ROOT CROPS. 



53] 



Ripening. 

 The crop matures in five months. Should rain iall immediately after 



Ming, the harrow may be run over the land to line the Burface. This 

 should be repeated when the plants are about 4 inches high to check evapora- 

 tion and destroy weeds. Later on the cultivator should be kept moving 

 between the rows about once a month. 



When the crop flowers and the tops droop and die, about April or May, 

 it is ready for harvesting. 



Fodder Values. 



In feeding to pigs it is best to turn the animals into the crop to root 

 out the tubers. It must be remembered that where it is desired to continue 

 the crop the pigs should be removed before all the tubers are eaten out, and 

 the only cultivation then necessary is to plough the land and keep the surface 

 loose and free from weeds until the next growth is above ground. 



Few foods are more relished by pigs. The tuber in the raw state is very 

 nutritious, more especially for pregnant sows, and also sows reduced in 

 weight and condition after suckling and weaning big litters. 



Young growing pigs make considerable growth when fed with artichokes 

 for a short period. The exercise obtained in harvesting or rooting up the 

 tubers has a beneficial influence. 



A number of tests go to show that for fattening purposes these tubers 

 must be given with grain, and have a similar result to feeding with ordinary 

 potatoes; 325 lb. wheat, fed with 820 lb. artichokes, gave 100 lb. increase. 



The average composition of the artichoke is shown here in contrast with 

 the potato: — 



A crop oi Jerusalem Artichokes. 



