the Parsnip, in botany, a genus of the digynia order, belonging to the pentandra clas of plants. There are only two species of this genus; the principal of which is the pastinaca sativa, or garden-parsnip: which is an exceeding fine sculent root. It is to be propagated by sowing the seeds in February or March, in a rich mellow soil, which must be deep dug, that the roots may be able to run deep without hindrance.

It is a common practice to sow carrots at the same time, upon the same ground with the parsnips; and if the carrots are designed to be drawn young, there is no harm in it. The parsnips, when they are grown up a little, must be thinned to a foot distance, and carefully kept clear of weeds. They are finest tasted just at the season when the leaves are decayed; and such as are desirous to eat them in spring should have them taken up in autumn, and preserved in sand. When the seeds are to be sown, some very strong and fine plants should be left four feet distance; and towards the end of August, or in the beginning of September, the seeds will be ripe: they must then be carefully gathered, and dried on a coarse cloth. They should always be sown the spring following; for they do not keep well.