152 



THE SUGAR BEET. 



CHAP TEE lY. 



SEEDS AND SOWING. 



Generalities. — The grain is divided into several 

 chambers, two, three, or even four, in each of which 

 an oval embryo is to be found which has a white ap- 

 pearance ; we consequently have two parts to consider, 

 the interior and exterior, each having different func- 

 tions to fulfil. Their composition greatly varies, not 

 only with the variety of the roots to which they be- 

 long, but with each other.^ Tliis, with the size of the 

 seed, seems to have an actual influence on the result- 

 ing root ; and for years past there has been considera- 

 ble discussion as to whether a large seed yielded roots 

 possessing the same qualities as a small one, or, again, 

 has the composition of the seed an important influence 

 on the crops? Evidently, if this could be decided, 

 when seeds are bought, to ascertain their quality it 



