PLANTS. 227 



bulbs under the earth. These roots are in common use, 

 and known as the White Turnip. Q. 



The Common Turnip (Brassica rapa) differs from 

 cabbage- by the bright green color of the rough radical 

 leaves, while those of the stem are blue-green, and 

 smooth. The principal specimens of this genus are the 

 common white turnip, and the Ruta Baga or Swedish 

 turnip, which are raised everywhere and used as a table 

 vegetable, as well as food for cattle. Planted or sowed 

 as grain on stubbles. A sub-species is the Teltowa 

 Turnip. Q . 



The Rape (Brassica oleitera) has broad, heart-shaped 

 leaves and yellow flowers grows wild in Sicily and in 

 the neighborhood of Naples, but, brought to Middle 

 Europe, is cultivated for sake of the oil furnished by 

 the seed, which is useful to burn in lamps and for greas- 

 ing wool preparatory to carding. Q. 



The Radish (Raphanus sativus) has long, lyrate, rough 

 leaves and cylindrical, pendulous seed pods. Came ori- 

 ginally from China, but has been cultivated since ancient 

 times in Europe. Root large and fusiform, white, red, 

 and frequently black. Has a pleasant taste, although 

 pungent, and, some say, assist digestion. O- There 

 are many different species. 



The Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum). Pepper- 

 grass. Leaves variously incised and divided into linear 

 segments ; pods oval. Grows wild in the East, but in 

 Europe and the United States is cultivated in gardens ; 

 blooms in June and July ; has a pleasant, though pun- 

 gent taste, and is used by many as salad. O. 



The Woad (Isatis tinctoria) has a smooth stalk ; stem- 

 leaves are arrow-shaped, radical or root-leaves wedge- 

 like. Blooms in a panicle or raceme, has small yellow 



