274 



THE TURNIP CROP. 



Fig. 3. 



good t cropper, comes early to maturity, and keeps well 

 when properly stored. The root is of an oblong shape, 

 grows higher out of the ground than the old sorts, and 

 consequently is better adapted for growing on shallow 

 soils. This habit of growth, however, renders it more 

 readily injured by frost when left standing during the 

 winter. It is also very apt to taper considerably towards 

 the neck, and to run to seed during the autumn, especially 

 if the seed be not of the best description. 



Matson's Purple-top is an excellent variety, largely 

 grown in the southern and midland counties. The bulbs 

 are full, firm in texture, and more spherical in form than 

 the foregoing the leaves growing out of the crown with- 

 out any tapering at the neck. Sheep and cattle generally 

 are very fond of this variety. 



The Common Green-top (Jig. 3) is the oldest variety of 

 the Swedish turnips in cultivation. It 

 has of late years fallen into comparative 

 disrepute, owing to the greater atten- 

 tion that has been paid to the purple-top 

 varieties. Where, however, care has 

 been bestowed on its cultivation, it has 

 proved as productive, as hardy, and to 

 be possessed of the same keeping and 

 feeding qualities as the more favoured 

 varieties. The colour of the upper part 

 of the bulb is a dull green with j-ellow 

 below. The skin is rough, and gives a 

 coarse appearance to the turnip, which, 

 in general, is less symmetrical in ap- 

 pearance than the purple-top varieties. 

 The Fettercairn Globe, green and purple tops, are both 

 excellent varieties, possessing size, symmetry of shape, and 

 all the qualities of a good turnip. They are highly esteemed 

 in certain districts, and are especially suitable for good 



