282 FORAGE CROPS 



the very best condition for absorbing and retaining 

 moisture, as well as to remove all weeds. 



The beets should be harvested as soon as frost 

 occurs. In order to preserve them for winter, 

 they may be stored in the field by placing in cov- 

 ered heaps from five to seven feet high, although 

 the better plan is to remove after thoroughly dry 

 to a root- cellar in which they are not liable to 

 freeze and the temperature is not too high. 



Composition and use of mangels 



As with all root-crops, the content of dry matter 

 is relatively low, usually not more than 8 to 10 per 

 cent. The nutrients are highly digestible, how- 

 ever, and when associated with so large an amount 

 of water they possess a very high value, particu- 

 larly in furnishing food in a w^holesome form. 

 They are extremely palatable, and when otherwise 

 only dry feeds would be used, they answer a good 

 purpose in keeping animals in condition, as well 

 as stimulating the milk flow and the laying on of 

 fat. They are very useful for cows, hogs, chickens 

 and practically for all other kinds of farm stock. 

 Because of their adaptability, the use of mangels 

 is increasing in many parts of the country, espe- 

 cially on small farms where but few animals are 

 kept and where the labor is performed by members 

 of the family. 



