D. M. FERRY & CO., DETROIT, MICH. 



66 



TURNIP 



The value of Turnips and Ruta Bagas for feeding stock iu fall and winter is not fully appreciated, as they are much liked 



.by all kinds of stock and serve to keep them in good condition. They should not be fed, however, in large quantities to milch 



cows, or the tlavor of the milk will be disagreeably affected. We recummend that farmers increase their sowings largely, for 



we are sure the crop will prove remunerative for stock feeding as well as for table use when the roots are comparatively small. 

 Both of these wholesome vegetables are vei-y easily affected in their form 



and tlavor by soil, climate, and mode of culture. The Turnip plant is 



distinguished from the Ruta Baga by its rougher leaves; the root usually 



matures earlier and is smoother. 



For summer use sow early in spring in light, rich or new soil, in drills 



one and one-half to two feet apart according to the size of the variety and 



cover one-half inch deep, or sow broadcast, but in either case be sure to 



have the ground rich and freshly stirred. Thin early and keep free from 



weeds so that the young plants will not be checked in growth. Any over- 

 crowding will result in rough and poorly flavored roots. It is important to 



get the spring and summer crop started very early so that the turnips may 



have time to gi-ow to safflcient size before hot weather causes them to 



become tough and bitter. 



In the middle and western states sow for fall and main crop from the 



middle of June to the fiist of August and in the manner given for spring 



sov\iug. In the field, turnips are often Sown broadcast, though in most cases 



better results are obtained by drill cuhure: good results from broadcast 



sowing are often obtained on new and burned over land where the weeds 



are not likely to be troublesome. 



Especially where not properly sown and cultivated, turnips are some- 

 times affected by the 

 root maggot and tlie flea 

 beetle. Among the rem- 

 edies employed for the 

 maggot are the applica- 

 tion of a carbolic acid 

 emulsion, or of sand and 

 kerosene, or of bisul- 

 phide of carbon to the 

 soil about the roots when 



small. A preventive that is considered much better is a rotation of crops. 

 The flea beetle may be checked by spraying the plants with Bordeaux mix- 

 ture, or a nicotine preparation such as black leaf 40, or by sprinkling with 

 Paris green diluted with land plaster in the ratio by bulk of one to fifty. 



For winter keeping, store the turnips in a cool cellar and cover with sand 

 or turf to keep them fresh. Another method is to put them in a pit dug 

 in dry soil where there will be no danger of water standing and to cover 

 with straw overlaid with earth suflflciently deep to keep out frost. 



P , 17 1 \X7U*#. 1VI*1 This variety is remarkably early. The 



HXtra. Ilia.riy Wnite lVilla.i1 tops are very small, strap leaved, up- 

 right and compact, so that rows can be planted close together. The roots 

 are clear white, very smooth, flat and are of best quality when only about 

 two inches in diameter. The flesh is clear white, mild, sweet and tender. 

 Very desirable for eai'ly use, especially for forcing. Pkt. Sc; Oz. 15c; 

 2 Oz. 25c; V4 Lb. 40c; Lb. $1.50 

 17 . C 1 T> IT" A/f •! Similar to Extra Early White 



Lxtra Larly rurple Top Milan Milan except that the roots 



are a litte flatter and an attractive purple-red on the upper portion. Well 

 adapted for forcing. All in all., the Milan turnips leave nothing more to be 



desired in the way of 



an extra early garden 

 turnip. Pkt. 5c; Oz. 15c; 

 2 Oz. 25c; 1/4 Lb. 40c; 

 Lb. $1.50 



Early White Flat Dutch, Strap Leaved 



White Egg ^v\r'^"' 



Early Purple Top, Strap Leaved 



or 

 egg-shaped variety with 

 smooth, clear white roots 

 of medium size which 

 grow half out of the 

 ground. The tops are 

 small with leaves dis- 

 tinctly cut. The flesh is clear white, firm, fine grained and sweet. The 

 roots of this quick growing garden sort when in best condition for use are 

 usually about two inches in diameter and about three and one-half inches 

 long. Pkt. 5c; Oz. 10c; 2 Oz. 15c; y4Lb. 25c; Lb. 80c. 



Early White Flat Dutch, Strap Leaved turn/^ Sti^slve^y 



used for the table, especially in the southern states. The leaves are entire, 

 toothed on the margin but not divided or lobed, and are upright in growth. 

 The roots are of medium size, flat, very white fleshed, fine grained and sweet. 

 The roots when in best condition for table use are about two and one-half 

 inches in diameter. This variety is also grown as a field crop. Pkt. 5c; 

 Oz. 10c; 2 Oz. 15c; V4 Lb. 25c; Lb. 75c. 



Early Purple Top, Strap Leaved rlety, very extensively used 

 for the table. The leaves are few, entire, upright in growth. The roots are 

 flat, of medium size, purple or dark red above ground, Avhite below. The 

 flesh is white, fine grained and tender. Roots when in best condition for 

 table use are about two and one-half inches in diameter but can be grown 

 much larr^er for stock feeding. This sort is also known as Early Red Top, 

 Strap Leaved. Pkt. 5c; Oz. 10c; 2 Oz. 15c; V4 Lb. 25c; Lb. 75c. 



o IT" Xiri.**. r^l 1- "T^is excellent table variety is globular 

 rurple 1 op W lute ValObe in shape, of good size and very attractive 

 appearance. The roots are large, purple or dark red above ground, white 

 below. The fiesh is white, fine grained and tender. The roots when in best 

 condition for the taMe are about three inches in diameter, but can be grown 

 much larger for stock feeding. This sort keeps well for so early a variety 

 and is one of the best for market use. It is also known as Red Top White 

 Globe. Pkt. 5c; Oz. 10c; 2 Oz. 15c; V4 Lb. 25c; Lb. 80c. 



Purple Top White Globe 



