LOSS OF SUGAR. 389 



which are to be kept over winter is disapproved of. The 

 use of the plough in harvesting is also objectionable on 

 account of frequent laceration of the roots. 



The mature roots, after being freed from the leaves in the 

 manner just described, are, with the adhering soil, laid care- 

 fully into shallow pits about six feet long by three feet wide, 

 and from four to five feet in depth. These are finally 

 covered with soil to protect them against frost. Small pits 

 of the size just described are preferred; for they allow a 

 better control of the temperature than large pits, which fre- 

 quently surfer from an undesirable increase of heat, causing 

 the growth of leaves, or degeneration by decay. The cover- 

 ing of soil is gradually increased in thickness with the 

 advancing season, amounting usually to a final thickness of 

 three feet, and this is sometimes rendered more efficient by 

 a thin outer layer of stable-manure. Tt» secure a uniform 

 moderate temperature is the sole object of these proceedings, 

 and pits beginning to heat are worked up without delay. 

 The pits must be located upon very dry land on or near the 

 beet-fields, and in such a position that no accumulation of 

 water can injuriously affect them. 



To give some idea about the changes which a good sugar- 

 beet undergoes in the pits even under quite favorable cir- 

 cumstances, I insert the following statement of H. Rake. 

 The same kind of beet-roots contained : — 



In October, 1862 : — 



Per cent. 



Cellulose 3.49 



Water 82.06 



Cane-sugar 12.40 



Grape-sugar — 



Mineral constituents ...... 0.75 



Albuminous and extractive substances . . . 1.30 



100.00 

 In February, 1863 : — 



Per cent. 



Cellulose ........ 2.52 



Water 84.36 



Cane-sugar ........ 10.60 



Grape-sugar . . . . . . . . 0.65 



Mineral constituents 0.63 



Albuminous and extractive substances . . . 1.20 



100.00 



