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THE SUGAR INDUSTRY. 



Previous experiments have shown the capacity of many sections of the state to raise rich 

 beets. The Illinois Sugar Refining Company has been organized to build and equip a beet 

 sugar mill at Pekin, Tazewell Co., 111., which will have a capacity of 350 tons per day 

 with provision for doubling it. This concern is contracting for several thousand acres 

 of beets in '99 and thereafter, and will pay for the same $4 per ton delivered at the 

 factory, for beets testing 12 per cent, sugar and 80 purity, and 25c for each 1 per cent, 

 of sugar above that. JN TJJF MIDDLE SOUTH< 



In New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware, what tests have been made in growing 

 the sugar beet have so far been unsatisfactory in yield of beets, sugar content and 

 purity. Another effort was made in 1898, when 51 New Jersey farmers planted their 

 crops, but only 24 sent samples to the experiment station. These tested 7.5 to 13.9 per 

 cent, sugar, of 70 to 88 purity, averaging 11 and 78. Director Voorhees writes us (Jan- 

 uary, 1899): "The results of our experiments in growing sugar beets are not encour- 

 aging ti ie sugar content is, on the average, too low to make it advisable to grow them 

 for manufacturing purposes, besides, the yield was not large enough in the case of those 

 which showed a reasonably high content of sugar to make it profitable for farmers 

 to grow them at the usual price paid. I do not know at present of any parties who are 

 contemplating the manufacture of beet sugar in this state. We have not published any 

 bulletins on the subject, as the data have not warranted such preparation." 



Efforts were made in 1897-8 to establish a sugar factory near Richmond, Va., but 

 without success. More cultural tests are needed in both the Virginias before one can 

 pass intelligently upon their adaptability to this crop. North Carolina and Kentucky 

 results during the past three years have not been encouraging, though the tests were 

 not extensive. In Tennessee the prospect is much more hopeful. 





YARD OF BEETS AT ROME (N. Y.) FACTORY. 



Showing where the beets are shoveled into the water trough in which they are partially washed on 

 their way to the factory. 



