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 
bv 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 llavor 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 ila vor b >' soi1 ’ climate, and mode of culture. The Turnip plant is 
distinguished from the Ruta liaga 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-lialf to two feet apart according to the size of the variety ami 
cover one-half inch deep, or sow’ broadcast, but in either case be surn 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 titne to grow’ to sufficient 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 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 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 the 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 preparat ion such as black leaf 40, or by sprinkling with 
Baris 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 sufficiently deep to keep out frost. 
Extra Early White Milan 
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 early use, especially for forcing. Pkt. 5c: Oz. 15c: 
2 Oz. 25c; V4 Lb. 40c; Lb. $1.50 
Extra Early Purple Top Milan 
are a litte flatter and an attractive purple-red on the upper portion. Well 
adapted for forcing. All in all. the 31ilan turnips leave nothing more to be 
desired in the way of 
Early White Flat Dutch, Strap Leaved 
Early Purple Top, Strap Leaved 
an extra early garden 
turnip. Pkt.5c; Oz. 15c; 
2 Oz. 25c; Vi Lb. 40c; 
Lb. $1.50 
White Egg ova! a 'or 
egg-shaped variety with 
smooth,clearwhite 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-lialf inches 
long. Pkt. 5c; Oz. 10c; 2 Oz. 15c; Vi Lb. 25c; Lb. 80c. 
Early White Flat Dutch, Strap Leaved turnip! extensively 
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; Vi Lb. 25c; Lb. 75c. 
i-io i t* Ci I J A very early strap leaved va* 
Larly rurple 1 op, otrap Leaved riety, 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 
ll. sh 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 larger for stock feeding. This sort is also known as Early Red Top, 
Strap Leaved. Pkt. 5c; Oz. 10c; 2 Oz. 15c; 1 /a Lb. 25c; Lb. 75c. 
n it tin *i L This excellent table variety is globular 
r Urple X Op W lllte Valobe in shape, of good size and very attractive 
appearance. The roots are large, purple or dark red above ground, white 
below. The flesh is white, fin© 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. 5c; Oz. 10c; 2 Oz. 15c; Vi Lb. 25c; Lb. 80c. 
Purple Top White Globe 
