PREPARATION OF THE SOIL, OR TILLAGE. 117 



At the Paris Exhibition a device for thining out was 

 exhibited. It consisted of a cylinder formed of slats, 

 the distance between each represented the space to be 

 left between the remaining roots. 



The plants on which this passes are crushed, while 

 those passing through between the slats are left un- 

 touched. This is more theoretical than practical, and 

 its use is not desirable. 



2. Cultivation in Hills. 



The idea of cultivation in hills dates back to the 

 middle of the last century, and is at present adopted 

 for various house-crops, corn, etc. Our American 

 farmers understand the good here realized, and we are 

 convinced it is the only method of cultivation to be 

 adopted for this special case in the United States. The 

 cost i)er acre is less than in drills for beet culture, and 

 many difficulties of cultivating the soil are gotten rid of. 

 Of late years Mr. Champonnois^ has made much eifort 

 in this direction, and through his influence numerous 

 experiments have been made. These are most satis- 

 factory, and many farmers consider that, if this system 

 of beet culture had been adopted ere this, the general 

 condition of the ground would have been far better 

 than it now is, and it is considered that it comes near 

 to the solution of the problem, a large yield and a high 

 percentage of sugar. 



' We have exchanged letters with Mr. Champonnois upon this subject. 



