CULTIVATION OF PARSNIP. 41 



nor been subjected to the same laws of rigid cal- 

 culation, which it has undergone in Britain. 

 But a tolerable conclusion may be drawn of the 

 efficiency of this root, even from the examina- 

 tion of the testimony of Guernsey farmers. 



Cows fed with parsnips, are said not to yield 

 so great a quantity of milk, as when fed with 

 turnips ; but the milk is richer, and the butter 

 is better, as well as in far greater proportion, 

 and both are also free from the disagreeable 

 flavour which they acquire from turnips ; a cir- 

 cumstance highly deserving the attention of 

 those dairy farmers, who supply the population 

 of great towns, with these indispensable articles 

 of consumption. They are in fact equal to those 

 which are produced by feeding in the best pas- 

 tures. These animals, when intended for the 

 butcher, are observed to fatten faster and better 

 on parsnips, than on any other food. The only 

 precaution used, is to interpose hay, to prevent 

 them from being surfeited with the root. It is 

 also found necessary to begin with a smaller 

 proportion, as they are apt to be satiated with 

 this food in the first week, if given to excess. 

 After that period, it is remarked that it may be 

 used in any quantity. 



The farmers are of opinion, that cabbages are 



the best substance to interpose for this purpose, 



although turnips or hay may also be given with 



the parsnip. The allowance for fattening an 



Eeg 



