t 4 Qj M. Md' -«^i OTsT ti3::e] ^^j^i/E ^A-© e^/-zr,>yp^. OI^ ROOTS IFOK, ^^OeK^FEE%l^^ BIT David Landretfi(^ Son^, Vhiladeljihia, Third Edition, ISSO. :PI?.I0E 25 OEIsTTS. ALBERT R. MANN LIBRARY New York State Colleges OF Agriculture and Home Economics AT Cornell University Cornell University Library SB 209.L26 1880 On the value and culture of roots for st 3 1924 003 379 637 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924003379637 1 ON THE VALUE SB CULTURE OF ROOTS, For Stock-Feeding, BY David Landreth & Sons, Philadelphia, THIRD EDITION, i880. fhiladulfhia: MoCalla fc Stavblt, Prs., 237-9 Dock Strbbt. 1880. S6 328822 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1877, by D. LANURETH & SONS, In the Office of the Librarian ot Congress, at Washington. I NTRODUCTION. In 1872, we printed for private presentation to our cus- tomers, correspondents and friends, a pamphlet entitled, " What we know about Turnips." The purpose was to use it as a means to draw more general attention to a branch of husbandry — root culture, not sufficiently appreciated as we believed, in this country. That purpose was fully expressed in the introductory remarks, some extracts from which we here reprint : " This pamphlet is printed in the hope of diffusing useful information to induce greater attention to a most valuable adjunct in husbandry, and, if more widely regarded, calculated to increase, not only the quantity, but the quality of our food ; the tender luscious mutton of the English is not attributable to their cooler climate alone, bijt to the Turnip ; and, we may add, other succulent roots on which the sheep are fed and fattened for the butcher. " The value of succulent food, in a hygienic or sanitary view, toman, and also to the animals which minister to his wants, need not be commented on. All who have paid at- tention to the subject agree in opinion as to its advantage, indeed, absolute necessity, if the preservation of health be properly studied. The long winters of our country which arrest vegetation, and oblige us to provide green food to be stored up in anticipation of the severe season, have necessarily induced inquiry and examination as to the class of vegeta- bles which can be produced in greatest abundance, at least cost, with least exertion, in the shortest space of time, and with least liability to failure of the crop under unfavorable atmospheric conditions, and also as of primary importance, (3) with a capacity for preservation for months with slight clanger of decay. "In Great Britain the culture of bulbs, more especially the Turnip (in which we here include the Ruta Baga or ' Swede,' though not so classed in England), has assumed really gigantic importance ; and it has been estimated by writers on political economy, years ago, when the Turnip product was much below the present, that its annual value was equivalent to the sum represented by the interest on the national debt, — no inconsiderable amount, as everybody knows. Until the culture of roots, as they are termed, was extended and enlarged in England, animal food was a luxury seldom within the reach of the operative classes, with whom vegetables and farinaceous compounds, not always of the best quality, were the reliable resources for sustenance. ITow meats in some shape are within reach of all — the faetoiy operative, the industrious mechanic, the tradesman and the wealthy land-holder, alike participate ; and this change has grown out of, not national prosperity or increased wages — though both are indirectly affected — but the greater breadth of land in root-culture, which has so largely, immensely, it may be said, augmented the productive capacity of the acreage under plough, — thus practically bringing nutritious food to every working-man's door. " Indian Corn — with us the great meat-producer, which has played so important a part in the civilization of our country, enabling the hardy emigrant from the older settle- ments to wrest the wilderness from the savage, and overcome the forest — is not a product of Great Britain or any portion of the north of Europe ; there being known only as an import from our country. In this particular, we have an advantage impossible to estimate; but, great as it is, it should not lessen our exertion to produce succulent food, which augments the value of the farinaceous." The suggestions, recommendations and facts therein stated apply with equal force now, as thou ; and may, we hope, impress themselves on the attention of the youthful farmer who has started in the agricultural curriculum since the first publication of our pamphlet. Though we had ourselves from long experience, and our special pursuit in life, appre- ciated the importance of the subject discussed, and started out with the purpose to impress others, we had, we are free to confess, but faintly understood the popular interest in the matter, and the desire for information entertained by the country at large, as evinced by the demand from every quarter. One hundred thousand copies of the pamphlet having been consumed in editions which followed in quick succession. Besides this large number emanating directly from ourselves, it was re-printed entire in at least two rural journals, and freely quoted by the agricultural press gencr- ally. To satisfy the still existing demand a further edition is now required, and with the wish to make it additionally use- ful we have appended a few remarks on other roots than Turnips, valuable for stock feeding ; with illustrations which may serve to convey an intelligible idea of the ap- pearance of the roots themselves. The principal succulent and saccharine roots, besides the Turnip, raised for cattle-feeding are, it is almost unnecessary to observe, mainly comprised by the tribes of Beets, Carrots and Parsnips — there are some others, but they are hardly of sufficient importance to occupy space in our limited pages. "We shall consider these tribes, or classes, in rotation, and briefly scan and compare the relative merits of each, where labor is the expensive item. In this country the Turnip, and ipar excellence^ the Euta Baga (or " Swede," as it is familiarly called in England) will be, it is probable, ever more generally cultivated for stock- food than any other root — not that it is the best, but be- cause it can be so readily grown, and at small cost. Whilst Beets, Mangolds, Carrots, etc., demand an entire season to mature, the Turnip is of so quick growth in our climate 6 that withiQ a few weeks only after sowing abundant sup- plies may be in hand. We cannot, however, but maintain that though at some increase of labor in the production, no expenditure on the farm may in the long run pay better than an annual crop of Beets and Carrots, even if raised only in sufficient quantity to alternate with the Ruta Baga ; and thus vary the food, which the milch cow, the stall-fed ox, and the sheep crave equally with man. At the present time, when foreign demand for Ameri- can beef and mutton is looming up, giving promise of a new outlet of gigantic proportions for a branch of our native husbandry, practically unknown and not anticipated until recently, the subject of Stock-feeding presents itself with in- creased force. If what has been said herein shall direct attention to means and methods in aid of a great national interest, we shall have been amply compensated for our humble effort. The subject is one which concerns the Union — our prosperity cannot advance faster than our progress in agriculture — whether as planters, grain-producers, stock-breeders or dairy- men. When they prosper all industries participate. The railroads, the mills, the forges, the shipping find profitable employment — all are subordinate to the farmer's industry. DAVID LANDRETH & SONS. BiiOOMSOALE Seed Farm, near Philadelphia, June, 1877. The Turnip. For many years we have, in our various publications, especially " The Rural Register and Almanac," given ex- pression to our conception of the value of roots as stock-food. Our own working stock on our several seed farms at present numbering seventy-six head, and a small herd of Channel Island cattle kept for the family dairy, we aim as regularly to supply with food of that character, whether it be turnips, mangolds, carrots, or beets, as with hay ; and we should con- sider it most unfortunate if untoward events should deprive us of the ability thus to contribute to the health and vigor of our working force, or the secretion of rich milk, and cor- respondingly rich butter, as high-colored in winter as that from grass, and almost as well flavored. That Turnips, singly and alone, will secure health, and strength, and rich milk we are far from maintaining; but we do contend that, in proper proportion, in suitable condi- tion, at proper times, mixed with corn-meal, shorts, oil-cake, or other farinaceous food, they will produce invaluable re- sults. To feed roots of any kind in imprudently cold stables, or, what may sometimes be seen, in the open air in inclem- ent weather, — the roots, perhaps, partially frozen, — and ex- pect favorable results, argues, to say the least, want of re- flection; and where we find people say, as we sometimes do, they " can see no good in roots," we are sure to find, on in- quiry, that some of the obviously rational and necessary rules of procedure in feeding had been disregarded. The experience of such people should never be taken as safe guides ; but rather let us pin our faith on the systematic and successful, who use the right means to the right end. One such practical, observing, methodic man in a neighbor- hood is worth a dozen who make no progress. (7) METHOD OF PREPAHmCJ THE LAND FOE TURNIPS. The preparation of the soil is an important pre-requisite to success, both as respects the productiveness of the crop, and its cost, for it is manifest that, however valuable and desirable may be any object we seek, the cost of obtaining may be disproportionate to its value; such is especially the case with the products of the soil. The Agricultural De- partment of a previous day (we are sure its present head will commit no such blunder) took great credit for the introduc- tion, as it was termed, of the tea-plant from China, though it was in our country fifty years before, and had produced perfect seed. A little reflection might have convinced the Department that, unless we could import the Asiatics, also, and they could be content to live on rice, and work for a few " cash" a day, as at home, we had better continue our tea plantations abroad. The fruits of the tropics and South- ern Europe we shall successfully cultivate, for we have every climate ; but the tea, never. Some farmers with us of Pennsylvania, when laying out their Corn ground, attach to it so much land in addition as they propose to crop in Euta Bagas and Turnips ; plough it at the same time as the corn land, and whenever that crop is harrowed or cultivated, the proposed root land receives like attention. At first this may seem a waste of labor, but it can be readily perceived the finer tilth such practice is calculated to eftect, but especially the economy of labor when the seed is sown. With each previous movement of the soil a new surface was exposed, and with each the latent seeds of weeds had opportunity to germinate, and were destroyed, thus slav- ing thousands of formidable enemies of the turnip crop. Now, all this may seem a small matter to some farmers, but we take leave to tell them that, system and method in farm- ing, as in manufactures and other industrial pursuits, will hereafter alone pay ; the increasing cost of labor, and all else incidental to the culture of the soil, must make intellisjcnt, methodic field labor indispensable. Slip-shod tillage will certainly bring men into debt. It is true the process des- cribed above cannot be observed under all circumstances, as in the South, where turnips are frequently grown with most success within the boundary of the cow pen, but, even there, several ploughings might be given preparatory to the seeding. TIME OP SOWmG. In the latitude of Philadelphia, we begin to think of sowing Ruta Bagas about the 10th of July, and, if every- thing is in readiness, make our first sowing by the middle of the month. The process is thus : Plough the land level, harrow crosswise and lengthwise, getting it into fine tilth, then draw shallow furrows 2J feet apart (3 feet is better where there is plenty of room to spare); in these furrows the manure is spread ; it may consist of any fertilizing ma- terial within reach. Of course decomposed matter is the the best, whether it be vegetable or animal ; and here, we remark, it is a good plan to prepare in advance a compost, which will readily disintegrate when spread. Where such is not at hand, any of the approved commercial fertilizers may be resorted to, but be sure and buy only from parties of good repute. "VYhen the fertilizer if a super phosphate (or other commercial manure, at about equal cost), at the rate of 500 pounds per acre, has been spread, it is a good practice to remove the hind teeth from an ordinary cultivator so as to adapt it to the width of the furrow, and pass it over the fertilizer, thus incorporating it with the soil. That done, the soil removed in forming the furrows, and a little more obtained on the opposite side is returned. This process will be found to form a ridge some inches higher than the level of the adjacent land. As that is not desirable in our climate, where heat and drought prevail rather than excess of moisture, as in England, from whence the practice of ridg- in. Quantity. Cost per Acre. Super-phosphate of Lime, 70% 3icts. lOOlbs. $ 3 25 Nitrate of Potash, 47% 13 cts. 80" 10 40 Sulphate of Ammonia, 25% SJcts. 100 •• 5 25 280 118 90 These two hundred and eighty pounds thoroughly mix with thrice its weight of fine dry earth, to facilitate more perfect distribution ; the mixture costing in its manufacture and application less than twenty dollars per acre. After the application of the fertilizer run a sub-soil plow in the open furrows, breaking up the hard-pan and distributing the manure. Deep culture is a necessity to success, and the sub-soil plow the most important implement, as every 29 inch the soil is deepened permits the roots to draw nutriment from an additional hundred tons of earth per acre. Next, split the ridges covering the fertilizer, and transposing the relative positions of ridge and furrow, back down the new ridges nearly to the level of the field, and drill upon the flat so formed— the seed thus being placed directly over the fertilizer and broken sub-soil. If the weather be drya roller should follow the seed drill, to insure germination. An advantage will be found in preparing the ground, applying the fertilizer and splitting the ridges a fortnight in advance of drilling, that a portion of the ferti- lizer may have assumed an assimilable form for the early sub- sistence of the young plants. A light dressing of com- mon salt applied to the soil will be found beneficial to the beet crop, especially in dry soils. "When the young plants are half an inch high they should be side scraped with seven-inch steel hoes, and then cross-cut with four-inch hoes into clumps of three or four plants — the clumps to be afterwards reduced to one plant by hand-weeding, as more fully described under the head of Turnips. This process will give about thirty thousand plants to the acre, if the stand be good. The crop should be kept free from weeds, and the soil loose, that air and moisture may more freely penetrate to tlie roots. "With thorough cultivation, and sub-soil breaking in mid-summer, the roots are not so liable to suffer from variations of temperature and moisture ; hence the growth is more uniform, and the roots are less woody and dis- torted. During the entire culture care must he taken not to in- jure the leaves of the plants, as with impaired lungs a healthy action is impossible. When the roots are fully developed, and ripe, which will be about the first of October (and may be known by the stoppage of circulation), they should be taken up ; if they make a second growth under certain atmospheric in- 30 fluences a large portion of the saccharine matter goes to form new leaves. On the other hand, they should not be disturbed before maturity, as the formation of saccha- rine matter is most rapid at that period. The roots can be taken out by passing the sub-soil plow under them, which, if run deep enough, will escape all but the extreme points, and the saving in time more than compensates for the loss of product. Care must be taken in harvesting the roots that they be not bruised, those thus injured are apt to decay. The tops should be cut so closely as to remove all leaf-buds, as the dampness of the pits may cause the embryo buds to burst forth, and thus exhaust nutritious qualities. The roots when pulled, should be pitted without delay, as described for Ruta Bagas or " Swedes." The European growers of Beets have a proverb, " Out of the earth into the earth," and with care they may be kept till 1st July. And here, to avoid the necessity of repetition, we will say, that the foregoing remarks apply equally as well to the cul- ture of the carrot and parsnip. Every stock-breeder should grow the Beet, in some of its varieties, as he may lay up for winter a val uable supply of this food at times when Swedes or Turnips have failed, by reason of the fly or dry weather. The Beet, though requiring earlier planting, is for that reason more reliable in vegetating, and is well established before the blazing days of July, when the turnips are just breaking ground, perhaps to be devoured by the fly. The beet-leaves may flag at mid-day, but next morning the cells are distended, the leaves crisp and full of vigor. Extensive breadths of Sugar Beets are grown in Southern Europe, where the Swede is seldom seen, at least never raised for cattle, because of the hot suns and dry soils. The beet, for feeding market cattle, is unsur- passed, and by deep pitting can be kept from season to sea- son. By the practice of deep pitting we were enabled at the International Centennial Exhibition, May 15th to 1st JUne, 31 to exhibit twenty varieties of Beets, — one bushel of each — preserved in perfect condition, as sweet and crisp as when taken from the field in November. Also Carrots in equally good condition. We advise our Southern readers to try the Beet, assuring them that they will realize a profit. A crop of ten tons of beets can be produced at an expen- diture varying from thirty to forty dollars. The following estimate may be taken as an approximation, soil, situation, cost of labor and fertilizers, all having, however, an important bearing upon the cost : Rent of land $7 00 Plowing, harrowing and rolling 3 50 Ridging, application of manure and sub-soiling 3 00 Manure 18 00 Drilling 50 Thinning, weeding and hoeing 4 00 Three cultivations 3 00 Two hoeings 5 00 Sub-soiling between rows 2 00 Lifting the crop 3 00 Total $49 00 The ten tons under this estimate would cost less than five dollars a ton, or about twelve cents a bushel, and in the cultivation of large breadths the cost per acre can be reduced while the production may be increased twenty-five per cent. Ten tons of Long Blood Beet can readily be grown to the*acre. Can anything bo more profitable to the stock- breeder? In our practical operations as tillers of the soil, with seventy-six head of working stock in harness daily on our several seed-farms, it may readily be seen the subject of economic feeding has been prominent; and the several kinds of food, and methods of preparation, whether as raw or steamed, ground, chopped or plain, has called for close attention ; and, our opinion, it may be inferred is plainly 32 practical, the result of interested observation directed to pecuniary ends. Our annual culture of tlie Beet for seed is so extensive, frequently, as to yield two thousand five hundred bushels of seed— the roots producing which are cultivated and win- tered as described, and set out in March for a second year's growth. TABLE EEETS. The following varieties of Beets, though of course valu- able, so far as they go, for stock-food, are never planted as such primarily. We shall describe them in the order of maturity. Extra Early Bassano.— This is, with the excep- tion of the next following (Egyptian), the earliest sort ; it is globular, sugary and tender, but being wliite-fleshed is not so ac- ceptable generally' as the red. To the Market Gardener it is a profit- able variety, enabling bira to present them to his customers in advance of all other sorts, and to the private family ^not Extra Early Bassano Beet. ^^^^ ^^• Egyptian Turnip. — This is as early as the Bassano, flesh dark red, and when first introduced was received as quite an acquisition; but further acquaintance has exhibited a serious defect — deficiency of sweetness, — its extreme earli- noss and approved color may continue it in cultivation, but it can never become popular. 33 Philadelphia Early Turmp. — This variety, which we so- named and introduced many years ago, follows very closely after the Bas- sano, it is neither red nor white, but with alternate rings of lighter or darker pink, it boils red, and is withal, rich, tender and sugary. It is a highly popu- lar sort, identical with the Bastian and Simon beet of some catalogues. Philadelf bia Early Tarnip Beet. Blood Red Tumip.— Here we have the old stand-by, the turnip beet with its dark red color so well known by our annual dis- tribution to so many home- steads for over half a cen- tury. It is useless to occupy space in describing it, suf- fice it to say, it is the best variety for family use. Early Blood Bel Tarnip Beet. 34 Long Blood Eed. — This, the Winter Table Beet, has been brought to its present state of perfection by successive yearly selections. It is the sort alluded to under the head of Cattle Beets, and is known in every family. We need only re- mark that it is preferable, for table use, to the Rochester or Eadish Beet, which grows above the surface and is liable to be fibrous. The Carrot. To the dairyman whose object is gilt-edged butter during winter, commanding readily double the price of the ordinary market grade, Carrots we consider indispensable. They not only give the richness of sweet vernal grass to the milk and cream, but color the butter naturally — beside which all artificial methods are imperfect and unsatisfactory. To the country family which can aiFord the higher comforts of life, and with whom butter is not simply something so-called, irrespective of quality, perhaps lard-like in substance, flavor and color, the carrot need not be commended — it speaks its own praise. To the dairyman whose object, is simply milk and milk only, the Ruta Baga and the Beet may supply his wants, they can be, especially the former, produced at less cost than the Carrot, and will yield as great or even greater flow of milk, an advantage which need not be enlarged upon, and it is certain where either is fed in connection with only a moderate addition of farinaceous food, as Indian meal, in preference to all else, butter of prime quality may bo ob- tained. Still we hold to the Carrot, where circumstances admit of its culture, as the " ne plus idlm." 35 THE VAEIETIES. Long Orange or Long Eed Smry.— The same under different names is the one best known, and is well approved. Lon^ Orange Carrot. Altringham. — A more robust and coarser grained variety than the preceding, and may frequently make a larger yield, but it is not 80 attractive, and, if intended in part for market, is not so valuable. Altringbam Carrot. The Large Y3II0W Bel^n and the Large White Belgian vary principally in color; and yield, there can be no doubt, a larger return than others. To the milk-man and to the stock- feeder they are worth much more than the cost of culture, promote liberal secretion of milk of improved quality over that from dry food, and may be fed alternately with Ruta Bagas and Beets,with the best results. The stock-feeder will find them of high value. Fed to the stalled ox, or the wether being fattened for the butcher, or the ewe strengthened to nourish the early lamb, succulent food just such as the carrot gives, is indispensable. The experienced feeder will be cautious lest he overdoes the thing, and on the first evidence of failing appre- Large Te.Iow Belgian -.g.au .ar.o. ^.^^. ^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^.^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^ plied will substitute some other; hence the importance of providing variety; and just here comes in the opportunity to recommend a proportion of each, Ruta Bagas, Boots and Carrots, so as to alternate as needed, each heavily dusted with Indian meal or bran, and a proper portion of salt, the roots, of course, previously prepared by washing and slicing. Large White Belgian Carrot. 3T The Pointed Hooted Horn and Bknt Hooted Horn differ only in shape, and are raised ex- clusively for table use, we refer to them simply as desirable for an early Summer supply. Early Horn Carrot (pointed-rooted). Early Horn Carrot (blunt-rooted J. CULTIVATIO:sr. The field culture of the Carrot is identical with that pre- scribed for the Beet in every particular, the processes are the same, and time of sowing also. Crops of eighteen hundred bushels have been raised to the acre, and one-third of that quantity may be confidently looked for under proper condi- tions of soil, culture and season. We advise the cultivator to run a sub-soil breaker upon both sides of each row, at least twice during the season of growth, especially if drought prevails, that the fibres may be better, enabled to extend, and for the promotion of sub-terranean circulation. This process we also recommend for the culture of the Beet and Mangel. The cost per acre of producing a crop of Carrots (allowing twenty dollars for manure and twenty dollars for preparation and culture) should not exceed forty dollars ; which at four hundred bushels would be ten cents a bushel, and at six hundred bushels less than seven cents per bushel, for a crop the profits and advantages of which need not be enlarged upon. PEESERVATI0I5'. The Carrot does not keep well except m cool weather, and even in winter more care is requisite than with either the 38 Euta Baga or Beet. It is therefore well so to adjust the consumption of the crop that it be used up in season. The narrow trench method described and recommended on page 14 is emphatically the one for this root, above all others : — do not trust them in a cellar even, though it be cool, nor in mounds piled two or three feet high,as was,and is still, practiced. The methodical farmer will not be alarmed at our injunc- tion of caution — he knows it is better not to attempt anything which cannot be done well, and, having once com- menced a job, the only economic course is to see it efi'ectually accomplished. The Parsnip. The original of the cultivated Parsnip is found growing wild in Englapd, the root white, aromatic, mucilaginous, sweet, and possessing a degree of acrimony which it loses by cultivation. In our experiments in search of facts to be used for our own advantage in stock-feeding, and to be communicated for public good, we have from time to time raised the Parsnip for the purpose of feeding to a herd of Channel Island Cattle, but the results have not convinced ua of the economy in comparison with other roots, for horned cattle. There is . this advantage, however, the parsnip never rots when stored, and if work presses may be left out over winter so far north as Philadelphia without loss, thus reserving this special crop for Spring feeding. 39 VARIETIES. The Sugar or Hollow Crowned, is the ap- proved table parsnip ; the Guernsey is a more robust sort, usually raised for stock food. It is said that the ex- cellence claimed for Guernsey haras is attrib- utable to the Parsnip, which is the main food of the hog of that island ; it may be well for some one among ourselves who has the opportunity, to test the fact. In sec- tions where frost does not interfere, a portion of the crop may be left over winter and the hog fed upon them as they stand, the proportion of saccharine matter being increased by frost, and the roots rendered still more palatable. It seems practicable, by this method, for breeders of Gaemsey. swine to accomplish, in the Southern States, results highly profitable, in comparison with cost of culture. We desire, with this in view, to urge the culture of Parsnip in all swine-breeding sections, the cost of the crop being simply the culture and manure — while the production can be made to reach ten tons of roots, possessing nine per cent of sugar. TIME OP SOWINa. The seed of the Parsnip, though vegetating freely under favorable conditions, not unfrequently fails when sown late, when heat and drought prevail, hence it should precede the Hollow Crowned. 40 Carrot and the Beet by some days ; a good guide to time of sowing being the blooming of the cherry. The directions for the culture of the Beet apply to the Parsnip. In Coxclttsion. Our pamphlet in which we started to tell a few facts acquired by us in our long years of practical observation as tillers of the soil, and to ofier suggestions on points with which our special pursuit had made us familiar, has extended beyond its original limits ; but there was found to be so much to say, the space could not well have been curtailed. Parting, as we are now about to do, with the reader, we take leave to reprint the concluding remarks in a previous edition : " Farming is, with Americans, in by far too many cases, a slip-shod business. The merchant, the manufacturer, the master-mechanic who should conduct his affairs with care- less irregularity, indifferent to cost as compared with com- pensation, who should be found unprepar^'d at the moment of pressing demands upon him, surely could not expect a successful issue to his efforts ; and why should the tiller of the soil expect exemption from results almost inevitable ? Farmers, as a class, are laborious enough, in many cases by far too plodding ; thought and reflection, united with physi- cal exertion, would accomplish more. A fruitful source of disappointment proceeds from our attempting too much in proportion to our means; not unfrequently larger breadths of land are designed for crops than the capital at command warrants. With the farmer, capital means laborers, manure, working stock, and numerous incidentals, and the land marked out for cropping should ever be subordinate to these. In tillage, it is by far better to do a little well, there maybe profit in that ; the reverse is certain to result in loss." 41 Appendix. On Beet Sugar. The producer of cattle-feeding Roots must needs be some- what familiar with the Sugar Beet and its uses, and so im- pressed are we with the prospective advantage of Beet Sugar maniifacture in the United States, that, the attention of the readers of this pamphlet is invited to the brief remarks we have to. offer. We are now engaged in conducting some experiments on our farms in four different states, under distinct conditions of soil and climate, and hope to be able to present results, which will certainly be interesting and possibly of practical value. In Europe, the manufacture of Beet Sugar has stimulated Agricultural enterprise to a wonderful extent, and is annually extending over broader territory. In fifteen years it has in- creased fourfold. At first the governments of France and Germany paid bounties to the manufacturers, and in addi- tion protected them by high tariffs; now these same govern- ments exact an internal revenue tax of from thirty-four to fifty-five dollars on every acre of roots grown, and in the face of this enormous tax, the farmers and manufacturers were never more prosperous. The Beet Sugar made in Europe in 1875 amounted to 1,317,623 tons, a production equal to 61 per cent, of the cane sugar manufactured in the world. The internal revenue tax upon European Beet Sugar amounted in 1874-5 to over 40,- 000,000 of dollars. The production of Beet Sugar in France is 2040 lbs. per acre. The amount of Cane Sugar produced in Louisiana is 1904 lbs. per acre. The gross production of Louisiana 42 in 1875 was only one-eighth of the amount of sugar con- sumed in the United States, the inhabitants of which con- sume twice as much per capita as those of any other country. Similar data to any extent can be furnished proving be- yond cavil the profitableness of the Sugar Beet industry in Europe, and that a fall demand can be found in our domestic markets for all that can be made. The general improvements consequent on the manufacture of suo-ar are of inestimable advantage to the prosperity of any locality or country where it has been successfully pursued. The manufacture stimulates the production of other crops, as Beets can be grown to the best advantage only under a practical system of rotation of crops. The high manuring necessary in Beet culture results in bountiful harvests of intermediate crops. In addition, the processes of culture commencing in April and continuing till October, and those of manufacture lasting from October till April, makes an increased demand for laborers, adding to the per- manent population of the district, and the supply of whose increased wants brings prosperity to others, thus completing the circle of social prosperity. The fattening of cattle upon the cake or cellular residuum from the processes is exceedingly profitable, and stimulates the production of hay and grain — these being necessary adjuncts. The manure carefully saved, under the system of stall feeding, is returned to the lands from whence the roots were taken ; and with judicious ajiplication of commercial manures the fertility of the soil is annually enhanced. The processes of culture require improved agricultural implements, with these comes the closer observation of rural affairs, and thus the farmer is educated to habits of investi- gation, as well in agricultural chemistry as the general study of vegetable life. Thus it may readily be perceived that the Beet Sugar in- dustry is profitable to all concerned ; all classes participate in the prosperity it creates and diffuses. No agricultural 43 pursuit is so beneficial to tlie community where it is ear- ned on— tlie producers and manufacturers dealing directly with each other. At a County Agricultural Exhibition in France the fol- lowing significant inscription was placed on a triumphal arch: "Before the manufacture of Beet Sugar, the arrondisse- mcnt of Valenciennes produced 695,750 bushels of wheat, and fattened 700 oxen. Since the manufacture of Beet Sugar was introduced, the arrondissement of Valenciennes produces 1,157,750 bushels of wheat and fattens 11,500 oxen." In Beet Sugar districts the proprietors of the factories, as a rule, have some hundreds of acres under their own control, and purchase additional supplies of roots from their neigh- bors, at prices ranging from four to five dollars a ton. A factory costing ten thousand dollars in its equipment will work up, during the manufacturing season of six months, 100 acres of roots and afford employment for ten or twelve operatives. One costing fifty thousand dollars will employ fifty men and work up annually the roots grown upon 500 acres — the annual area in roots under a four-course rotation of 2,000 acres. The root-grower can average twelve tons to the acre, often fifteen and over. The cost of production of which should not exceed forty dollars per acre on a most liberal allowance for rent of land, manure and labor. In Europe the leaves cut from the crop when harvested are preserved for months in air-tight under-ground chambers, and are relished by cattle when fed mixed with other food. The pressed pulp sold by the manufacturers amounts to about 20 per cent, of the weight of the roots used. It is valued at $5 a ton as cattle food, and can be thoroughly pre- served in underground vaults, or equally as well in deep trenches from which the air is excluded. This cake is looked upon as a highly valuable factor in the production of sugar ; 44 a sixty thousand dollar factory producing cake sufficient to feed 300 head of cattle during a period of six or seven months. Fattening stock, it will thus be seen, becomes a prominent feature in all districts where the Beet Sugar industry is pur- sued ; and with the new markets opened abroad to the almost limitless import of American beef this feature is of increased importance. The cultivated Sugar Beet is pre-eminently a potash plant. This element must be liberally supplied to effect good results, and though other constituent parts are equally necessary they are more likely to be naturally present in the soil, and are only required in small proportions. The potash in the ash of Sugar Beets amounting to 48 percent. — as much as all the other constituents united. Strong nitrogenous fertilizers, though forcing the roots to large development are objection- able as they are not conducive to a high per centage of sac- charine. Saline substances do not so much retard the formar tion of saccharine matter as its complete extraction and crystallization ; an excess of molasses is thus produced — an article less profitable than sugar. Virgin soils and others rich in vegetable mould and saline constituents cannot be expected to produce beets adapted to sugar-making purposes. Such soils may grow gigantic roots, but they are not such as are most profitable, as the manufac- turer, pays the grower in proportion to the per centage of saccharine matter contained in the roots furnished. The sheet-anchors of Agriculture must always be stable manure and green crops ploughed in. Commercial fertilizere are only supplementary, though invaluable when honestly made. Stable manure freshly applied is, however, prejudicial to the free formation of sugar, and in Germany is always applied to the crop preceding the beets. The application of manures must be regulated by the soil and rain-fall, as no fixed for- mul;o can be offered to suit all locations. The air*, of the grower of Beets for Sugar should be to 45 secure by manuring and culture a root containing the high- est per centage of saccharine matter, with the lowest per centage of salts and other foreign substances — the presence of such being an impediment to the complete extraction of the sugar. Sugar Beets to be profitable should contain not less than 12 per cent, of saccharine, and by the scientific ap- plication of manures have been made to yield 18 per cent. The specific gravity of the juice affords a satisfactory indi- cation of the saccharine properties ; if at 1.05 the saccharine amounts to over 13 per cent., from which 8.70 per cent, of the weight of the roots can be obtained in sugar. The fol- lowing table may be assumed as a guide, and will afford opportunity to any one to make a practical investigation of the adaptability of his soil and climate to this industry: TABLE Indicatinr/ in an Approximate Manner the Percentage of Sugar in the Juice of the Beet-Eoot according to the Specific Gravity, Percentage of Sugar Specific Grav- corresponding to tile Correction. Tiie Approximate p e r- ity. specific gravity, if non-sugar, the result centage of sugar in only sugar was in ofSOto 60 trials. the juice. tlie juice. 1.030 7.40 5.00 2.40 1.035 8..50 5.00 3.50 1.040 9.50 5.00 4.50 1.045 10.50 5.00 5.50 1.050 12.00 4.50 7 50 1.055 13.20 4.50 8.70 1.060 14.50 4.30 10.80 1.065 15.70 4.00 11.70 1.070 16.70 3.70 13.00 1.075 18.00 3.20 14.80 1.080 19.20 3.00 16.20 1.085 21.00 2.00 19.00 Baume's Hydrometer is used to indicate the specific gravity. The percentage of sugar extracted by the German manu- facturer has annually been increasing from 6 per cent, in 1835 to 9 per cent, in 1875. If the Beet Sugar industry can be successfully pursued in this country, so as to meet simply the domestic demand for 46 sugar, the impetus to other interests would be, if not incal- culable at least difficult to estimate. In that event the area of land annually under cultivation in beet roots would be 1,000,000 acres. The machinery and buildings required would be of a value of 100,000,000 dollars. 2,000,000 tons of coal would be required by the factories, and 1,000,000 dollars worth of stable manure and other fertilizers annually pur- chased. No agricultural interest in Europe can be compared with it in rapidity of growth or in the advantages resulting from its pursuit. That there can be found within the Union, many sections where this industry may be profitably established, admits of no question. Preliminary experiments are needed, and the first step is to grow roots, and closely observe the influence of soil, manure, and climate, and when the roots are in proper condition procure analyses of the juice. If the roots can be produced by the farmer in quantities of twelve tons and over per acre, and sufficiently rich in sac- charine matter, and the locality be favorable as respects fuel and an abundance of pure water for manufacturing purposes, the proper conditions exist, and capital is all that is required. The co-operative system pursued in dairy districts would be quite as feasible in the manufacture of Beet Sugar. For processes of culture the reader is referred to page 28.