1(34 



THE SUGAR BEET. 



be understood that if we place the seed at too great 

 a depth, we thus oblige the doubled portion to penetrate 

 the same, which difficulty in most eases it could not 

 overcome, or the final growth would be greatly retarded, 

 even if it could, while if, on the other hand, the seeds be 

 too near the surface, they will be exposed to the varia- 

 tions of the weather. Hence the importance of knowing 

 as nearly as possible what this should be. ]>ro definite 

 rule can be given, as it varies with the climate and 

 soil, and is determined by practical experiments.^ 



Groven made the following experiments, which give 

 a good idea of the variations in the number of plants 

 coming to the surface, according to the time and 

 depth : — 



He therefore concludes that the most suitable depth 

 is between 0.99 and 0.47 inch. 



' We made some experiments in Lancaster County, Pa., to ascertain what 

 this would be for that given soil, but from the farmer's neglect could not 

 decide. 



