General Notices. 



57 



larly on about 8 in. thick, with a slight dusting of lime. In this state it lay 

 till spring, exposed to the frost, when it was dug in. The seed was sown in 

 the usual manner, and at the proper time for producing a main crop. No- 

 thing out of the common routine of culture was given during the season. 

 I have since received a letter from Mr. Sherare, in which he states his 

 success to have been most complete. I have also received another letter 

 from a man of much experience, an eyewitness of the experiment, who 

 remarks, " that not only is the crop better than any in the county, but 

 greatly superior to any he ever saw in point of size, shape, and cleanness." 

 I am, Sir, yours, &c. — Ephebicus Horticultor. Bedford Nursery, Dec. 10. 

 1831. 



Agriculture. 



Ruta baga, or Yellow Siuedish Turnip. — An excellent variety is now grow- 

 ing on the farm of a friend of mine in this parish, which, in point of form and 

 quality, and, I believe, of weight per acre, as far exceeds any thing of the kind 

 I have ever seen before, as any cultivated vegetable exceeds the wild sorts. 

 You will be somewhat interested in this matter when I tell you that the seed 

 was procured from, and strongly recommended by your friend and con- 

 stant reader Mr. George Fenn, nursery and seedsman, of Beccles. A part 

 of the field had already been sown with Swedish turnip seed, raised from 

 transplanted stock by a neighbouring farmer ; but, as soon as Mr. Fenn's 

 seed arrived, the sowing of the first-mentioned seed was stopped, and the 

 remainder of the field finished with his stock. There was no great deal of 

 difference in the number of plants, except that Mr. Fenn's came up quicker, 

 and, though sown last, were first to the hoe. At the present time, a 

 stranger, judging of them from the road, would see considerable difference 

 between the two stocks ; and perhaps, from its greater rankness and heavier 



top, give the preference to the old sort. {fig. 25.) But his opinion would 

 change on closer examination : he would find the plants of this stock, in- 



