114 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



A fodder beet 



A fodder beet 



Electoral 



Uncertain variety frotn Echaullon de Mon- 

 treal 



Uncertain variety fn .n Riviere du Loup.... 



Uncertain variety from Cbambly 



Uncertain variety from Maskinonge 



The Secretary of the Canadian Department of Agriculture has 

 shown great energy and interest in the investigation of the capa- 

 bilities of Canada in this direction, which bid fair to be crowned 

 with such success. Canada is not too cold for this industry, the 

 season being long enough for the perfect maturing of the roots. 

 Indeed, it may even be true, that the climate is specially favor- 

 able to this end. It is even held that warm countries are rather 

 adverse to its successful prosecution ; among other reasons, 

 because of the coarser roots produced, the fermenting of the juice 

 in high temperatures during manufacture, and also, perhaps, that 

 other profitable special crops already have a strong foothold. The 

 results of investigations so far are as favorable to Canada, as to 

 New York. A proper and systematic method of cultivation would 

 doubtless result in a higher and more satisfactory quality of beet 

 and yield of sugar, in both localities. 



Introduction of the Enterprise. 



The first step has been taken ; it has been proved by careful 

 investigation, that the soil and climate, especially of the older 

 sections of the Northern States and Canada, are suitable to the 

 production of beets for sugar making. And in several localities 

 it is already in successful operation ; in others it is being agitated 

 with prospects of action. Before steps for actual establishment 

 are taken in any locality, careful experiments should be tried for 

 testing the means for producing roots of the right quality. If 

 from seed of the best varieties, with proper cultivation and manur- 

 ing, mature roots of medium size and fineness of form, yielding 

 from 8 per cent, and upwards of sugar are produced, then, other 

 requisites being provided, proceed boldly. When capital has 

 been secured, of which from $100,000 to $300,000 are necessary 

 for the manufacturing branch, the matter of location must be 

 prominently considered. Facilities for transportation, and plenti- 



