21 DECEMBER 1929, Page 14

FAVOURED ROOTS.

it is remarkable that the popularity of the sugar-beet is not withdrawing support from the mangold. In Denmark the increase in root-growing is one of the surprises of recent statistics. Farmers there are almost unanimous in its support and the acreage grows yearly by a large amount. The result is due partly to the perfection of-the seed, especially English seed (incidentally, a crop that failed this year ; and seed will be very scarce). But it is also due to changed views about its feeding value and effect on animal health. Again, the yield per acre is so big (roots up to 50 lb. each in weight were exhibited at Smithfield) and the crop is so easily pulled and harvested that the new popularity is easily understood. A recent tendency to belittle the value of roots was due perhaps more to scientific analysts than to men practically concerned with animal nutrition.

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