400 



Storing Turnips. 



[OCT; 



siderably when stored in this way, and in spring possess a 

 well-developed top, which is considered excellent for the pro- 

 duction of milk. A dry well-sheltered stubble field, or a grass 

 field that it is intended to break up in spring, is selected, and in 

 October or early in November the roots are carted to it and 

 placed in a single layer in their natural position, without 

 topping or tailing. No protection is given, except along the 

 sides, against which a furrow is laid. The only drawback to 

 the system is that it entails the use of a large area of ground. 



7. A favourite system on the Borders, where turnips are 

 wanted for ewes in spring, is to cart the roots, with tops and 

 tails attached, to a grass or stubble field, on which they are 

 laid what may be called " cart-thick," that is to say, about 2 ft 

 deep. By means of a strong rake or muck-hawk the roots are 

 levelled out, care being taken to get the tops of the upper- 

 most roots on to the surface. A furrow run round the clamp 

 is sufficient protection. Roots stored in this way are found 

 to be specially juicy and fresh in spring, and this system 

 of storage has the additional advantage of being rapid and 

 economical. 



The following points should be generally observed in storing 

 turnips : — 



A dry open situation should be selected on which to place the 

 heaps. Although proximity to a wood or hedge may secure 

 shelter from cold wind, roots often keep much worse under such 

 circumstances than in an open exposed place. 



The roots should be dry and clean when carted. If topped 

 and tailed, the operation should be conducted so as to injure 

 the bulb as little as possible. 



The turnips should be well matured before storing.^ This is 

 indicated by the lower leaves being yellow. 



It is a good plan, weather permitting, to leave the'roots lying 

 in the field, after topping and tailing, for three or four days 

 before carting. This hardens the skin, and brings them into 

 better condition for storing. 



Unless frost threatens, soil should not be put on the heaps for 

 at least a week after the roots are carted. This permits of the 

 circulation of air and escape of moisture. 



A word of warning must be uttered as to the danger of 



