REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT :0F FIELD 



CROPS. 



I. THE'IOUTLOOK FOR THE SUGAR BEET 



INDUSTRY.^t 



W. H. JORDAN. 



SUMMAKY. 



The following facts may be regarded as favorable to the suc- 

 cessful production of beet sugar: 



(1) The experience of 1897, so far as a single season can show, 

 appears to demonstrate that our climatic and soil conditions are 

 adapted to the growth of beets which are satisfactory in quantity 

 and quality of yield. 



(2) The cultivated lands of central and western New York may 

 be so managed as to compete with, any in the United States in 

 those lines for which they are adapted. 



(3) The ability of the American farmer to take up a new enter- 

 prise successfully is a helpful factor. American inventive genius 

 may also be relied upon to provide implements necessary to cheap 

 culture. 



(4) At present there is an unlimited home market at good 

 prices for all the sugar that can be produced; but it cannot be 

 definitely known how long this condition may last. 



(5) An added cash crop yielding fair returns is most desirable 

 for our farmers. ^ 



The following facts must also be considered in connection with 

 those preceding: 



(1) To cultivate a plant so sensitive in regard to its content of 

 sugar as the sugar beet requires such careful attention to details 

 as is demanded by no other crop commonly grown on our farms. 



•A reprint, largely, from an article In the Country Oentletnan, Dec. 30, 1897. 

 t Partial reprint of Bulletin No. 135. 



