Barrowby, Lincolnshire,
December 15, 1814.
Sir,
For the last four winters I have constantly fed my milch cows with Beet, but I never exceeded, I believe, a bushel per day to each; not from any apprehension of ill effects when given in larger quantities. My object was, to make it last the longer, as the milk and cream were evidently much improved thereby. The cows always had plenty of hay with the Beet, and when the weather, or rather the state of the land would admit, they were turned into a grass field adjoining my farm yard.
Mr. Turney, of Sedgbrook, who has finished off some bullocks this Autumn, whilst at grass, with Beet, has given it with great good effect to his milch cows for the last two winters, and he is at this time keeping a new-calved heifer upon it.
I may add, that I have always found the milk to be increased in quantity, as well as improved in quality, whilst the Beet was used.
As to the weight of my crop, this year, it is much less than usual. My land, you know, is old garden ground, and produced a crop of Beet last year, Swedes the year before, and carrots in 1811. A tenacious loam, on clay, difficult to work in the Spring. On this I got only 7 cwt. 2 qrs. on 6 yards by 10, which is after the rate of 30 tons per acre.
I am, &c.
Jonathan Kendal.
Stag Brewhouse,