58 
D. M. FERRY & CO’S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 
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 fea, 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 
and more symmetrical. There are a great many varieties, but our list comprises the best for the garden and farm. 
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 overcrowd¬ 
ing 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 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 sometimes af¬ 
fected by the root maggot and the flea beetle. Among the remedies employed for 
the maggot are the application of a carbonic acid emulsion, or of sand and kerosene, 
or of bisulphide 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 mixture, 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 sufficiently deep to keep out frost. 
l\>r:i~ M This variety is remarkably early. The tops 
JLXtra Harly White Milan are very small, strap leaved, upright and 
compact, so that rows can be planted close together. The roots are (dear 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; Va Lb. 40c; Lb. $1.25 
Extra Early Purple Top Milan f^'pT 
flatter and an attractive purple-red on the upper portion. Well adapted for 
forcing. All in all. the Milan turnips leave nothing more to he desired in the way 
of an extra early garden turnip. Pkt. 5c; Oz. 15c; 2 Oz. 25c; Va Lb. 40c; Lb. $1.25 
\i/L; f An carl >% oval or egg-shaped variety with smooth, clear white 
W niie Cgg 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, finegrained and sweet. The roots of this quick grow- 
»r use are usually about two inches in diameter and about three and one-naif inches 
Extra Early Purple Top Milan 
ing garden sort when in best condition for 
long. Pkt. 5c; Oz. 10c; 2 Oz. 15c; Va Lb. 25c; Lb. 75c. 
Farlv Whit** Flat DntrVi Stran I povprl A very early, white turnip, extensively used for the table, especially 
H<ariy vv mie ridL l/uicii, oirap Leaveu m the southern states. The leaves are entire, toothed on the margin 
but not divided or lobed, and are upright in grow'th. The roots are of medium size, flat, very white fleshed, fine grained and 
sw'eet. 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. IScUALb. 25c; Lb. 75c. 
Early Purple Top, Strap Leaved 
used for the table. The leaves are few, entire, upright in growth. The 
roots are fiat, of medium size, purple or dark red above ground, white 
below. The flesh is 
white, fine grained 
and tender. Roots 
when in best condi¬ 
tion for table use are 
about two and one- 
half inches in diam¬ 
eter, 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; y 4 Lb. 25c; 
Lb. 75c. 
Purple T op 
White Globe 
This excellent table 
variety is globular in 
shape, of good size 
and very attractive 
appearance. The roots are large, purple or dark red above ground, white 
below. The flesh is w hite, 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. 5c; Oz. 10c; 2 Oz. 15c; Va Lb. 25c; Lb. 75c. 
it i ijn •, This variety is clear white, except a 
LOW Horn OP Long W 11110 littie 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 
well flavored, and for table use is in best condition when the roots are 
about two inches in diameter. Desirable for stock feeding and has ob¬ 
tained considerable favor as a market sort. The variety is of very rapid 
growth and well adapted for fall and early winter use. Pkt. 5c; Oz. 10c; 
2 Oz. 15c; Va Lb. 25c; Lb. 75c. Early Purple Top, Strap Leaved 
Early White Flat Dutch, Strap Leaved 
