On Mangel IFiirtzeL 131 



root or assist in their distribution. I have had in my 

 recent culture, roots of 10 and 12 lb. In general the 

 good roots may average 4 pounds each. The latter 

 was the average weight produced in my first opera- 

 tions. Many then weighed from eight to twelve 

 pounds. Many were, however, small and not worth 

 preserving for winter consumptiou. Those bore no 

 great proportion to the whole. 



In the latter part of the past summer, a farmer from 

 New Jersey, called on me ; and was much captivat- 

 ed by the appearance of my little crop. He discover- 

 ed a few roots of the last year's crop, which had been 

 carelessly thrown aside, in the spring ; and had been a 

 long time exposed in the open air. I found him eat- 

 ing, with apparent pleasure, part of one of them. It 

 was perfectly sound, crisp and free from any wilt, or 

 nauseous or feculent smell, or taste. I know not any 

 other root which would have remained sound and pa- 

 latable, under similar circumstances. My crop of this 

 year is inferior to that of the last. It was raised in 

 the same spot, (contrary to my own ideas of propriety) 

 in which two former crops had been. The season, too, 

 was not favourable. I have, however, of my late crop, 

 had few, if any roots as pure and genuine, as were those 

 I formerly possessed. 



In the autumn, the roots must be housed ; or pro- 

 tected like turnips, in conical mounds, in the mode 

 known to every body. I have formerly preserved those 

 destined for immediate use, (in which were included 

 the small roots and cullings,) with a covering of straw 

 or corn stalks. No moisture, or damp earth must re- 

 main on the roots, when laid up. They are by no 



