No. 144.] 43 



this calamity, a precaution onght to be taken that the potato 

 vaults be kept very clean, and even whitewashed, and the bot- 

 tom be covered over with sand mingled with ashes ; for a very 

 fine dust arises from the dry rot and fastens on the sound tuber, 

 and affects it. So a new crop can in a short time become value- 

 less from this stealthy but poisonous agent. 



In order to render its ravages less, the plant should be put in 

 a soil the best adapted to its growth. None but pure and well 

 formed seed should be used. Let it be put in the ground in the 

 proper season, and never expose the tuber too much to the sun's 

 rays. A diseased potato should never be suffered to lie on the 

 farmer's premises; no, not even to rot on a dunghill. For a fur- 

 ther precaution when the disease prevails in any country, it is 

 recommended to place the tubers destined tor a new crop, in dry 

 boxes and dip them in lime-water; to plant them when dry and 

 well aired. 



Beets of every variety are found in the country, except in the 

 mountains, or where soils are stiff and stony. The sugar-beet is 

 not raised here, as in France and Germany, for the manufacture 

 of sugar. The larger varieties, such as the mangel wurtzel are 

 raised for the feed of cattle; the smaller and more delicate kinds 

 enter largely into culinary uses. The leaves of beets are chopped 

 and mingled with hay or straw, and given to milch cows. The 

 roots are stored for winter use, and found admirable for fattening 

 cattle. 



Turnips in general do not give a fair return, but still in the 

 valley of the Inn, very fine ones grow, that will rival those which 

 are raised in England. There are two modes of cultivating the 

 turnip ; the one in rotation on naked fallows, which yields very 

 abundantly; the other after the spring or winter crops are re- 

 moved. This, at best, is a very lean return even for the little 

 labor bestowed. But the culture of turnips in general is slovenly 

 and faulty. It is seldom they receive a top-dressing of valuable 

 manure. Bonedust is hardly known, and there is a great antipa- 

 thy among the Swiss farmers against night soil, though by a simple 

 process it can be rendered inodorous and a powerful stimulant 

 for this vegetable. 



