54 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



Perhaps I may here say, that when a larger yield has been 

 obtained, I have planted nearer together, and have used a larger 

 share of stable manure. 



North Danvers, Nov. 8, 1849. 



Root Crops. 



It is proposed to speak of a few of the most important roots, 

 and commence with Mangel Wurtzel, sometimes called Root 

 of Scarcity, sometimes Field Beet, and in Germany, always 

 Mangel Wurtzel. 



This root was cultivated considerably for stock some years 

 ago, but I am not aware that it receives much attention at this 

 time. It is a more exhausting crop than the turnip or onion ; 

 but it contains double the nutritive matter of the turnip, and 

 will consequently warrant double the manure. 



Mangel wurtzel, according to the analysis of Mr. Harepath, 

 of Bristol, Eng., contains 136 parts of nutritive matter, (sugar 

 and starch,) as often as the Swedish turnip gives 64, and as 

 often as the white turnip gives 42. The Swedish turnip has 

 innumerable enemies, but it is not known that the wurtzel 

 has any. When sown alongside of the turnip, the latter is 

 often found ruined with insects, while nothing whatever has 

 troubled the former. The wurtzel also keeps better. They 

 often cut perfectly good in July, and even in August. They 

 will not, like the onion, bear to be continued many years on 

 the same spot, but require a new one every few years ; this, at 

 least, has been my experience. Perhaps more manure would 

 have answered every purpose. 



Manner of sowing. — The ground must be ridged with a 

 small plough, and great care should be taken that the seed is 

 not sowed too deep. The seed sower also fails in depositing 

 seed that has been prepared as this ought to be, by steeping it 

 at least twenty-four hours. A writer in the Farmers' Encyclo- 

 psedia, recommends using an iron wheel ; but a cheap wooden 

 one, such as every one can make, will answer the purpose. 

 Upon the outer circumference of the wheel, there should be 



