CHAPTER XV. 

 FOOD FROM FIELD ROOTS AND TUBERS. 



Field roots are distinguished from tubers first, in pro- 

 ducing but one bulb or root, whereas tubers produce sev- 

 eral; second, in usually making much of the growth above 

 ground, whereas tubers grow wholly under the soil; and 

 third, in larger average production than can be obtained 

 from tubers. They also differ in chemical composition. 

 Roots are relatively richer in protein and tubers in starch, 

 and the starch in the two is found under different condi- 

 tions. 



The value of field roots and tubers in furnishing food 

 for live stock has not been appreciated in the past by the 

 growers of live stock in the United States as it has been by 

 the growers of the same in Great Britain and Canada. The 

 greater amount of hand labor required in growing them as 

 compared with corn, has led to the centering of attention on 

 the growing of corn. Nevertheless, the fact remains, that 

 American supremacy in growing live stock is largely de- 

 pendent on the extent to which field roots shall be fed to 

 them while in process of development. No other food ad- 

 junct has yet been found that will equal field roots in secur- 

 ing the development of large frames and in covering them 

 abundantly with fleshy tissue. The American exhibitor of 

 cattle and sheep must continue to import his leading prize 

 winners from Great Britain and Canada until he feeds his 

 young animals more largely on field roots. 



Those who have investigated with reference to the 

 comparative cost of nutrients in corn and field roots re- 

 spectively, have concluded, and correctly, that nutrients in 

 corn can be grown in greater quantity and much more 

 cheaply under average conditions than in field roots. But 

 when the conclusion is reached, that in consequence, the net 



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