46 ON COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS. 



and carrot, we do not intend to speak with that confidence, which 

 should be a rule for others ; all we intend is, to induce others, if pos- 

 sible, to make such observations, as will relieve them from the un- 

 certainty under which we labor. So far as our observation has ex- 

 tended, the cultivation of these vegetables has been diminishing, as 

 a food for animals, of late. But whether this is because of the labor 

 incident to the cultivation, or because the animals can otherwise be 

 more advantageously fed, we are unable to say. Did the growers of 

 these plants rightly understand their own interests, they -would find 

 that while they are gathering up facts to enable them successfully to 

 sustain a claim for the premiums offered, they are acquiring that kind 

 of information which will enable them ever afterwards to proceed in 

 their cultivation with confidence. 



Ruta Baga^ English Turni2ys, Parsnips and Potatoes have each 

 been cultivated as food for animals ; and each had their admirers and 

 advocates, especially the potato. We remember when it was thought 

 the potato would supersede the use of most other crops. That it 

 was the very best of feed for fattening and milking purposes. But 

 the glory of the potato has departed, at least until the nature of the 

 malady that now affects it can be discovered ; it being difficult to 

 secure enongh for the use of man, — not to speak of beasts. We 

 have heard extravagant enconiums on the turnip, particularly the 

 Ruta Baga ; and seen crops beautiful and abundant. When it 

 was first introduced, it was cried up as the one thing needful, to the 

 farmer. Is there any one ready to endorse this opinion, at this 

 time ? 



Of the Parsnip^ as a food for animals, we can only speak theo- 

 retically, not having known this vegetable to have been cultivated or 

 used for this purpose, to any considerable extent. Why it has not been 

 we are unable to determine. Judging from its growth as a garden veg- 

 etable, it may be grown with equal ease and abundance as the beet or 

 carrot ; and we should presume its nutritive qualities were not in- 

 ferior to either of these. We speak of it, not to recommend it any 

 farther, than as a fair subject for experiment. 



A review of the opinions that have prevailed, in relation to the 

 cultivation of vegetables for the use of animals, should make us cau- 

 tious in our preference, and more discriminating and observing of all 

 the circumstances, that may have a bearing upon the result. This 

 is the kind of information sought to be elicited by the premiums of" 



