170 



Boot Crops 



form of B. vulgaris var. perennis. Linn. (B. mai^itima, Linn. 

 B. vulgaris var. maritima, Kocb), of tlie sea-coasts of western 

 Europe, a very different looking plant, perennial, witli long 

 hard thick-branclied root, smaller leaves, and many prostrate 

 or decumbent stems. The evolution of the beet is a remark- 

 able example of modification, in which the whole habit and 

 habitat of the plant have been changed. The sugar-beet (B. 

 vulgaris var. saccliarifera, Alef.) is part of this modification. 

 The mangel-wurzel, or mangold of English and American writ- 

 ing, is another form of it. In North America the beet is 

 thought of in relation to its thick edible root, but another race 

 is developed in its leaves rather than in its roots. We may 

 therefore distinguish the leaf -beet and the root-beet; in Eng- 

 land the latter is known as beet-root; in France the leaf- 

 beets are known as poire. 



Var. Cicia, Linn. Sp. PI. 222. Leaf-Beet. Root down- 

 ward, not developed into a fleshy edible part, sometimes 

 branched : leaves much developed, usually larger and broader 

 than in the common l;eet, sometimes 2 ft. long, the midrib 

 usually broad and often fleshy. Here belong the ornamental- 

 leaved beets and also the Swiss chard. The word Cicla refers 

 to Sicily. 



RADISH 



QuicJc and continuous growth, carefully selected seed, 

 rather cool weatJier for the early huncliing I'inds, protec- 

 tion from the root-maggot — these are prime considerations 

 in the growing of radishes. The radish is a partial-season 

 crop. It is easy to grow on ligJit fertile land. 



Radishes are usually sown as early in spring as the ground 

 is fit, even before the frosts are past. Sow in rows 6 to 12 

 in. apart, or farther apart if a wheel-hoe is to be used. 

 Cover % to % in. Thin 1 to 3 in. apart, depending on variety. 

 For family use, sow at intervals of 7 to 10 days. As the sea- 

 son advances, choose a cooler site, as a northern exposure. 



