File:The field and garden vegetables of America (Page 92) (6002637620).jpg

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ESCULENT ROOTt
White French.
Long White French.
The roots of this variety are produced entirely within the
earth. They are invariably fusiform ; and, if well grown,
measure four or five inches- in diameter,
and from eight to ten inches in length.
Foliage not abundant, spreading ; skin
white ; flesh white, solid, mild, sweet, and
delicate. It is not so productive as some
other varieties, and is therefore not so
well adapted to field culture ; but for ta-
ble use it is surpassed by few, if any, of
its class.
A rough-leaved, fusiform-rooted variety
of the common garden-turnip : is known
by the name of " White French " in many
localities ; but, according to the most relia-
ble authority, that name has not only long
been used in connection with, but pro-
perly belongs to, the white turnip above
described.
White French.
SALSIFY, OR OYSTER-PLANT.
Leek-leaved Salsify. Vegetable Oyster. Purple Goat's Beard.
Tragopogon porrifolius.
The Salsify is a hardy biennial plant, and is principally
cultivated for its roots, the flavor of which resembles that of
the oyster ; whence the popular name.
The leaves are long and grass-like, or leek-like ; the roots
are long and tapering, white within and without, and, when
grown in good soil, measure twelve or fourteen inches in
length, and rather more than an inch in diameter at the