310 THE TURNIP CROP. 



should be carefully selected, the following points being the 

 most essential : that they are true to the variety you wish 

 to grow that the bulb be uninjured, symmetrical in shape, 

 whether globular or oblong, and free from lateral rootlets 

 that the head be well developed, and the neck small, 

 and in the centre of the crown of the bulb and that the 

 tap-root be single, and finely drawn from the end. This 

 can be done as the turnips are being lifted, previous to "top- 

 ping and tailing" them, a cart following to receive them 

 as they are picked out. They are then taken to the place 

 intended for them, which should have been previously well 

 prepared and in good condition, and planted at distances 

 of about 2 feet apart ; or, if more convenient, they may be 

 stored until February or March, and then set out at the 

 given distances. In exposed places, or districts where 

 winds prevail, the distances are diminished, in order to 

 prevent the seed being flogged out by their action on the 

 stems. Where the principal object sought is the improve- 

 ment of the turnip, the details given at p. 330, in reference 

 to the mode of determining the real value of a bulb, 

 should receive due consideration. 



The seed- stem is thrown out early in the spring ; care- 

 ful watching against depredation from small birds is 

 required while the seed is maturing ; the stems are then 

 cut off with a sharp hook, so as to shake them as little as 

 possible, and carted to the homestead for stacking and 

 thrashing. Where the quantity is small and the weather 

 fine, the seed is commonly thrashed out on the field, a large 

 rick-cloth being spread to receive the produce. In order 

 to secure the full reproductive powers of the seed thus 

 grown, it is a good plan to mix it with three or four times 

 its weight of an easily distinguishable variety white or 

 Swede, as the case may be and sow it in the usual 

 manner. Thus, 1 Ib. of seed (Swedes) from carefully- 

 selected bulbs, mixed with 4 Ibs. of white turnip seed, will 



