174 



THE SUGAR BEET. 



Rain. — The sugar in the root increases during- the 

 various stages of vegetation, and this corresponds to 

 the quality of the seed ; that is to say, if a given seed 

 will yield a root having a high percentage, this qual- 

 ity will be observed as existing during each period of 

 its growth. In beets we analyzed in July this phe- 

 nomenon became apparent. Mr. Walkhoflf's experi- 

 ments^ to ascertain the influence of the rain are most 

 interesting. These agree with others of a similar 

 nature, and it is now generally admitted that if these 

 rains come during the last months a second growth of 

 leaves will follow, this producing a loss in sugar and 

 frequently an augmentation in the weight of the root. 



' Experiments of WalkhofF: — 



These evidently show that from the commencement until the end of the 

 veiretation the amount of suffar has been on the increase, until the rain made 

 its appearance, this having for effect an immediate change ; this commences 

 about the 18th of August. Up to that time the water had been about the 

 amount the young plant required. 



