206 THE SUGAR BEET. 



To give a long series of tables (where various cal- 

 culations have been made, these having the object of 

 ascertaining the exact price to be paid for beets) would, 

 we think, be a mistake, as they have been based on 

 given climates and soils, etc., and it is advisable for 

 each manufacturer to make his own. 



Close cultivation will come nearer to a solution 

 of the problem than any other plan. To encourage 

 this by prizes^ will have the desired effect, and this 

 saves considerable trouble. If a given price per ton 

 be paid for beets, that have been grown at given 

 distances and in given numbers per acre, we are con- 

 vinced that the farmers would then produce a root 

 containing much sugar and having every advantage 

 that could be desired. 



on a lamp. The tannin solution is added little by little, keeping the whole in 

 continual agitation ; a white precipitate will soon form, and this will continue 

 as long as the nitric elements exist in the juice. The difficult part of the test 

 is to ascei'tain exactly when the above has become complete. But with the as- 

 sistance of chloride of iron this can be accomplished. A few drops of this will 

 be sufficient ; if a blue tint becomes visible this proves that the tannin has been 

 added in excess; if, on the contrary, nothing is apparent, the addition of 

 the tannin solution can be continued, etc. ; knowing the amount of this made 

 use of, the calculation as to the amount of elements existing becomes most 

 simple. 



' See "Sowing of the Seed." 



