l, producing its roots almost entirely
above ground; only a small portion growing within the earth. Root long
and slender, two feet and a half in length, and nearly three inches in
diameter at its broadest part; often grooved or furrowed lengthwise, and
almost invariably bent and distorted,--the effect either of the wind, or
of the weight of its foliage. Flesh greenish white, circled with red at
the centre. Leaves of medium size, green, erect; the leaf-stems and
nerves pale red or rose color.

It derives its different names from its various contorted forms;
sometimes resembling a horn, and often assuming a shape not unlike that
of a serpent.

The variety is much esteemed and extensively cultivated in some parts of
Europe, although less productive than the White Sugar or Long Red Mangel
Wurzel.

EARLY MANGEL WURZEL.

Early Scarcity. Disette Hative. _Vil._

Aside from its smaller size, this variety much resembles the Common Red
Mangel Wurzel. Root contracted towards the crown, which rises two or
three inches above the surface of the soil, and tapering within the
earth to a regular cone. Skin purplish rose, deeper colored than that of
the last named. Flesh white, circled or zoned with pale red. Leaves
spreading, green; the leaf-stems rose-colored.

It is remarkable for the regular and symmetrical form of its roots,
which grow rapidly, and, if pulled while young, are tender, very sweet,
and well flavored. Planted the last of June, it makes a table-beet of
more than average quality for winter use.

When sown early, it attains a comparatively large size, and should have
a space of twenty inches between the rows; but, when sown late, fifteen
inches between the rows, and six inches between the plants in the rows,
will afford ample space for their development.

EARLY BLOOD TURNIP-ROOTED.

Early Turnip Beet.

[Illustration: Early Blood Turnip-rooted]

The roots of this familiar variety are produced almost entirely within
the earth, and measure, when of average size, from four inches to four
and a half in depth, and about four inches in diameter. Form turbinate,
flattened, smooth, and symmetrical. Neck small, tap-root very slender,
and regularly tapering. Skin deep purplish-red. Flesh deep blood-red,
sometimes circled and rayed with paler red, remarkably sweet and tender.
Leaves erect, not very numerous, and of a deep-red color, sometimes
inclining to green; but the stems and nerves always of a deep brilliant
re