ROOT CHOI'S 



thus far the total crops have averaged 26 per cent, of "single- 

 germ" seed, such seed producing beets yielding from 16 to 17 

 per cent, sugar. 1 



357. Cultivation. The ground should be harrowed as fre- 

 quently as necessary after seeding to keep weeds from starting. 

 Shallow cultivation should begin as soon as rows can be seen 



A best puller 



A four-row beet cultivator with duck feet 

 and weeding knives 



and continued about every ten days until tops meeting in the 

 row prevent further inter-tillage. 



358. Harvesting. The cessation of growth is indicated by 

 the withering of the outer leaves, which usually occurs about 

 the middle of October. Beets will stand some frost, but should 

 not be subjected to severe freezing. The roots should be lifted 

 with as little injury as possible. 



In case the sugar beets are to be used for making sugar, the 

 crown is always cut off, but where mangel-wurzels or sugar 

 beets are stored for feeding the tops should be twisted off by 

 hand. The storage should be cool, dry and well ventilated. 

 Experiments indicate that at a temperature of 32 F. beets 

 may be kept for weeks in perfect condition. A root cellar 

 is most convenient, but if necessary they may be pitted, covering 

 with alternate layers of straw and soil, adding layers as the cold 



1 Report of the Secretary of Agriculture (1906), p. 42. 



