n. It is raised from seed, which should be sown
where the plants are to remain, as they do not bear transplanting well.
The sowing may be made in April, May, or the beginning of June: but
sometimes plants from very early sowings are liable to run up to seed;
and, when this is the case, the roots become tough, and unfit for use.
The ground should be well dug, and raked as fine as possible. The seed
may then be sown either broadcast or in drills, six inches apart, and
about one-fourth of an inch deep. As the seeds are very small, it is
advisable to mix them with fifteen or twenty times their bulk of fine
sand, in order to secure their even distribution in the drills, and to
prevent the plants from coming up too closely. The seed should only be
very slightly covered with fine earth; and the seed-bed ought to be
frequently watered with a fine-rosed watering-pot till the plants come
up, which will be in about a fortnight.

"When the young plants are about one inch high, they should be thinned
out to four inches apart. After this, no further care is necessary than
to water frequently, and to keep the ground free of weeds."--_Thomp._

_Taking the Crop._--The roots will be fit for use from October till
April. They may be taken from the ground for immediate use; or a
quantity may be taken up in autumn, before the closing-up of the
ground, and packed in sand, for use during the winter.

_To raise Seed._--Leave or transplant some of the best yearling plants,
and they will produce an abundance of seed in autumn.

_Use._--The roots have a pleasant, nut-like flavor; and are generally
eaten in their crude state as a salad. "The leaves, as well as the
roots, are occasionally used in winter salads."

* * * * *

RUTA-BAGA, OR SWEDE TURNIP.

Russian Turnip. French Turnip. Brassica campestris Ruta-baga. _De Cand._

The Ruta-baga, or Swede Turnip, is supposed by De Candolle to be
analogous to the Kohl Rabi; the root being developed into a large,
fleshy bulb, instead of the stem. In its natural state, the root is
small and slender; and the stem smooth and branching,--not much
exceeding two feet in height.

The bulbs, or roots, are fully developed during the first year. The
plant flowers, and produces its seeds, the second year, and then
perishes. Although considered hardy,--not being affected by even severe
frosts,--none of the varieties will withstand the winters of the
Northern or Middle States in t