ORIGIN OF MANGOLD VARIETIES. 



407 



Fig. 1. 



very successful results. The mangold, by Thaer and 

 others, is considered to have originated from a cross be- 

 tween the red and the white varieties of the garden beet, 

 the offspring possessing a greater power of development, 

 and a more vigorous and hardy habit than either of its 

 parents, while its persistent botanical characters, during so 

 many years, have acquired for it the general admission as a 

 distinct species. Being the produce, 

 however, of natives of a southern 

 climate, it still preserves somewhat of 

 the natural delicacy, as both the young 

 plant and the matured root are sus- 

 ceptible of ready injury from even a 

 slight degree of frost. This species, 

 represented by our mangold- wurzel, is 

 known as the Beta vulgaris, of which 

 we have now several different varie- 

 ties entering into general cultivation 

 in this country. These are commonly 

 distinguished by their colours as red, 

 orange, yellow and by their shape, 

 which is either globular or oblong. 

 The following are those which are 

 generally selected : 



Long Red (fig. 1) is a productive va- 

 riety; root long, large, and fleshy; stands 

 well (about one -third) out of the 

 ground, but requires a deep friable soil 

 for its development. The top is full 

 and bushy; midrib and veins of leaves 

 tinged with red. 



Red Globe resembles the preceding 

 in the 1 colour of its root and of its leaves. It is generally 

 less productive, and better suited for the shallower class 

 of soils. 



