312 THE SUGAR BEET. 



quantities yearly, thus permitting the farmer to have 

 for his cattle fresh green food during the dryest months 

 of the year. 



Mathieu de Dombasle, Boussingault and others 

 condemned their use, as they considered them not only 

 a poor food, but exhausting to the soil and ruinous to 

 the crop.^ 



From a series of practical experiments made by Mr. 

 Dumas, he conclnded that they formed a most excel- 

 lent food for young asses, and a very good nourishment 

 for pigs. 



We have not made any experiments upon this sub- 

 ject, but we are informed that if given in too large 

 quantities they act as a purge. There can be no doubt 

 that if used iu a moderate manner, combined with 

 chopped straw, etc., they will augment the quantity 

 of milk, but this is more watery, and consequently not 

 so good for the manufacture of butter. If their chemi- 

 cal composition be examined it can easily be seen that 

 they evidently contain elements that constitute good 

 food, and we can only say in conclusion, that the 

 farmers would reject them in various parts of Europe 

 if some advantage could not be gained. 



' See "Leaves of the Sujjar Beet." 



