188 CULTURE OF 



it turns, causes the seed to fall in its cavities, 

 and then drops them into the furrow, at the regular 

 distance of sixteen inches. The furrows are formed 

 by shares, fixed in front of the machine. There are 

 three of them, and they plough but half an inch deep. 

 For the purpose of covering up the seed, there are 

 three rollers fixed behind. This machine, drawn by 

 one horse, will sovr several acres in a day, attended 

 by a man or boy, whose only care is to keep the hop- 

 per supplied with seed, and the holes open. 



The sower should be particular not to put the seed 

 more than half an inch deep in the ground, as when 

 too deep they do not receive the influence of the air, 

 moisture and warmth, which are absolutely necessary 

 to germination. The seed should always, when prac- 

 ticable, be put down immediately after the ground 

 has been broken up. 



Cultivators are at variance as to the proper time 

 for sowing the beet seed, but it has been found to be 

 a fact, that they can scarcely be sown too soon in 

 season, for the simple reason, that the sooner they are 

 sown the sooner they arrive at maturity, and the soon- 

 er the manufacturer may begin with the process of 

 making sugar. It is declared to be a fact, that sugar 

 made in September is more easily extracted, and is of 

 a lighter and more beautiful texture, than when the 

 process is delayed. It is also declared, that the quan- 

 tity obtained from the roots will be considerably 

 greater, if sown in March, than if sown in May. 



