The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-01-22

printed respecting it, he will generally
find it to his advantage to visit those
| who are or who have been engaged in
it. A journey will cost something, but
it will be less expensive than an expert
lnent that will often end in failure.
Root Crops for stock.
During the past few years consider
able interest has been shown in some
parts of the west in raising root crops
to feed to farm animals. A variety OF
causes have prevented much attention
being paid to them till recently. In
many places there was more grass than
the animals could eat. Most of the ter
ritory occupied by settlers had a soil
and climate wen adapted to the produc-
ton of Indian corn. The climate of
those regions was not well adapted to
the production of turnips, which are
more generally raised in Great Britain
for stock purposes than any other veg
etable. The seasons generally were too
dry and hot to admit of their making
a good growth. The yield was often
small, and the roots were likely to be
hard and tough, But Il small number
of laborcrs are kept on most western
farms, and rs a rule it has been difficult
to obtain help to plant, weed, and thin
root crops. The winters in parts of the
west nortlisof the great corn belt" are
severe. and the difficulties in preserving
roots to feed during cold weather
somewhat great. Large cellars are
scarce, and the majority of farmers dc
not know how to preserve roots in pits.
Besides, our agricultural chemists. who
claim that the feeding value of every
kind of food can be determined by
analyses, have placed roots among the
poorest kinds of stock food.
Various reasons, however. have re-
Gently caused farmers to look favorably
on the production of roots. A large
amount of land north of the region
where corn can be protitably raised has
been settled. Cattle, horses, and sheep
have increased in numbers till in many
places feed is comparatively scarce. The
seasons have been more favorable to the
production of roots, being comparative
ly cool and moist. Those who have
planted beets and turnips for stock food
have generally raised largo crops. The
roots raised have been of good quality.
i " SoWIll3 VII SCtNt III u
t tors for working the soil between the
rows have been improved, A number
of machines have been brought out for
7 cutting and pulping roots before they
} are fed to animals. The keepers of fan
cy horses in towns are buying large
, quantities Of carrots to feed to them.
Some of our best breeders of fine cattle,
like Mr.. Miller. at Beechcr. H., have
I , .l.,A ,.-4- ,,. ,.on
valuable, and that they seem to keep IN.
imals in good condition. They advo.
cate feeding them to cattle and sheep
I once every day when their chief food is
!, hay and grain. Several dairy farmers
h have raised large quantities of sugar
beets, carrots, and parsnips for theil
cows, and give good reports of the in.
o crease in the yield of milk, and tho
general condition of the animals.
G The production Of roots enable farm,
I crS to keep more stock, which nearly
I everyone WHO owns costly lands desire.
to do. To seed for Il crop of roots cost:
very little. Land is generally improved
by raising Il crop of roots on it. Th'
a shade of their leaves is beneficial, ant
Il the working of the soil puts it in excel
. lent condition for thcs production o
y grain. Good turnips and mangles cal
u not be raised when the atmosphere j
o hot and dry during the growing season
nc but even in places where along drough
l. prevails in the latter part of the sum
W mer carrots and parsnips often do vcr
II well. Their roots keep entirely beloN
re the surface of the ground, while tllei
s. leaves shade it so as to keep it modci
t., atcly moist. The climate of Wiscol
Is sin, Minnesota. northern lowe
G. and Dakota, is well adapted t
IN the growth of turnips. and in a nea
as future they will be likely TO be one {
~ the leading crops. Sugar bcets, carrots
d. and parsnips also do well. BY raisin
sc all OF them, farmers are enabled to SUP
40 ply their animals with 9 variety Of fooc
re During long winters cattle ana shee
n tire Of dry hay and straw. Grain a
u, fords some variety. but that, too. COZ
III tains very little moisture, and is almo'
ce destitute of flavor. Even horses al
~ grateful for an occasional feed
ms carrots.
OF Land intended for the production
IL either OF these vegetables should be fir,
nc from the seed Of grass and weeds.
n; should be made rich by the liberal use
Oh wcll-rotted manure. that saved from Il
* cow-barn being the best. The sc
DIV should be deeply plcwcd and well PIT
verified. Land that is liable to ha'
IN water stand on it is unsuitable for raj
ing roots, The seed of beets, carrot
and parsnips should be planted qui
'at early. as q long season is required f
ne them to fully complete their growt
lts For convenience and ease in'workil
OF the rows should be straight. If they a
nc straight and at equal distance apart t
les soil between them can be worked wi
1ct a horse cultivator. Hand work W
ne only be required for wedding and thi
lof ing. The harvesting of roots can
Ell, ways be deferred till all the other tie
en crops are gathered. A portion of t
parsnips raised can be allowed to !
up main in the ground till spring. as free
ma ing does not injure them. SUGGEST
TX freezing and thawing only serves
OF change the starch they contain il
led sugar. Pmrsnips are very desiral
food for fowls us well as for cattle.
Chicago Times.
l,l1 The Sultan's German ~ConfectiOner