The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1880-04-23
ArticllOkes.
From the Western RURAL

FROM ne western hural.l
There is nothing so valuable to farm
ers and stock raisers, about which there
has been so little said and written in our
agricultural papers, as the root vegeta-
BILE known as the artichoke. Perhaps
there are several reasons, taken singly
and combined, which may be the cause,
First. there are comparatively few who
have had good varieties to experiment
upon. Secondly, many of those who
have had them did not know how to cul-
tivate and use them. Thirdly, there is
wild artichoke, named by some the wild
sunflower, which has small roots and yell
low flowers somewhat resembling the
real plant. 1t is scattered all over the
states and is very difficult to kill out.
Many think this is the true artichoke,
and Il widespread and strong prejudice
exists against their introduction and use.
1t is q slaiider on the imported and gen.
uine artichoke-as much 30 as to say
that weeds are as good as cultivated
grasses. do not know that history gives
the exact date of their first introduction
into this country. They are known as
Jerusalem, French and Brazilian arti-
chokes. No doubt they were brought
here by early emigrants from Asia, Eu-
rope and Brazil. But we know that some
of the best varieties have been introduce
ed by and through our government.
Very many stock ralsers have from
actual experiments satisfied themselves
and others of the practical utility and
real value of artichokes, rs very cheap
and healthy food for hogs and cattle. 1t
is said that when an absolute necessity
exists the want is supplied" A cheaper
food is the want, and artichokes are the
supply. The United States is not only
the acknowledged "granary of the
world" but is largely drawn upon for
the meat supplies of the world. Corn
and the grasses are the two great factors
in the production of meats. Grasses we
have in large acreage, and the produc-
ton can be almost indefinitely increased.
But corn is an expensive food to use IN
the proportion we do in the production
of meats, and In proportion as the an
imal is dependent on oil corn food it be-
comes the more expensive, because it in
creases the chances of disease, especially
in hogs, such as cholera, etc. To raise
and fatten hogs principally on corn
assumes that the farmer must have at
least four cents per pound live weight,
delivered ut the nearest railroad depot,
and to cover the losses common from
disease caused by heavy corn feeding
will require five cents per pound. This
price we have no right to expect. Hence
the necessity of cheaper and healthier
food; at least q food that will 80 join
with corn that both are healthier, and
the cost of producing is reduced.
This brings us to the practical and
important inquiries, viz: Are artichokes
healc y for stock, and will they largely
assist In producing meats cheaper and
more certainly than without them? The
artichoke is q bulb or root that grows
similar to potatoes. The roots are more
brittle. Potatoes are in the form of
starch, while artichokes already hold
sugar in solution. That they are healthy
we refer you in proof to E. B. Rockway
of Ainswortb, Iowa, and Col, John Scott
of Nevada, Iowa, both practical producers
and feeders of artichokes, One writes;
81 have yet to learn OF q diseased herd
where artichokes were used freely in fall
and spring." The other says: "There
is much positive evidence In favor Of
artichokes as prevention Of disease ir
swine." And still another says that ht
believes the free use Of artichokes viii
prevent cholera in hogs, and are yery
healthy for cattle. The hog himself Is
good Judge. He says by his actions tina