plant, consequently they can be gathered 

 by simply picking up the plant and shaking the dirt 

 from it. Usually there will be seed enough left in the 

 field to plant it for the next year, but this is too un- 

 certain, so the seed should be saved and planted at 

 the proper time. 



