HOW IT SHOULD BE GROWN. 47 



the same as for turnips, only requiring a great 

 amount of extra care and attention. The ground 

 cannot be too carefully hoed and weeded, and a 

 systematic hunt for caterpillars and other insects 

 must be kept up. For this purpose flocks of 

 turkeys are frequently turned into the plantation 

 to thrive on the insects which would otherwise 

 destroy the plant. 



The effects of frosts may be warded off by 

 protecting the plants with grass and branches, 

 and smoky fires may be lit on the edge of the 

 field whence the wind blows. All such precau- 

 tions are fully repaid by the value of the crop 

 which they preserve from harm. 



The growing plants should be kept very clean, 

 all dead or soiled lower leaves carefully taken off, 

 as also all suckers. 



"When the sprout, or beginning of the flower, 

 appears at the top of the stem, it must be pinched 

 off ; this topping of the plant prevents it attain- 

 ing more than a moderate height (from two to 

 three and a half feet), and keeps all the strength 

 of the sap in the leaves. 



A few plants may be allowed to flower for the 

 sake of the seed. 



In September the leaves are ripe, and when 



