FIELD CROPS. 35 



In several instances the meteorological data in the above table are taken from the 

 records of the station nearest to the locality recorded. The analytical data shown 

 from Layfayette, Ind., are based on one sample only; and the mean weight of topped 

 beets with the estimated yield reported from Agricultural College, Mich., represents 

 the average of early and late planting. As in the previous year, the results in gen- 

 eral show that the sugar content varies with the latitude. The percentage of sun- 

 shine seems to have but little effect upon the percentage of sugar in the beet and the 

 actual predominance of clear days, in so far as it does not indicate drought, is not 

 regarded as an important factor. The percentage of sugar was found to increase with 

 the length of the day, and attention is called to the fact that these results coincide 

 with the theory of the correlation of the functional activity of the chlorophyll cells 

 and the light of the sun. The data with reference to the relation of temperature to 

 sugar content show more irregularities than those representing latitude and length 

 of day, still they indicate the tendency of the sugar to diminish as the temperature 

 increases. A striking effect of altitude upon the composition of the beet is shown 

 in the data obtained at Blacksl)urg, Ya., and at Washington, D. C. Blacksburg, 

 v.ith the lowest latitude, shows almost the average sugar content produced at the 

 other stations, while Washington, with a low latitude and the lowest altitude, gives 

 the lowest percentage of sugar. As an illustration that altitude does not in every case 

 tend to increase the content of sugar the author cites the results obtained at Geneva 

 and Ithaca, N. Y., during the two seasons covered by the experiments, which show 

 that although Geneva is almost 400 ft. lower than Ithaca the beets produced there 

 were higher in sugar content. With reference to rainfall, it is concluded that the 

 actual amount does not have as great an influence on the comiiosition of the beet as 

 does its distribution. 



Sugar-beet experiments, 1902, C. D. Smith {Micldgan Sta. Bui. 207, pp. 

 6o-7o). — The work with sugar Ijeets in 1902 was largely in continuation of experi- 

 ments reported in former bulletins 'of the station (E. S. R., 14, p. 244). The results 

 of analyses of sugar beets by the station chemist for the years 1897 to 1902, inclusive, 

 are tabulated. From these results the author concludes that it is practicable to 

 grow ])eets rich in sugar in all parts of the State, but in general the beets are richer 

 in sugar the farther north they are grown. 



Twenty-four varieties were tested at the station and on 2 different farms. The 

 results of germination tests of the seed of the different varieties showing the number 

 of sprouts from 100 fruits in 7 and 14 days and the total number for the entire period 

 are reported. The data obtained in connection with the variety tests show that 

 individual beets from the same plat vary as widely in sugar content as samples from 

 different plats. With these facts in view the author calls attention to the inability 

 to secure representative samples and dwells upon the consequent unreliability of 

 tables comparing different varieties, and of the inaccuracy of paying for beets 

 according to the sugar content of samples taken at the factory. On one of the farms 

 the beets were grown on a low, wet, mucky soil; still, the average sugar content in the 

 samples of the different varieties was higher than at the station and at the other farm. 

 Owing to a wet season no conclusions as to the adaptation of the different varieties 

 to various soils and conditions are drawn. The yields of beets and the yields of 

 sugar, based on the sugar content of the samples analyzed, are tabulated. Coopera- 

 tive experiments with this Department to determine the value of Bordeaux mixture 

 for the prevention of the leaf l)light were ruined by frequent rains. 



The results of distance experiments show that the average yield of beets and the 

 sugar content did not vary greatly for the several distances, 16, 18, 20, and 22 in. 

 between rows. Where the Ijeets were grown in rows 2 ft. apart a slight decline in 

 the yield was noticeable, but there seemed to be no decrease in the sugar content. 

 As in a previous report it is again recommended that the rows V)e placed 21 in. 

 apart. 



