Mangold-wurzel

Mangold-wurzel, or MANGOLD, a German name in general use in Britain and America to designate the varieties of the Common Beet (q.v.) cultivated in fields for the feeding of cattle—Beta vulgaris of the natural order Chenopodiaceæ. The field beets differ from the garden beets chiefly in being larger in all their parts, and coarser. They have large roots, which in some of the varieties are red, in others greenish or whitish, in some carrot-shaped, and in others nearly globular. The cultivation of mangold as a field-crop was introduced from France into England in 1786. At first, so little was its value known, that the leaves alone were used as food for cattle. Its importance, however, was soon appreciated, and it rapidly gained favour. It is much more patient of a high temperature than the turnip, liable to fewer diseases, and vastly more productive under favourable conditions. In highly-manured grounds in the south of England as much as from 60 to 70 tons to the acre have been raised; throughout the south of England it is generally admitted that it is as easy to grow 30 tons of mangold to the acre as 20 tons of Swedish turnips. The lower temperature of Scotland, however, does not admit of the crop being raised there to advantage. The mode of culture does not vary materially from that followed in raising turnips. The land in which the crop is to be planted receives a deep furrow in autumn; and, if it is quite free from perennial weeds, it is often previously well manured. Mangolds are sown both in rows on the flat ground and in drills raised by the plough—the former from 18 to 25 inches apart, and the latter from 25 to 28 inches wide. From 12 to 16 tons of dung with from 2 to 3½ cwt. of superphosphate, 2 to 3 cwt. common salt, and 2 to 3 cwt. nitrate of soda per acre are common dressings for mangolds. Indeed, this crop can hardly be over-manured. It requires 6 or 7 lb. of seed to the acre; and, as the grains are enclosed in a hard and rough coat, they are steeped in water for two days previous to their being planted, for the purpose of promoting a quick and regular 'braird.' The long red, the round red, and the orange and yellow globes are all favourite varieties in England. As soon as the plants are about 3 inches above ground, they are singled out by the hand, and their cultivation is afterwards the same in all respects as in the case of Swedish turnips. The crop should always be stored by the end of October, and should not be consumed till the following spring, by which time the roots have lost their tendency to produce scour in animals, and have greatly improved in feeding value. Care has to be taken not to injure the leaves or bulbs, as they are liable to suffer from 'bleeding.' The roots are stored in pits or 'clamps,' covered with straw and a little earth, as a protection in severe weather.