21 DECEMBER 1934, Page 16

Oats have ceased to be a paying crop largely because

they are chiefly the food of horses (at any rate in England, as Dr:' Johnson pointed out in the Dictionary, if not in Scotland). At one time a particular white variety of carrot —it looks almost like a sugar beet—was grown for rail- way horses who (like German babies) were discovered to flourish supremely on carrotine. But -the carrot—one of over 8 lbs. was exhibited by Messrs. Sutton—was saved because the racing owners came to the same conclusion as the shire-owners : the carrot added stamina to the thorough- bred beyond any Other food. It may be that the coster- whom the humorists have bantered on this account—dangled the carrot because both he and his donkey knew how precious was- its essence. ' • a a * *