THE BEET. 9 



is seldom 'symmetrical in its form ; for, though it has 

 but few straggling side-roots, it is generally 

 more or less bent and distorted. Skin smooth, 

 very deep or blackish purple. Flesh dark 

 blood-red, sweet, tender, and fine-grained, while 

 the root is young and small, but liable to be 

 tough and fibrous when full grown. Leaves 

 small, erect. 



This beet, like the Common Long Blood, is 

 a popular winter sort, retaining its color well 

 when boiled. It is of larger size than the last 

 named, grows more above the surface of the 

 ground, and has fewer fibrous and accidental 

 small side-roots. While young, it compares 

 favorably with the old variety ; but, when full 

 grown, can hardly be said to be much superior. 

 To have the variety in its greatest perfection 

 for winter use, the seed should not be sown 

 before the 10th of June, as the roots of this, 

 as well as those of nearly all the table varieties, 

 are much more tender and succulent when 

 rapidly grown, and of about two-thirds their 

 full size. 



Improved 

 Long Blood Beet. 



The roots of this familiar variety are pro- 

 duced within the earth. They are long, taper- Long Blood, 

 ing, and slender, and vary in size according to LONQ M BLOOD. 

 the depth and richness of the soil. Skin dark- 

 purple, sometimes purplish-black. Flesh deep blood-red, 

 fine-grained, and sugary, retaining its color well after being 

 boiled. 



It is one of the most popular of winter beets ; but, for 

 late keeping, the seed should not be sown before the middle 

 of June, as the roots, when large, are frequently tough and 

 fibrous. 



The Improved Long Blood is a variety of this, and has, to 



