Majigel JVurtzel. 103 



been obtained at Bedfords without manure, and without 

 injury to the succeeding crops of corn. Beet is fed 

 from a depth considerably below the reach of the 

 plough, as generally used ; so that it does not draw 

 the surface soil in which corn is fed. 



The method of cultivating the beet root here recom- 

 mended, is the same as that which is used in the culti- 

 vation of turnips, in Northumberland and other parts 

 of the north, with this exception, that the rows there 

 are 27 inches apart. There may be reasons in the north 

 for still preferring that space, but in Essex the effect 

 of it, in the cultivation of the beet root, would be, that, 

 instead of 48 tons per acre, 43 tons only would be ob- 

 tained. Experience has proved, that the roots do not 

 get to a larger size in rows three feet apart, than they 

 do in rows two feet apart. It may, therefore, fairly 

 be presumed, that they would not be larger in rows 

 27 inches apart ; and if not larger, the weight of the 

 crop, per acre, must be less, because the plants de- 

 crease in number as the rovi^s increase in space. 



The advantages that would arise from the cultiva- 

 tion of these roots, upon a small part of every strong- 

 land-farm throughout the kingdom, must be obvious. 

 Calculations might be given that would astonish and 

 almost exceed the belief of most readers. Such calcu- 

 lations, however, in general, are but little attended to, 

 and it is thought better to omit them, hoping that 

 enough has been said upon the subject, to fix the at- 

 tention of every person interested in the cultivation of 

 land. 



