560 



The Harvesting of Mangolds. 



[Sept., 



reported, but on the University Farm, Cambridge, where one of 

 the failures occurred, careful observations were made. It was 

 noticed that decay always started either from the tip of the 

 mangold, where the tap-root had been broken off or damaged 

 in the process of pulling, or from various spots on the sides of 

 the root which had been bruised, although every precaution had 

 been taken to prevent damage in carting. In no case was decay 

 observed at the crown of the root. 



In no case, in which Globe mangolds kept well, did 

 lifting commence before the last week in October, by far the 

 greater part of the work being done during November, and in 

 some cases as late as December. In two cases, however, 

 Tankards, which were lifted in the third week of October, are 

 recorded to have kept perfectly, and in one of these cases the 

 Tankards were grown and harvested under identical conditions 

 with the Globes which rotted. 



The conclusions to be drawn from the facts recorded are : — 



(i.) Globe mangolds, and especially the free-growing watery 

 varieties, are less likely to keep well than the closer-textured 

 Tankards and Long Reds, which contain a higher percentage of 

 dry matter in the root. 



(ii.) The primary cause of decay was early lifting and carting, 

 when the ground and the mangolds were abnormally dry; the 

 leaves were apparently ripe, but this was probably misleading 

 and occasioned by the droughty weather. 



(iii.) In one case Globe mangolds were lifted early, but not 

 carted until wet weather set in. These kept well. It would 

 seem, therefore, that under dry harvesting conditions, mangolds 

 may be pulled and lumped, provided that they are not carted 

 until wetter conditions prevail. 



Among the replies received many sound precautions in the 

 harvesting and clamping of mangolds were emphasised, of which 

 the following may be mentioned : — 



♦ 1. Mangolds' should not bo lifted until ripe. 



2. Unless the roots are fully mature, they should be left a few days in 



lumps in the fields before ea-ting and covered with their own leaves. 



3. Care should be taken not to injure the skin of the roots, either with the 



knife in topping, or in carting. Forks should not be used in loading. 



4. If exposed to frost in the field, ample time should be allowed for the 



frost to escape and for the mangolds to recover before they are 

 touched. 



5. The clamp should be covered with dry, clean straw, if possible ; frost 



penetrates wet grass brushings much more easily. 



6. Covering with earth should not take place until active heating has 



stopped. 



7. Ventilation should always be provided at the top of the heap. 



