favourable for the Grouith of Seed. 
G7 
tllstricts in preparing land for these crops, still all agree as to the 
condition ol" soil to be attained. These crops flourish on deep 
and free soils, and especially the turnip, which is far less calcu- 
lated for strong land than the swede. Upon soils which are 
naturally strong and adhesive, by good cultivation and manure 
luxuriant crops are grown ; but the great point still to be secured 
is that fineness and looseness in the condition of the soil which 
enables the roots of the plants to gather nourishment and make 
their growth. By ploughing the stronger class of soils before 
winter, and by active tillage in the spring of the year, these 
necessary conditions are secured, and thus the tenacious and 
adhesive qualities of many soils are for a time, at least, changed, 
and deep tilth is secured, well adapted for the extension of the 
roots in search of food and moisture. The lighter class of soils 
are brought into a proper mechanical condition with much less 
difficulty, so that, instead of the preparation having to be com- 
menced before winter, it is often found desirable to grow a crop 
of spring-feed upon the land, in the expectation that after it has 
been consumed, one or two ploughings will prove sufficient to 
prepare for the turnip-crop. It is by no means uncommon for 
the land to be prepared as if for being sown, fourteen or eighteen 
days in advance. The land in such cases is harrowed down fine 
and left in this condition, so that the seeds of any weeds may 
make a growth, which will be destroyed when the surface is 
moved in the sowing of the turnip-seed. 
Respecting the cleanness of the land and its friable condition 
as a preparation for these crops, there will be scarcely any 
difference of opinion ; but as regards the moisture of the land 
there will be considerable diversity observable : whilst some 
cultivators endeavour to get their soils as dry as possible, others 
regulate their proceedings so as best to preserve the moisture in 
the soil. Thus, in the practice just mentioned of working the 
land fine and leaving it undisturbed for a time, so that the seeds 
of weeds may sprout, some would plough the land up and let it 
dry for the reception of the seed, whilst others will be equally 
particular not to move it farther than by harrowing the surface, 
for fear of drying it. 
It is not only in this particular instance that there is such 
contiadictory practice, but it pervades all the preparation imme- 
diately preceding the sowing of the seed. I have had a fair share 
of experience in the growth of turnips and swedes, and have 
always found the dry seed-bed to be decidedly preferable. The 
cause is not difficult of explanation. When seed is deposited in 
a soil which has been properly cultivated and there is a moderate 
degree of moisture, it speedily germinates. The hot weather 
which we are accustomed to have at this time causes a rapid 
F 2 
