Bulb turbinate, smooth, and symmetrical. The skin above ground is of a fine, clear, pea-green; often browned or mellowed where exposed to the direct influence of the sun: below the surface of the ground, it is uniformly white. The flesh is also white, comparatively solid, very sweet, and of fair quality for table use. It differs from the Purple-top White, not only in color, but in size and quality; the bulbs being larger, and the flesh not quite so firm or well flavored.
The Green-top White is productive; continues its growth till the season has far advanced; is little affected by severe weather; and, when sown in good soil, will yield an agricultural crop of twenty-five or thirty tons to an acre.
Laing's Improved Purple-Top. Law. and Gen. Farmer.
This variety differs from most, if not all, of the varieties of Swedish turnips, in having entire cabbage-like leaves, which, by their horizontal growth, often nearly cover the surface of the ground. In form, hardiness, and quality, it is fully equal to any of the other sorts. Growing late in the autumn, it is not well adapted to a climate where the winter commences early. It has little or no tendency to run to seed in the fall; and even in the spring, when set out for seed, it is a fortnight later in commencing this function than other varieties of Ruta-bagas. It requires good land, in high condition; and, under such circumstances, will yield abundantly, and is worthy of cultivation. The bulb, when well grown, has an almost spherical form; a fine, smooth skin, purple above ground, yellow below, with yellow, solid, and well-flavored flesh.
Purple-Top White.
Bulb oblong, tapering toward the lower extremity, five or six inches in diameter, seven or eight inches in depth, and less smooth and regular than many of the yellow-fleshed varieties. The skin is of a clear rich purple, where it comes to air and light, but, below the ground, pure white; flesh white, very solid and fine-grained, sugary, and well flavored.
The variety is hardy, productive, keeps remarkably well, is good for table use, and may be profitably grown for agricultural purposes. Upwards of twenty-eight tons, or nine hundred and sixty bushels, have been raised from an acre.
River's.
Root regularly turbinate, or fusiform, of full medium size, smooth, and with few small or fibrous roots; neck two inches long; skin, above ground, green, washed with purplish-red where most exposed to the sun,—below ground, yellow; flesh yellow, firm, sweet, and well flavored. Esteemed one of the best, either for stock or the table. Keeps fresh till May or June.
Skirving's Purple-Top.