332 CULTURE OF FARM CROPS. 



pressing the soil closely round it by the foot, In 

 planting by the plough, two ploughs are used against the 

 side of the previously turned-over soil; the plants are 

 placed at proper distances, the second plough returning the 

 earth upon and enclosing them. Care is required to place 

 the plants at such a depth that they will not be com- 

 pletely covered by the second plough. 



132. When the beet-root is transplanted a more equal and 

 uniform crop is obtained; and less weeding and clearing 

 is required than when sown " in place," as it is termed. 



133. When the lower leaves become yellow, and the tops 

 begin to droop, the plants have reached their proper de- 

 velopment, and are ready to be taken up. This is done 

 either by the fork or by the plough. 



134. The Kold Rabi. This plant is one of the cabbage 

 tribe, belonging to the order cruciferse, genus brassica, and 

 the species is brassica caulo rapse. As a substitute for the 

 swede it has of late years become a somewhat important 

 crop, being singularly free from disease and not nearly so 

 liable to the attacks of insects as that root. It is also very 

 hardy, can stand severe frosts, is easily cultivated, is well 

 adapted for transplanting, and its feeding value is superior 

 to swedes. As seen in the plate attached to this volume, 

 the edible part of the root is in the middle portion between 

 the root and the leaves. There are two varieties of kohl 

 rabi cultivated, the " green " and the " purple ; " and of these 

 two sorts, the " oblong " and the "o-ound." Of these the 

 <c purple " is said to be the one best calculated to resist the 

 attacks of disease and of hard frost ; and the oblong shape 

 is the best. Some, however, have found the green and 

 round variety to give the best results; much, however, 

 will be found to depend upon the soil and other peculi- 

 arities. The land for the crop requires to be of good qua- 

 lity ; the best being that which is strong and heavy, even 

 approaching the condition of stiffish clay, although excel- 

 lent crops will be obtained from what is known as good 

 turnip soil. From the above it will be seen that the crop 



