7^ 



fo furnish us with the two tons of dry hay which we have in- 

 troduced into our calculation. 



We present these comparative estimates to show that, weight 

 by weight, the turnip crop is superior to the grass crop in point 

 of nourishment, taking each crop in a green state ; and that 

 the loss in water is much less in the former than in the latter. 



But beyond all this there is the practical fact known to ev- 

 ery farmer, that the health of his animals, and their capacity 

 to digest other kinds of food, is greatly benefited by the use of 

 roots. Aside from the actual nourishment which the roota 

 contain, they possess the faculty of so combining with the acids 

 of the stomach and with the chemical constituents of hay, 

 grain, straw, etc., as to aid very materially the business of 

 feeding. The amount of English hay and Indian corn requi- 

 site to produce a given amount of animal growth and fat, may 

 be materially reduced, and economically reduced too, by a ju- 

 dicious use of turnips. It is very evident that a vast amount 

 of hay and corn meal is unassimilated, where these articles are 

 fed lavishly, as they usually are, to our stall-fed cattle. It is 

 the use of roots, especially turnips, which may prevent this, 

 and render the business of feeding, now so unprofitable here, 

 perhaps somewhat remunerative. These remarks may not be 

 applicable to those sections of the country, which are so far re- 

 moved from the market, as to render their grass and grain 

 crops of comparatively small value. But among ourselves, 

 where the markets are at our very doors, and where these 

 crops command a high price, it is evident that the most skillful 

 economy in their use is one of the fundamental rules of good 

 farming. 



We have referred particularly to the Sweedish turnip, be- 

 cause we consider it better adapted than any other root to the 

 general business of farming. The carrot and the Mangel Wur- 

 zel, each of which is, in its way, very valuable to the farmer, 

 require most careful cultivation, and soil of a very superior 

 quality. They need heavy manuring, with fertilizers properly 

 prepared and skillfully applied. They must be seeded early 



