72 



FEEDING WITH SUGAR BEETS, SUGAR, ETC. 



COMPARATIVE INCREASE IN WEIGHT OF SHEEP FED WITH TANKARD AND 

 WITH SUGAR BEETS. 



The argument that necessarily follows upon the examination 

 of these figures is that the average beet is very superior to the 

 other two, but even the superior beet gives more profitable 

 results from a fattening standpoint than does the mangel. If 

 we consider the cost of cultivation of the several varieties of 

 beets tested, it stands to reason that more seed is needed for 

 rows 11.7 inches apart than for rows separated by 20|- inches; 

 the weeding is also more difficult and expensive in the latter 

 than in the former case, this being also true for the harvesting 

 for the reason that there are more beets to collect from the field. 

 All facts considered, it was found that the surplus cost in this 

 case was $2.40 per acre over and above that existing for roots 

 cultivated at greater distances between the rows. The value 

 upon the market of the increased weights in question was $1.26, 

 $2.80 and $2.26 respectively. If we bring into our calculation 

 the cost of production, we find that the profit from the average 

 beet was $46 per acre and from the rich beet only $31, while for 

 the Tankard it was very much less. These results show beyond 

 cavil the importance of growing beets, even of an average 

 quality, according to accepted rules of close planting when 

 intended for feeding purposes, rather than to attempt cultivat- 

 ing roots of low grades and by methods already too long con- 

 tinued. The increased profits more than compensate for the 

 extra cost and trouble. 



When growing roots for cattle-feed, remember that a root of a 

 moderate size is wanted, not over 3 pounds being a moderate 

 yield, as the larger the individual root the lower will be its 



