264 THE SOILS AND CKO?S OF THE FARM. 



acre could be recovered in manufacturing. This 

 probably represents beet culture under its most highly 

 improved condition. 



The production of sugar from beets was first at- 

 tempted in America in 1880. Since 1863 more or less 

 continuous attempts have been made in various sec- 

 tions of the country. One factory in California has 

 been running more or less suc- 

 cessfully during the past few 

 years and several others have 

 recently been established. At- 

 tempts are now being made to 

 introduce the culture and man- 

 ufacture into Nebraska, Kansas 

 and other states. The economical 

 production of the beets is the 

 main difficulty to be overcome. 

 It is hoped that the manufacture 

 of sugar from sorghum and beets 

 may be profitably combined, 

 although the best climatic con- 

 ditions for each are not the same. 

 Varieties. — There were four 

 varieties of the common beet 

 (Beta vulgaris) known at the time 

 the manufacture of sugar began, 

 viz. : The small and large red, the yellow and the 

 white. It was the white variety which was selected 

 for the manufacture of sugar. 



At the time the manufacture of sugar began the 

 juice of the beet contained only six per cent of cane 

 sugar. By subjecting beets to chemical and physical 

 tests Qnd only growing those for seed which had 



vilmokin's 

 Improved Beet. 



