122 



The Sugar-Beet in America 



60.3 per cent perfect, 17.2 tons; and when but 29.6 per 

 cent perfect, 10.3 tons to the acre. 



In addition to the losses in stand due to p>oor cultural 

 methods, there were losses caused by imperfect germination 

 which might be attributed to the following causes : poor 

 preparation of seed-bed, imperfect operation of seed drills, 

 late frosts, damping-off disease, blowing of light sandy 

 soils, flea-beetles, cutworms, and wireworms. 



Losses due to delayed thinning are shown from the 

 following yields obtained in Germany : 



HOEING 



Two hoeings by hand are usually required ; three are 

 sometimes necessary. This is the chief item of expense 

 after thinning and topping. ]Much depends on hoeing 

 at the proper time in order that weeds do not get started 

 and take the nourishment and moisture that are needed 

 by the young beet plant. It is likewise important that 

 the hoeing be thorough. This is much more important 

 for sugar-beets than for a crop like corn that grows rapidly 

 and soon shades the weeds. In the beet field it is the weeds 

 that do the shading. Hoeing is often contracted in con- 

 nection with thinning. This is very satisfactory since it 



