Mangel-Wurzel, or Root of Scarcity, the Beta albissima, L. is an exotic variety of the Beta Cicla. It is propagated from seeds, one or two of which are deposited, in the month of April or May, in holes dibbled at the distance of from eight to eighteen inches asunder.

The white and red-streaked roots of this plant are large and fleshy: affording excellent fodder for cows, to whose milk and cream they communicate a delicious flavour.

The Mangel-Wurzel produces abundance of leaves, which are greatly relished by horses, sheep, cows and hogs; for the two last mentioned animals, however, it is necessary to cut them off the plant; because they are said to refuse eating the fresh herbage from the roots. These leaves, being remark- ably tender, are dressed on the Continent in the same manner as spinach.—See Beet and Sugar.

In those parts of Germany where the Root of Scarcity is cultivated, farmers prefer it to potatoes, turnips, carrots, and every other vegetable for feeding cattle ; as both its root and leaves are free from the depredations of insects; but they acknowledge, that the animals do not fatten so readily on this as on the vegetables above specified.-— Although the Mangel-Wurzel has not answered the high expectations that were formed of its utility in Britain some years since, it is a valuable plant, and deserves the attention of agriculturists ; as there is no doubt that in certain soils, and in particular situations, it may prove a most useful article for the purposes above stated.