49 



different periods of their growth and the correspond- 

 ing weight of the roots. 



20 July 5 2Joz. 



9 August 5,8 10 " 



31 August 8 lib. 4 " 



13 September 10.. lib. 8 " 



20 September 10,5 lib. 9 " 



16 October 12,4 2 Ibs. 



HARVESTING THE BEET. 



The beet in ripening gains its maximum of rich 

 ness in sugar. Then is the time to take it up, to 

 pull it out. This ripeness, which comes about the 

 end of September or middle of October, manifests 

 itself by the yellow appearance of the leaves, which 

 get covered with red or brown spots and droop. T 

 pull up the beets, a fine dry time is chosen, ear 

 being taken that the beets have previously bad a 

 few r dry days so that the skin be less watery and 

 more firm. The beets will only increase in value 

 if they remain tater in the ground, as long as the 

 thermometer does not decrease to 40. 



The beets are taken up with a spade or plough ; 

 they are lightly shaken to take off the larger part cf 

 the adherent earth, and the head is cut off with a 

 sharp knife. Until they can be carted away, they 

 are placed in small heaps or in lines on the ground, 

 are covered with the leaves that are cut off. 



When pulling up or carting the beets, great care 



