112 THE SUaAR BEET. 



disposal of the beets, that penetrate to a very great 

 depth on the condition that the soil is again turned over 

 with the assistance of spring ploughing. 



This is done in various directions, the object being 

 to unite well the different soils brought to the surface. 

 The ploughs used are of numerous types, a description 

 of which would have but little interest for the American 

 public. The double ones are much preferred, as they 

 have the advantage of throwing the ground to the left 

 or the right, as the case may be. Their weight varies 

 from 300 lbs. and upward, and they are drawn by 

 horses or oxen, the number of which varies with the 

 physical texture of the soil. Steam ploughing has 

 many advocates in Europe, and we are convinced it 

 is the only system for culture on a large scale, as 

 the work done is far superior and at the same time 

 cheaper than with animal traction. When this is com- 

 plete a harrow is passed over the field. At Magdeburg 

 we have seen them repeat this with the harrow in- 

 verted, thus breaking up masses that had not been suf- 

 ficiently pulverized. The rolling of the field before the 

 sowing is strongly advocated by some, but we do not 

 consider it advisable. 



Hoeing is the next operation, and is frequently done 

 before the plant has shown itself above the surface, and 

 in many cases will have a most extraordinary efifect, as 

 it loosens the outer crust, thus facilitating the entrance 

 of the air and lessening the resistance the young root 



