ROOTS. 177 



weather ; and in those sections of the country not affected by 

 severe frosts, when on dry soils, they may be allowed to win- 

 ter on the field. Otherwise, they should be pulled during 

 the clear autumnal weather. This is accomplished most 

 expeditiously with a root hook, which is made with two or 

 more iron prongs attached to a hoe-handle. The use of a 

 bill hook or sharp knife will enable the operator to lop off 

 the leaves with a single blow, when they are thrown 

 into convenient piles, and afterwards collected for storage. 



The Storing may be in cellars or in heaps, similar to po- 

 tatoes, but in a cooler temperature, as slight heat injures 

 them, while frost does not. If stored in heaps, one or more 

 holes should be left at the top, which may be partially 

 stopped by a wisp of hay or straw, to allow the escape of 

 the gases which are generated. 



The feeding of Ruta-Bagas to cattle and sheep is always 

 in their uncooked state. They are better steamed or boiled 

 for swine ; but food for these, should be sought from the 

 more fattening products of the farm. They may be fed to 

 horses in moderate quantities, but they cannot be relied upon 

 for them, as they are too bulky for working animals. Their 

 place is much better supplied for horses, by the carrot or 

 potato. Their true value is as food for store and fattening 

 cattle, milch cows and sheep, as they furnish a salutary 

 change from dry hay ; being nearly equivalent as fodder, to 

 green summer food. They should be washed before feeding, 

 if too much dirt adheres to them ; but if grown on a light 

 soil, the tap roots lopped off, and otherwise properly cleaned, 

 they will not require it. They may be sliced with a heavy 

 knife, or more summarily cut up while lying on the barn- 

 floor, with a sharp spade, or root slicer, which is made with 

 a socket handle and two blades crossing each other in, the 

 centre at right angles, or by some of the numerous improved 

 cutting machines. With an abundance of turneps and a 

 small supply of straw, hay may be entirely dispensed with 

 for cattle and sheep, except during very cold weather. 

 Many of the best English breeds, are kept exclusively on 

 turneps with a little straw, till ready for the shambles. 



The varieties of turneps are numerous. After selecting 

 such as will give the largest crop of the most nutritous roots, 

 the next object in the choice of particular varieties, should 

 be to adapt them to the most economical use. Some will 

 keep much longer than others, and if wanted to feed late in 

 the season, it maybe necessary to take a variety, intrinsically 



