RED BEET RECOMMENDED FOR CATtLE. ^^ 



The only enemies it has, that I know of, are fowls; for Fowls ex- 

 these are so fond of its leaves, as entirely to lay waste the *7tii l ^es 

 fields of it, to which they can have access. Their appetite 

 for this plant, when they once have discovered it in a field 

 or garden, is such, that it is almost impossible to keep them 

 out. They should not be sown therefore in gardens or fields 

 too near houses, as in this case the crop may be looked upon 

 as lost. 



The following is the method I have adopted of cultivating it* 



I first select, if possible, a good black mould, rather rich. Method of 

 If itbeniixed with a little saud, and provided it has not too cuULvaUrjgij, 

 much clay, it is good for the beet, which always requires a 

 little moisture. It may be cultivated indeed on light ground, 

 but not with equal success. 



In autumn I lay on manure, in the proportion of six two 

 horse cart loads of dung of horned cattle to a hundred and 

 forty square perches. This dung I afterward bury at least 

 six inches deep with the plough: and then I give the ground 

 another ploughing in narrow furrows. 



As soon in the spring as the land can be worked, 1 sow 

 the eed where the plants are to remain ; for experience has 

 taught me, that transplanting them is injurious. They 

 should not be sown too thick : there should be at least six 

 inches distance between the plants; and it is often necessary 

 to pull up some in the thickest places, for three or four 

 plants frequently spring from a single seed. 



It is usual to cover the seed by raking or harrowing : but 

 as from their lightness they frequently lie on the surface 

 and rot, it is better to use the hoe, or the plough, taking 

 care not to bury them too deep. In this way we may be cer- 

 tain of their germinating quickly, if the soil be good. 



As soon as the plants have their sixth leaf, they should 

 be weeded, and thinned out where too close. A few weeks 

 after they should be hoed, but so as rather to draw the earth 

 from them than to heap it round them. 



When the leaves begin to bend down to the ground, the Gatheiinj th« 

 largest, at the bottom of the plant, may be gathered for leaves. 

 the cattle: bat they must not be stripped too much, as this 

 Vvould injure the root. Nor should the leaves be plucked otf 

 before they separate as it were of themselves, inclining 

 toward the ground. If 



