Skirving's Improved Purple-top. Skirving's Liverpool. Southold Turnip, of some localities.
Bulb ovoid, or regularly turbinate, and rather deeper in proportion to its diameter than the common Purple-top Yellow; surface remarkably smooth and even, with few fibrous roots, and seldom deformed by larger accidental roots, although, in unfavorable soils or seasons, a few coarse roots are put forth in the vicinity of the tap-root; size full medium,—five to seven inches in length, and four or five inches in diameter. Sometimes, when sown early in good soil, and harvested late, the average will considerably exceed these dimensions. Neck short, but, when grown in poor soil, comparatively long; skin, above ground, fine, deep purple,—below ground, yellow,—the colors often richly blending together at the surface; flesh yellow, of solid texture, sweet, and well flavored.
This variety was originated by Mr. William Skirving, of Liverpool, Eng. In this country it has been widely disseminated, and is now more generally cultivated for table use and for stock than any other of the Swede varieties. The plants seldom fail to form good-sized bulbs. It is a good keeper; is of more than average quality for the table; and long experience has proved it one of the best sorts for cultivation on land that is naturally shallow and in poor condition. On soils in a high state of cultivation, upwards of nine hundred bushels have been obtained from an acre.
In sowing, allow twenty inches between the rows, and thin to ten or twelve inches in the rows.
Sweet German.
Sweet German.
Bulb four or five inches in diameter, six or seven inches in depth, turbinate, sometimes nearly fusiform. In good soil and favorable seasons, it is comparatively smooth and regular; but, under opposite conditions, often branched and uneven. Neck two or three inches in length; skin greenish-brown above ground, white beneath; flesh pure white, of extraordinary solidity, very sweet, mild, and well flavored.
It retains its solidity and freshness till spring, and often at midsummer has no appearance of sponginess or decay. As a table variety, it must be classed as one of the best, and is recommended for general cultivation.
