106 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



eration of the quality of the article grown ; the labor and ex- 

 pense of growing ; and the contemplated future use of the land. 

 In our remarks upon the comparative cultivation of the beet 

 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 possible, to make such observations, as will relieve 

 them from the uncertainty under which we labor. So far as 

 our observation has extended, the cultivation of these vegeta- 

 bles 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 after- 

 wards, to proceed in tlieir cultivation with confidence. 



Ruta baga^ English turm'ps^ parsnips, and jiotatoes 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 pur- 

 iposes. But the glory of the potato has departed, at least until 

 the nature of the malady that now alfects it can be discovered ; 

 it being difficult to secure enough for the use of man, — not to 

 speak of beasts. We have heard extravagant encomiums on the 

 turnip, particularly the ruta haga ; 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 

 theoretically, not having known this vegetable to have been cul- 

 tivated 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 vegetable, it may be grown with 

 equal ease and abundance, as the beet or carrot; and we should 

 presume its nutritive qualities were not inferior to either of 

 these. We speak of it, not to recommend it any farther, than 

 as a fair subject for experiment. 



