292 



TURNIP. 



hardy nature, is extensively cultivated in fields for cattle , 

 it is also occasionally raised in gardens for the table, to use 

 in vvdnter and spring. 



Seed estimate. — For a seed-bed four feet and a half by 

 twenty-four, the plaiits to remain and be thinoed to seven- 

 inches' distance, half an ounce. 



Tiine of sowing, — Make iirst a small sowing of some of 

 the early sorts, in the last fortnight of Ma*rch or the first days 

 of April, for turnips in May and June ; but, as these will 

 run to seed the same season, make a larger sowing about 

 the middle of April. The first considerable sowing may be 

 about the middle or towards the end of May, for roots to 

 draw young about the end of June, and in full growth in 

 July and August. The principal sowing should be about 

 the middle of July. " Doing it on a set day is ridiculous ; 

 for a time should be chosen when the ground has the right 

 degree of moisture to make the seed vegetate; and if this 

 should happen a week earlier or a fortnight later than the 

 usual time, it need not be regretted ; but the opportunity 

 ought to be embraced.'' — Abercrombie, They may be sown 

 to advantage in New England as late as the first week in 

 August; and those w^hich are put into the ground so late 

 will be less liable to be injured by insects than when sown 

 earlier. 



Soil and situation. — Sand or gravel, with a mixture of 

 loam, produce the sweetest and best flavoured roots. It 

 should be made fine, but not too rich, lest the turnips be 

 rank and ill tasted. Ground which has been newly cleared 

 from the forest yields the largest and sweetest roots ; and 

 on such spots there is least danger from insects. " Next 

 to new land, swarded ground is to be chosen for a crop of 

 turnips ; and the way to prepare it is, to plough it pretty 

 deep in the spring, and fold it by turning in the stock for a 

 good number of nights ; for there is scarcely any of 

 fields sufficiently rich to produce turnips without manuring; 

 and folding hitherto appears to be the best method of en- 

 riching the ground for this purpose. It should be well 

 harrowed as often as once a week, while the folding is con- 

 tinued, to mix the excrements of the cattle with the soiL'^ 

 — Deane. 



Process m sowing^ and precautions against the fly, — " Let 

 the ground be well broken by regular digging, and neatly 

 levelled to receive the seed. Procure bright, well dried 

 seed. At a season when the turnip-fly is not apprehended, 

 the seed may be put into the ground without any prepara- 



