THE KOHL-RABI CEOP. 



THE next one of our field crops coming under the head of 

 "fallow or root crops" which we have to describe, is the 

 KOHL-EABI. In its general characters and mode of treat- 

 ment it very much resembles the turnip; while, at the same 

 time, it possesses points of difference, which entitle it to 

 a separate consideration. It belongs to the same order, 

 "Cruciferse," and even to the same genus, "Brassica," as the 

 turnip and has received from botanists the specific name 

 of Brassica caulo-rapce. In its habit of growth, however, 

 it shows a marked difference from the turnip; as, instead of 

 exhibiting under cultivation an abnormal development of 

 the cellular tissues of the root, the kohl-rabi preserves its 

 natural condition of the root, and shows the effects of 

 cultivation in the enlargement of the foot-stalks of the 

 leaves, which, under favourable circumstances, increase 

 that part of the stem to which they are attached to an ex- 

 tent equal in size and weight to a fully-developed turnip. 

 This singular tendency to depart from original condi- 

 tions is more evidenced in this "order" of plants than 

 in most others, and exhibits itself in other ways than 

 those alluded to in the turnip and the kohl-rabi. It is 

 the more remarkable, as the general characters of the 

 "order" are so constant as to clearly define its members 

 whereas, individual species are liable to great variations 

 when placed under the influence of cultivation. This great 

 tendency to change may be readily noticed in some of our 



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