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



65 



TURNIP 



The value of Turnips and Ruta Bagas for feeding stock in 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 flavor of the milk will be disagreeably affected. We recommend 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 very easily affected in their form and flavor 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 ilie variety and 

 cover one-half inch deep, or sow broadcast, but in either case be siire 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 grow to sufficient size befoie hot weather causes them 

 to become touj^h and bitter. 



In the middle and ^^ estern states sow for fall and main crop from the 

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

 sowing. In the field, turnips are often sown broadcast, though in most 

 cases better results are obtained by drill culture; good results from broad- 

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

 weeds aie not likely to be troublesome. 



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

 times affected by the root maggot and the flea beetle. Among the reji- 

 edies employed for the maggot ai-e the application of a carbolic acid emul- 

 si(jn, or of sand and kerosene, or of bisulphide of carbon to the soil 

 about the roots when small. A preventive that is considered much bettei- 

 is a rotation of crops. The flea beetle may be checked by spraying the 

 plants with Bordeaux mixture, or a nicotine prepaiation 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 staTuling and to' cover 

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



■7 . c 1 WTi'. n/i'i This variety is remarkably early 



Lxtra harly White Milan The tops are verysmall, strap leaved. 



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



roots are clear white, very smooth, fiat and are of best quality whenonl\ 



about two inches in diameter. The flesh is clear wliite, mild, sweet and 



tender. Very desirable for early use, especially for forcing. Pkt. 10c; Oz. 



15c; 2 0z. 25c; V4 Lb. 40c; Lb. $1.25 



17 m. CIO IT" Tl>»'l Similar to Extra Early "White 



bxtra Larly rurpie i op iVIilan Milan except that tiie roots 



are a little 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. 10c; 

 Oz. 15c; 2 Oz. 25c; V4 Lb. 40c; Lb. $1.25 



An early, oval 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 distinctly 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 usuallv about two inches in diameter and about three and one- 

 half inches long. "Pkt. 10c; Oz. 15c; 2 Oz. 20c; V4 Lb. 30c; Lb. $1.00 



Early White Flat Dutch, Strap Leaved turnip, ex^tJAsiveiy 



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 tleshed, 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. 10c; Oz. 15c; 2 Oz. 20c; V4 Lb. 25c; Lb. 75c. 



r-iin IT" Oj. f J^^ very early strap leaved 



barly rurpie 1 op, Strap Leaved variety, 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, white 

 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 btit 

 can be grown much larger for stock feeding. This sort is also known as 

 Early Red Top, Strap Leaved. Pkt. 10c; Oz. 15c; 2 Oz. 20c; V4 Lb. 25c; 

 Lb. 75c. 



r> IT" l»fl_*j. rf^l L This excellent table variety is globtilar 



rurpie 1 op W nite ialObe in shape, of good size and very attrac- 

 tive appearance. The loots are large, purple or dark red above ground, 

 white below. The flesh is white, fine grained and tender. The roots when 

 in best condition for the table 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. 10c;iOz. 15c; 2 Oz. 20c; V4 Lb. 25c; Lb. 80c. 



/-> «T f iirr'j. This variety is clear white, except a 



Low OOrn or L.Ong W nite llttle shade of green at the top of the 



root, which is long and carrot-like in form, cylindrical but usually ending in 

 a point, and slightly crooked. The roots are often twelve to fifteen inches 

 long by about two and one-half inches in diameter and grow about three 

 inches out of the ground. The flesh is fine grained and woU flavored, and 

 for table use is in best condition when the roots are about two inches in 

 diameter. Desirable for stock feeding and has obtained considerable favor 

 as a market sort. The variety is of very rapid growth and well adapted 

 for fall and early winter use. Pkt. 10c; Oz.l5c; 2 Oz. 20c; V4 Lb. 25c; Lb. 

 75c. 



Early Purple Top, Strap Leaved 



White Egg 



Purple Top White Globf 



