CHAPTER XII. 



SALSEFT, OR VEGETABLE OTSTEE. 



Tragapogon jpornfolius. 



The Salsify is a hardy biennial. It is cultivated 

 for its roots, which seldom grow larger than small- 

 sized Carrots or Parsnips. 



It will succeed best on a aeep, sandy loam, and 

 treated in every way like Carrots. The seeds, which 

 resemble an inferior quality of Oats, should be sown 

 in drills, in April, and thinned out to two inches 

 apart when the plants are well above ground. The 

 roots are hardy ; they may be left in the groimd during 

 the Winter, without injury. As they are used for 

 culinary purposes during the Winter and early Spring, 

 we dig them up in the Fall, and store them in trenches, 

 like Celery, where they keep in good condition until 

 wanted. 



Salsify is grown to a limited extent for market. 

 In preparing it for this purpose the fibrous roots and 

 dead leaves are removed ; it is then washed and tied 

 in bunches about the size of Asparagus bunches, 

 They usually bring one dollar and fifty cents a dozen 

 bunches. 



The Salsify is a favorite in the kitchen-garden, 

 and it is becoming more so every year. It is easily 

 grown. 



