[Illustration]
This photograph, sent in by Mr. H. Clifford, of 236, 52nd Street,
Brooklyn, New York, shows how they grow beetroots in California. The
largest of the two roots displayed is over 5ft. in height, as may be
estimated by comparison with the young lady standing alongside it, and
it is estimated that it will tip the beam at over 200lb. Beetroots of
this size are naturally not quite so tender as the smaller kind one
is accustomed to receive at table; in fact, in order to slice them it
might be necessary to use an axe or a circular saw. Mr. Boker, who
grew these, says that there need be no fear of any denudation of our
forests, as he can raise a good-sized one underground in the course of
a season.