146 MARKET GARDENING. 



the third pair of leaves, which, with those succeeding, 

 are proof against further injury. 



If the sowing just described should, by the ravages 

 of the fly or other accident, have failed, pass along the 

 ridges with a spike-tooth harrow, to destroy any weeds 

 which may have sprouted, and re-sow, as before. If, 

 from the time lost, it may be deemed too late to perfect 

 a crop of ruta bagas with certainty, it may be better to 

 make the re-sowing with round or flat turnips, which 

 mature in a shorter season. Supposing the sowing a 

 success, allow the plants to reach the rough, or second 

 leaf, then proceed thus : Taking a light steel hoe in 

 hand, and standing so as to bring a corner of the hoe in 

 an oblique direction with respect to the line of plants, 

 and near to them, the operator walks backward, drawing 

 the hoe gently, and lightly skimming the surface of the 

 soil, and with it all young weeds which may have sprung 

 up contemporary with the crop ; returning, the opposite 

 side of the row, or drill, is taken, thus leaving only a 

 narrow line of turnip plants, nearly free from weeds. 



Thinning Out. After a few days, when they have 

 grown somewhat stronger, and are too rank for the fly 

 to injure seriously, they may be "clumped," which is 

 performed by taking a sharp, light, steel hoe of suitable 

 size, say three inches wide, and, standing facing the row, 

 cut crosswise, so as to leave clumps of plants at intervals 

 of five inches. At first the operator will cut timidly, 

 fearing to destroy too many ; but in a little while he 

 will have gained courage, and proceed with increasing 

 speed. It is surprising with what celerity such work 

 may be performed by an expert, which any one may be- 

 come with an hour's practice. When the plants left in 

 clumps have fully recovered from the disturbance, which 

 is unavoidable, and again stand erect, the process of 

 "singling" commences; this is simply pulling out with 

 the finger and thumb and casting aside all but the most 



