248 



SUGAR HKKT I'OTATO 



Being originally derived from a plant which grew on the sea-shore, 

 they still seem to appreciate chlorides and are benefited by applica- 

 tions of common salt. 



The Sugar Beet is a variety which has been developed, by careful 

 selection, especially for its richness in sucrose. Many varieties are 

 grown and under favourable conditions, the roots may contain from 

 15 to 20 per cent of their weight of sugar. It is found that roots not 

 exceeding 2 Ib. in weight are most suitable. The sugar beet industry 

 has been enormously developed in Germany, Kussia, France, Austria 

 and the United States and beet sugar is gradually but surely replacing 

 cane sugar. Of recent years public attention in England has been 

 directed to this crop and it has been demonstrated that it is qni Im- 

 possible to grow abundant crops, rich in sugar, in many parts of Eng- 

 land. The sugar beet grows best in a warm, moderately damp summer, 

 followed by a dry hot autumn and prefers a deep medium loam well sup- 

 plied with calcium carbonate, but with not too liberal a supply of nitro^ -i i . 



The following figures, according to Kellner, represent the 

 composition of mangolds and sugar beets : 



A considerable proportion of the nitrogen of the marigold 

 the root in the form of nitrates, especially soon after harvesting ; on 

 keeping, the nitrates diminish, the nitrogen being converted im.o or 

 ganic compounds amino- or partially, perhaps, proteid bo< 



The leaves of mangolds and beet contain much oxalic acid, which, 

 when the leaves are largely eaten by animals, may cause poisonous 

 effects. This is more likely to occur with horses and pigH than with 

 ruminants and the danger may be lessened by sprinkling, over i.h- 

 leaves, some finely divided calcium carbonate. 



The chief carbohydrate in beets is sucrose, hut the kri-saccha 

 raffinose, is present in small quantity, especially if growth has heen 

 checked by frost, or other cause. 



The Potato. In this crop the valued product is the tuber or en- 

 largement on the underground stems. The potato can be grown - 

 a wide range of climates, but its foliage is sen ;ii.ivc to frost. The I,, i 

 soil is a deep, warm, well-drained one, free from acidity and rich in 

 potash and nitrogen. Farm-yard manure, often placed in contact with 

 the "sets," is a favourite dressing and in dry seasons is often espe, -i 

 ally useful in retaining moisture. Potatoes are propagated by planting 

 tubers, which should he about the si/c of a hen's egg, or, if larger, the 

 tubers may be cut. From 12 to 15 cwt. of sets per acre arc usually 

 required. Potatoes are a surface feeding crop and hence require. 

 abundant supplies of plant food. Sulphate of ammonia, supctpho 



