46 ESCULENT ROOTS. 



The bulbs or roots are fully developed during the first 

 year. The plant flowers, and produces its seed, the second 

 year, and then perishes. Although considered hardy, 

 not being affected by even severe frosts, none of the 

 varieties will withstand the winters of the Northern or 

 Middle States in the open ground. The crop should there- 

 fore be harvested in October or November, and stored for 

 the winter out of danger from freezing. Most of the sorts 

 now cultivated retain their freshness and solidity till spring, 

 and some even into the summer ; requiring no particular 

 care in their preservation, other than that usually given to 

 the Carrot or the Potato. 



Soil and Cultivation. All the varieties succeed best in 

 a deep, well - enriched, mellow soil, which, previous to 

 planting, should be very deeply ploughed, and thoroughly 

 pulverized by harrowing or otherwise. Some practise 

 ridging, and others sow in simple drills. The ridges are 

 usually formed by turning two furrows against each other, 

 and, being thus made, are about two feet apart. If sown 

 in simple drills, the surface should be raked smooth, and 

 the drills made from sixteen to eighteen inches apart ; the 

 distance to be regulated by the strength of the soil. 



Seed and Sowing. About one pound of seed is usually 

 allowed to an acre. Where the rows are close, rather 

 more than this quantity will be required ; while three- 

 fourths of a pound will be amply sufficient if sown on 

 ridges, or where the drills are eighteen inches apart. The 

 sowing may be made from the middle of May to the 1st 

 of July ; the latter time being considered sufficiently early 

 for growing for the table, and by some even for stock. 

 Early sowings will, unquestionably, give the greatest 

 product; while the later-grown bulbs, though of smaller 

 dimensions, will prove of quite as good quality for the 

 table. 



The seeds are similar to those of the common garden and 

 field turnip, and will keep from five to eight years. 



