W. X. WINTEKHALTER 



CULTIVATION OF THE BEET. 75 



effect produced by the culture of so much land in 

 beets, and the application of the manure of so many 

 cattle, with the consequent increase in the amount and 

 value of subsequent crops, is perfectly apparent. The 

 quality of wheat raised after beets is better than that 

 usually produced ; the ears are larger and heavier, the 

 straw stronger, and not so liable to lodge. The berry 

 is larger and brighter; its specific gravity is also 

 greater, weighing from two to three pounds per bushel 

 more than ordinary wheat. 



But these effects are not all, even of those having an 

 agricultural bearing, which the great industry pro 

 duces. They are not confined to the comparatively 

 narrow circle that surrounds the factory, in which are 

 expended for beets and for labor large sums that foster 

 industry, and scatter plenty in the surrounding vil 

 lages. The distribution of these large amounts for 

 labor and for the crop opens a better market for the 

 productions of other branches of industry, agri 

 cultural, mechanical, manufacturing, mining, and 

 commercial. 



To till the land and to consume the pulp, many 

 horses, as well as vast numbers of cattle and sheep, are 

 required. These are purchased from other sections, 

 for the departments in which the beet is cultivated are 

 not grazing districts in which cattle are raised, but 

 they are preeminently distinguished for supporting 

 and fattening cattle. 



The improved condition of the 70,000 laborers 

 engaged in this industry, one fifth of whom are wo 

 men and children, makes them larger consumers of 

 tea, coffee, meat, clothing, of all the necessaries of 



