Part II. 
CHAPTER XIII. 
ROOT CROPS. 
OOT crops are usually grown in drills 
and are not ordinarily transplanted. 
They are hardy and require little skill 
in the gardener, but they need a cool season and 
deep soil so as to grow long, firm and well 
shaped. The quicker they grow the better the 
quality, so that in the north it is necessary 
to warm the soil with stable manure and have 
it in good condition. Good tilth helps quick 
growth and therefore improves the quality; 
so that it rests with the gardener to make his 
root crops among the first and the best in the 
market. The price of a root crop depends al- 
most entirely upon its looks, so have as few side 
roots as possible, and cut off those that may 
develop in spite of care. Forked or branched 
roots should not be mixed in when we market, 
for even a few such specimens lessen the price 
of all. 
Early crops, such as radishes, beets, carrots 
and turnips, are sold in bunches of 6 to 12. All 
in the bunch should be of the same size and shape 
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