Con vention—discussion. 
241 
harrow when the hogs are taken from the field. The tops, if cut 
and cured when a little green, are said to make very nutritious 
food for cattle, and are much relished. 
Mr. Webster said that he had been troubled to keep his man¬ 
golds the last year — rotted badly. Had excellent success in rais¬ 
ing, but if the cellar is warm enough to keep from freezing they 
would rot, and hence were worthless. 
Mr. Tuttle stated that he had grown various kinds of roots with 
success, but had also been troubled with their rotting. He liked 
the Russian turnip best, had raised 600 bushels per acre; were 
good for table use and for animals. Raised 4,000 bushels last year, 
at a cost not exceeding three cents per bushel. Sowed the last of 
June. If sown too early, will be hollow. They keep well and 
sound. 
Mr. Smith had been very successful in beet culture; said he sowed 
on the 18th of May, 1876, the yellow globe, in rows two feet apart, 
and produced 2,466 bushels per acre; considered them valuable 
food for stock, very nutritious and healthy. 
The session closed by the adoption of a resolution introduced by 
Mr. Plumb, and variously amended, to so fix the assessment law as 
to require assessors to return the product, in bushels, of grain, as 
well as the acreage to the Secretary of State, and to include also 
apples, grapes, flax seed, the cultivated grasses, cultivated cranber¬ 
ries, and the acreage of timber. 
Adjourned to 2 P. M. 
Afternoon Session. 
On motion, the culture of root crops was again taken up. 
Mr. Brown: What land is best for root crops, old or new? 
Mr. Smith: Very little dift’erence. Good corn land is good for 
roots. The soil should be stirred deep, and made rich. For weed¬ 
ing, boys and girls are better than men; will do more and at less 
price. Suitable soil, with good cultivation, will almost invariably 
bring success. 
Mr. Baker said he came to the convention to be instructed and 
to impart information also. English farmers raise roots, and make it 
profitable. The climate of England is suited to their cultivation, 
and they can keep them in the ground till wanted for use. Didn’t 
16 —A 
