40 ON FEEDING CATTLE WITH PARSK'EPSv 



Thewctleaves when wet, are so caustic as to blister the hands of th6 

 caustic. weeders, and sometimes to occasion a violent iuilanimation 



in the eyes and udders of the cattle feeding upon them. 



Goo(i. food for Cows fed on parsneps in the winter raonllis give a greater 



quantity of milk and butter, and of b«tter flavour* t\v^ti 



those fed upon potatoes. The butter is nearly equal to that 



from spring grass. Though the root of this plant has the 



quality of improving that article, it must be observed, that 



^ the leaves give it a very disagreeable taste, which however 



is of no consequence when intended to be potted, as it goes 



off in a short time. 



Bad for br«d- Parsneps are dangerous food for sows before they farrow, 



bifi^g^d to ^"^ might occasion them to lose their litter. Hogs may 



fatten faogs, be fattened with them in about six weeks. It is the custom 



during that time, to thicken their swill with the meal of 



beans and oats ground together. Pork fattened in this way 



is very firm, and does not waste in boiling. 



or horned cat- Horned cattle may be fattened with parsneps in about 



^®> three months. I never knew them used for sheep. 



uhichare It is the general opinion in the island, that hogs or cattle 



d"b*^ i"^^"'^ ^^^ ^^ parsneps may be brought to a condition for slaugh-* 



tering, in less time, and with half the quantity, that would 



be required of potatoes. The butchers are sensible of the 



superiority of the former, and will give a halfpenny per 



pound more for cattle fattened with them, than for such 



as have been fed any other way. Upon inquiry I was in» 



formed, they always contained a greater quantity of 



tallow. 



This I believe to be a full account of the culture and 

 use of the parsnep, and a just comparison with th(^ 

 potato. 



1 remain. Sir, 



Your most obedient humble servant, 



CHARLES LE HARDY, 



VI. 



