Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1867-01-04
The Discussion at Orland.

| ED. AMERICAN The first of the series OF
Agricultural discussion appointed by the Ir''s'
tees, was had at Orland the 2Gth. inst. II l.
matter of regret, that majority Of the Officers
neglected to attend. Amer waiting until late
hour for the President of the Society TO ''swing
round on this part of the circle" the meeting
was called to order by Francis Buck, and lioh.
A. L. Emerson, appointed Chairnen.
! The Secretary OF The Society opened the dis
c,Ission The leading thoughts OF his remarks
was the Importance Of cultivating roots to sup
ply the deficit. in the hay crop. and also that
The culture of roots tended toward n higher
standard of husbandry. He preferred the tur-
nip, thought its nutritious value had been UNI
,lurated even by those who have attempted 10
institute comparative values.
Mr. C6j,don preferred the potatoc. had cx-
pcrimcntcd with the mangold beet, considered
them of little value The potatoe could he
raised at less cost than either the beet or turnip
bu,hel for bu>hel, and were of more value for
feeding purposes. His second choice would be
the blood beet.
NJ. Pa,tridre thought the first speaker had
taken II correct view of the subject. He bclic,-
ed farmers were not fully aware of the value Of
turnips. His experience WAS it cost much less
10 raise turnps than potatoes, giving Q striking
instance of the result of AN eXperimerN In proof
of the view taken.
NJ. Smith Of Surry entertained high opin-
ion of turnips especially for feeding TO sheep,
thought farmers ought 10 cultivate roots more
extensively. II would pay.
M r. Bnck,Aivocatei the cultivation Of the
hat ,ttg til-
tvating t. crop. is les. than that ot most 9th
er roots. His experience was that the man-
gold, Wurizel fer producing fat in the animal
system is Of the highest utility.
Mr.. Grant of Bucksport, thought Mr.. Con-
don was correct in saving "thc mango Il bee
WAS of but little Value" lie would 20 further
and >ly in hi, experience lie had found them
injurious especially for milk COWS.
M HdSsoR suggested that the time offccd-
ing might be the cause Of the injurious effects.
.N. Grant replied. he feed them in the fall
aud first the winter.
NJ. jIdSsoa said he suspected. His var-
ty Of the beet. did not ripcn before mid-wintcr,
while unripr il contain, an acid, n sort Of slow
poison. In the old country it wa, not fed out
until after Christmas. There il was more est
cemed than any sher yarity of beet.
NJ C"tfon recommended the California pot
atoe lie knew they would keep milk cows in
good condition. The, were exceedingly proli-
iie, Large quantities could be grown without
extraordinary labor.
The Chairman said the leading idea os the
discussion seemed 10 bc, 10 find II substitute for
hay. In his opinion it was Ia be- found in fod-
der corn. II WAS easily raised, several tons
per acre could de obtained with no extra effort
true it va, somewhat difficult 10 cure it. But
he had 10 doubt but it could be done.
n condensed summary of the discussion.
would be-. that the cultivation Of the rsot-crop>
is of vastly more Importance To farmers than
they are aware al. thai the farmer, of Hancock
would find il greatly to their adv anagc to make
special business of raising roots To feed their
sheep and cattle during the winter months
The rrport Of the evening discussion will be
Reserved for future number. W.