6 



to ine, however, that it might very well take the place of potatoes, and 

 its value as a food should not be underestimated. 



In order to get further information in regard to the growth and uses 

 of cassava in Florida, a circular was sent to as many addresses as could 

 be obtained of persons interested in its growth in that part of the State 

 suited to its culture. This circular asked for information in regard to 

 the time and method of planting, method of cultivation, kind of soil 

 and fertilizers, proper time, for harvesting, length of time the roots can 

 remain in the ground, the effect of frost on the plant, the yield of roots 

 per acre, their value as food, method of preparing for food and starch, 

 profit of cultivating, and the certainty of the crop. In all, about three 

 hundred answers were received to these questions. Some of these 

 answers stated that the crop was not grown in the part of the State 

 from which they were written. A few of the replies were unfavorable 

 in regard to the utility and value of the crop. Nearly all of them, 

 however, represented that the crop was a certain one, extremely valu- 

 able, and the roots an excellent food for man and beast. 



Many of the correspondents give rather full notes in regard to the 

 value of the crop and the localities in which it grows. In Florida it 

 seems to flourish in almost every part of the State. 



Mr. J. B. Pixton, of Ellerslie, Pasco County, writes: 



I found it growing profusely in Taylor County, this State, some y^ars since. The 

 roots were thicker than a man's arm and about 4 feet long. The settlers almost live 

 on it. 



Taylor County is in the northwestern part of the State, bordering on 

 the Gulf. The same writer says that in his locality it did not do so well 

 and that he could make nothing of it. 



Prentice Bailey, in an article in the Tropical Sun of February 1), 1803, 

 published in Juno, Dade County, says: 



I consider it superior to any root crop grown in this country. It is very produc- 

 tive; it has a remarkable immunity from drought, flood, and disease; it is easy to 

 harvest, easy of cultivation, a'.nl occup' .s th<- ground during the whole growing 

 season to the exclusion of noxious plants. The pork made from feeding it is solid 

 and delicate as chicken, and the lard is as firm as that of corn-fed hogs. It produces 

 a good flow of rich milk and a firm, golden butter. From 1 acre of cassava enough 

 roots may be obtained to fatten 10 hogs or feed 3 milch cows during the entire year. 



Mr. Bailey statea that in his opinion it can be grown as far north as 

 Atlanta, Ga., in which opinion, however, I am unable to concur, as pre- 

 ponderating testimony goes to show that the plant will not do well in 

 localities subject to heavy frosts. 



Mr. Fred W. Inman, of Winter Haven, Polk County, says: 



There is no better food for stock, especially during the winter months. I have fed 

 my cows, mules, horses, hogs, and poultry upon it every season for the past six 

 years. It fattens better than corn. There is nothing grown in this country that 

 can compare with it. It has no enemy but frost. I esteem this crop one of the most 

 essential as well as profitable that the Florida farmer can grow. It furnishes food 

 for my stock, poultry, etc., for about nine months in the year. 



