136 TRUCK-FARMING AT THE SOUTH. 



three-fourths of an inch, or one inch deep, with a hand 

 drill in rows, fifteen to eighteen inches apart. On level 

 ground sow in narrow "lands," say thirty feet wide, 

 which will afford additional surface drainage. If the 

 planting is to be on a large scale, the distance between 

 the rows must be from thirty to thirty-six inches, accord- 

 ing to the size of the cultivator. In sowing and weed- 

 ing, bear in mind that each grain contains several seeds. 

 Owing to its slow germination, beet seed is often soaked 

 in warm water. See chapter on " Seeds." The quantity 

 of seed required to sow an acre is from four to eight 

 pounds, according to the above-mentioned distances. 



CULTIVATION. 



The young plants should not be allowed to crowd each 

 other. If the stand is close, it is well to chop out spaces 

 in the row with a narrow hoe, and subsequently, when 

 the plants are about two inches high, they should be 

 thinned out to stand from four to six inches apart. 

 Vacant spaces may be supplied; but transplanted turnip- 

 rooted beets are not apt to make smooth roots. Subse- 

 quent cultivation consists in stirring the surface between 

 the rows, working as near the beets as possible, and in 

 keeping the crop free from weeds. Frequent hoeings 

 between the narrow rows and some hand-weeding will be 

 necessary. For the wider rows, one plowing, the use of 

 the cultivator twice, and one hoeing may suffice in favor- 

 able seasons, but more should be given if needed. 



MARKETING. 



Beets must be marketed while tender, and before they 

 are full grown. When about three inches in diameter, 

 ^hey are large enough for shipment. The leaves are cut 

 off. within about three inches of the roots, which, un- 

 washed, are then to be closely and regularly packed in 

 well-ventilated barrels, covered with cloth. The prices 



