88 BEET-ROOT SUGAR AND 



CHOICE OF SOIL. 



Although most countries and climates permit its 

 culture, there is of course a choice of soil, if the high- 

 est development of saccharine qualities is desired. 



The root of the beet penetrates deeply into the 

 ground, and is abundantly supplied with fine fibres, 

 through which it derives its nourishment. 



The beet dislikes a too clayey, tenacious soil. Rocky 

 or stony land must also be avoided, as it produces 

 forked and misshapen roots, difficult to cleanse and 

 rasp. 



Soil charged with mineral salts is not suitable ; for 

 sugar beets easily absorb its saline and alkaline ele- 

 ments, which are obstacles to the extraction of sugar. 



Marshy, sw^ampy lands, and those in proximity to 

 the sea, are unfavorable for the beet. 



Wet lands are disadvantageous ; but by a proper 

 system of drainage, cultivation, and manuring, may 

 be rendered suitable. 



The beet flourishes best in deep, rich, loose, per- 

 meable soils, suitable for grains. 



Light, rich, sandy ground furnishes beets dense, 

 easy of preservation, and rich in sugar. 



Calcareous soils are good, and the argillo-calcare- 

 ous are better still. 



Ground that is mellow, warm, and fertile, free from 

 saline and alkaline constituents, not sour, and of a 

 nature little liable to suffer from drought, easy to 

 work late in autumn and early in spring, with a 

 comparatively permeable subsoil, penetrable by the 

 tap-root of the beet, that affords natural drainage, so 



