274 



CULTURE OF THE SUGAR BEET. 



complaints, we have collected below a statement showing the comparative composition 

 of the different products. 



Concerning the saccharine value of each crop, which would have been of great value 

 for comparison Avith the yield and the other operations of culture, etc., it was impos- 

 sible to get complete information. The farmers had no means for its determination, 

 and really little interest in it, and the sugar company made only a limited number of 

 tests. In fact, a greater number than they made would have been impracticable, on 

 account of the manner in which the roots were received at the works. The average 

 value of this year's crop is given in the following statement received from the com- 

 pany : 



' ' You ask for information as to the percentage of sugar in each particular lot of beets 

 raised for this company. No such analysis has been or could be made. We have re- 

 ceived beets from 1,500 farmers delivered at 147 railroad stations as well as at our 

 works here in Portland by wagons and vessels. These crops aggregated 9,000 tons. 

 We made, perhaps, 100 polarizations during our working season of 75 days, but not 

 with reference to any special crop or locality. The average yield was 10 per cent, of 

 rillmasse, or to speak more accurately, 9f per cent, of fiillmasse (masse-cuite). The 

 beets polarized from 9 to 13 per cent, according to size, quality, etc. We distributed 

 two kinds of seed : the German Imperial seed bought from Ferdinand Knauer, of 

 Grobers, Prussia, and the Collet rose or red top, bought of Vilmorin & Co., of Paris, 

 France. The German or white variety was richer in sugar by 1 per cent, than the 

 French or red variety; but the French variety gave somewhat larger crops." 



Respectfully submitted, 



WM. McMURTRIE. 



Hon. Wm. G. Le Due, 



Commissioner of Agriculture. 



