AGRICULTURAL TEXT-BOOK. 241 



quantities under nearly all circumstances. It appears to be best 

 to apply barn-yard manures to the previous crop. 



An instance is given where an application of 3 c\vt. of salt to 

 the acre increased the crop from 26 to 40 tons. 



The Beet at all stages of its growth, including the period of its flow- 

 ering, exhibits the same relative proportions of water and solid ingredi 

 ents ; consequently half grown and full grown bulbs, flowering and not 

 flowering plants, leave very nearly the same amount of dry residue. 

 With the period of bearing seed, this residue rapidly diminishes in quan 

 tity. But the separate constituents vary in proportion. Thus, the Su 

 gar gradually increases with the growth, attains a maximum at a certain 

 period before ripening, when it again diminishes, and disappears with 

 the formation of seed. 



529. In England this root is frequently sold at l (=:$4.88) 

 per ton, but the real value to the farmer for feeding, is estima 

 ted at about one half, or $2.00. In this country, where meat 

 brings a lower price, the value is of course less. The improve 

 ment of the land, when properly cultivated, ought, however, to 

 be estimated as a profit 



530: c No peculiar diseases or insects appear to injure this crop 

 in the United States. In Europe, there are several of both, 

 and of late in France it has suffered from a Rot similar to that 

 of the Potato. 



531. A. sort of beer is sometimes made of it, at a low cost. 



A good vinegar may also be procured by grating the root, 

 expressing the juice into a barrel, and allowing it to undergo fer 

 mentation in a warm place. Six gallons have been made from 

 a bushel of the root of the Sugar-beet A cider-mill might be 

 used for the purpose. 



As this root is the raw material of an extensive manufacture, which demands great 

 scientific skill, its culture and peculiarities have leen thorougly studied ; and more, 

 probably, has been written upon it than almost any other vegetable product whatever 

 except wheat. In these pages, we have only been able to give a compressed abstract, 

 and therefore refer the reader to the following works among many others. Thaer 

 Principles of Agriculture ; Johnston s Agricul. Chemist.; Journ. of Royal Agricul. 

 Socy. of England, vol. xiii.; Pat. Off. Reports 1849 ; British Farmers Magazine vols. 

 xxii, xxiii.: Knapp s Technology vol. iii; Journal d Agriculture pratique, Tomevii. 

 Low s practical Agriculture , Stephen s Farmer s Guide ; Wiggiu s American Far 

 mer, &c , &c. 



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