13Z 



• Cultivation of the sugar-beet. 



The sugar-beet is a variety of the ordinary beet that, by careful and scientific 

 selection and propagation, has been improved, so that now examples are not wanting 

 whose juice contains 20 per cent, sugar. 



It is not intended to describe the many different kinds of sugar-beets developed 

 of late yeai-8 and now giown on the continent of Europe for the sugar factory, but 

 it is necessary to say that the seed of such varieties as have been j^roved to be rich 

 in sugar should only be sown. 



The sugar-beet has been found to thrive throughout the greater part of Europe 

 and the United States. As the northern or southern limit of this very extended 

 area of growth is approached the sugar-beet increases in richness. What the 

 sugar-cane is to the tropics, the sugar-beet is to the temperate zones. As it has 

 already been said, there can be no doubt but what the climate of a large portion of 

 Canada is suitable for the development of beets rich in sugar. 



The value of beets for the manufacture of sugar depends upon their richness in 

 sugar and the purity of their juice (co-efficient of purity), and these again in turn 

 depend upon the kind of seed, the quality and condition of the soil, the extent and 

 natu.re of the cultivation and the character of the season. Failure in the past has 

 often resulted from not recognizing the fact that the sugar-beet requires a different 

 and more thoi'Ough cul tivation than beets grown for fodder purposes. A right prepara- 

 tion of the soil, correct planting, and the keeping of the I'oot well below the surface 

 of the ground, all exert their influence upon this crop, both as to quality and 

 quantity. 



In view of the probable extension of the beet-sugar industry in the near future 

 and the consequent gi-owth of these roots in large quantities in this country, it has 

 been thought advisable to give some information — necessarily in a concise form — 

 regarding those methods of culture which have been found advantageous by experi- 

 enced sugar-beet growers. 



Soil. — The sugar-beet will grow in almost any soil, but its profitable- culture 

 requires a good soil, properly prepared. 



Heavy clay and wet soils, rocky and marshy lands, are not desirable. By judicious 

 drainage the former may be vastly improved. Soils in which clay predominate are 

 often too hard and impenetrable. In a ground full of stones the roots become forked 

 and unsuited for the factory, and in a wet soil a watery root is produced. 



Eich, loose, sandy soils, containing a fair proportion of lime, are the most favour- 

 able for the growth of beets rich in sugar. 



Too much organic matter in the soil is apt to impair the purity of the juice, and 

 for this reason the soil selected should be well manured the previous autumn, no 

 application being made in the spring. The manure used should be in a thoroughly 

 rotted condition. 



The soil must not only be fertile, but its mechanical condition must be such that 

 the roots may easily penetrate it. Soils in suitable condition for grain crops give 

 excellent results, and a soil in which the in-turned sod is thoroughly rotted is also 

 good. New soil is not considered the most desirable. 



In seasons when it is hot and dry the stronger and heavier soil, if well drained, 

 will be found more favourable than a loose sandy soil, but the latter, if well manured, 

 will be the better if the summer is rainy or cold. 



The ground should receive a thorough cultivation previous to seeding. If at all 

 heavy it should not be worked while wet. 



Sowing. — The pi-oper time for seeding will depend upon the season and the soil, 

 but during the latter part of April or the beginning ^f May the soil will in most 

 localities be sufficiently dry, without having lost tha logiee of moisture necessary for 

 the germination of the seed. The earlier the sowing the better, as the beets require 

 to grow as long as possible. If found desirable, the seed may be soaked from five 

 to ten hours befoi-e sowing. 



The seed should be planted fiom f to IJ inches deep, and in drills 12 to 20 inches 



