148 FARM-GARDENING AND SEED-GROAVING. 



Harvesting and Storing. The roots should be pulled 

 about the middle of November, topped and put away as 

 directed in the chapter on storing for winter, always being 

 careful not to cut away the heart of such as arc intended 

 for producing seed. 



Seed, Turnips for seed must be set out as early as the 

 ground can be worked, to insure a full crop. 



They do not require very rich ground ; that which has 

 been manured the previous season will not need any more 

 fertilizing. When not in a fair state of fertility, apply 

 bone-flour in the rows, a good handful to about fifteen 

 roots, before covering. The best crop of turnip seed I 

 ever raised was manured in this manner. The ground 

 should be loamy and well plowed and harrowed. Mark 

 out light furrows three feet apart, and with a dibble set 

 the turnips fifteen inches apart, fastening the tap-root. 



Cover with earth over the whole root, leaving the 

 sprouts above ground. 



They will soon start to grow, when they must be culti- 

 vated and hoed, and when they commence to blossom run 

 the ridge-plow through and draw the earth about the 

 roots to support them against storms. When ripe, which 

 may be known by many of the pods becoming dry, the 

 whole may be cut with shears or sickles. This must be 

 done early in the morning, while the dew is still on, to 

 prevent shelling out. When the whole is dry, carry in, 

 thrash, and clean, as directed for cabbage seed. Avoid 

 growing any two varieties near each other, and especially 

 the Euta-Baga near cabbage seed, as they readily mix. 



The seed is good for four years. 



Varieties, The varieties are numerous, though but few 

 arc grown for market. 



Strap Leaf Early White Dutch, Bulb medium size ; 

 flat, white, greenish above ground; leaves narrow and 

 few; valuable only for early use. 



