190 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



good crops are generally harvested ; they can take the place of 

 early vegetables, thus securing two crops from the same piece of 

 land in one season, which, with small farmers, is an important con- 

 sideration. It generally takes the place of early potatoes and 

 peas, and is often sown broadcast among corn when it is being 

 hoed the last time, interfering very little with the growth of the 

 corn, as the turnip grows almost wholly after the corn has become 

 full. Thus the only actual cost of this crop is the harvesting. 

 They are consumed during the fall and early winter. I know of 

 no experiment having been made by farmers in the county to test 

 their feeding properties in comparison with the carrot, but it is 

 generally considered that as a food for milch cows, they cause a 

 yield as large in quantity, but not of so good a quality. 



The mangold wurzel, or field beet, is not generally cultivated. 

 It needs a deep, rich soil, and heavy manuring. It contains about 

 as much nutritive matter as turnips, and produces a heavier crop 

 per acre. It will keep into April, and forms one of the best 

 articles for milch cows, and in fact for all farm stock, that can be 

 raised. Its culture should receive more attention among the farm- 

 ers of the county. 



The sugar beet and parsnip are occasionally grown, and arc both 

 nutritious and wholesome, either as a food for man or beast. 



From my own observations, I am led to believe that the growing 

 of some of the above mentioned roots should be a prominent fea- 

 ture upon every farm in the county, where stock of any kind is 

 kept. At present, their cultivation is somewhat limited, and even 

 many extensive farmers raise only enough for consumption in their 

 own families, at the same time being unaware of their full value 

 for the purpose of feeding out to stock. During the long and 

 severe winters usually experienced in the county, they furnish that 

 nourishment which is peculiarly fitted for stock obliged to be kept 

 on dry forage, serving to promote their thrift and health, and also 

 aflbrding a necessary change in their food, which is so indispen- 

 sable to their best condition. 



It is also important that each farmer should know from actual 

 trial, something of the feeding and keeping qualities of the vari- 

 ous kinds, not only that he may have a succession of them, but 

 that he may find out the most profitable variety to cultivate and 

 also which is best suited to his own soil. 



