ITt) THE SUGAR BEET. 



CHAPTER y. 



PRODUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE SEED OF THE 

 SUGAR BEET. 



In countries where the beet sugar industiy has never 

 as yet existed, it is of the highest importance to know 

 Avithout a doubt if the culture of this root would be a 

 proJStable enterprise, as it is not desirable to make these 

 discoveries after the factory has been located and an 

 enormous capital been invested. 



The scientific knowledge that has been acquired 

 within the last few years gives a solution to this prob- 

 lem, and it is important for all interested to become 

 acquainted with the same in detail. 



The hereditary principles that have long since been 

 known to exist with the lower animals and mankind, 

 and indorsed by Darwin, also apply to plants ; hence 

 the rational selection of the parents in order to obtain 

 satisfactory results, in other words, beets rich in sugar- 

 yielding seeds, these, if planted, will again bring to 

 life a plant having the same properties. This selection 

 will not only have for effect the production of a good 

 seed, but will also prevent the degeneration of the beet, 



