Pinder Simpson

“ To prevent any incorrectness in calculating the weight by the number of the roots, the whole crop was weighed, which amounted to 3 tons, 1 cwt. 56 52pounds, which is according to the rate of 49 tons 4 cwt. per acre. A large portion of the roots weighed from 7 lbs. to 12 lbs. each. When the rows were first thinned, some other pieces were planted with the spare plants, but these did not succeed so well: they were much less than the others.
Hogs are remarkably fond of this root, and thrive very fast with it: cows are also very eager after both leaves and root. ”

“ The method of cultivating the Beet Root here recommended, is the same as that which is used in the cultivation of turnips, in Northumberland and other parts of the north, with this exception, that the rows there are 27 inches apart. 43There may be reasons in the north for still preferring that space, but in Essex the effect of it, in the cultivation of Beet Root, would be, that, instead of 48 tons per acre, 43 tons only would be obtained. Experience has proved, that the roots do not get to a larger size in rows 3 feet apart, than they do in rows 2 feet apart. ”

“ I should conceive, if the seed is put into the ground in the month of May, after the manner practised in drilling turnips on ridges, that no doubt can be entertained of obtaining a full crop. As Mangel Wurzel exceeds all other winter food, from being preserved under cover without injuring the quality, so it will prevent a recurrence to the expensive food of oil cake or corn. ”

“ Although manure has been used in 42the cultivation of this root, it is not absolutely necessary; and, if not in a rotten state, it does mischief. Good crops have been obtained at Bedfords without manure, and without injury to the succeeding crops of corn. Beet is fed from a depth considerably below the reach of the plough, as generally used; so that it does not draw the surface soil in which corn is fed. ”

“ I further beg leave to state as my opinion, that as the ground is very strong, it is not well adapted to 62the growth of Beet, and as most of the roots were transplanted, they had not a fair chance.
Transplanted roots are seldom so good as those which have not been removed. I have given Beet Root, for two years past, both to feeding and milch cows with good effect. ”

“ In so doing, they are not actuated by any sordid motive or selfish principle. To do good to others is their aim, and to promote the public welfare the utmost of their ambition.
FINIS.
J. Swan, Printer, 76, Fleet Street, London. ”

“ It may, therefore, fairly be presumed, that they would not be larger in rows 27 inches apart; and if not larger, the weight of the crop, per acre, must be less, because the plants decrease in number as the rows increase in space.
The advantages that would arise 44from the cultivation of these roots, upon a small part of every strong-land-farm throughout the kingdom, must be obvious. ”

“ I have cultivated that root for some years with success. From the Bishop of Derry I learnt to apply the leaves to soiling my milch cows and pigs. The leaves of a good crop are from 10 to 15 tons per acre. ”

“ Such calculations, however, in general, are but little attended to, and it is thought better to omit them, hoping that enough has been said upon the subject, to fix the attention of every person interested in the cultivation of land. ”

“ They were given to milch cows morning and evening, during milking time, and to store pigs in the fold yard.
The produce on 6 yards by 10 was 206 roots in number, and 477 pounds in weight, to which may be added about one-tenth more for plants consumed before the crop was taken up.
I think the Beet Root affords a very material increase to the stock of green food, of the best quality in the Autumn. ”