24 



matter are exceedingly favorable to the growth of the beet ; 

 chalky soils are less favorable, because they are usually 

 shallow, and consequently impede the developement of the 

 root. The sandy soils in the vicinity of the sea-coast 

 might probably suit them well, as they frequently do other 

 roots, but I am not aware that the experiment has been 

 made. Alluvious soils must in general be highly favorable. 

 In all cases it is suitable that any land devoted to this cul- 

 ture should have a depth not less than eight or ten inches 

 of arable land. 



CHAPTER III. 



OF THE PREPARATION OF THE GROUND, 



The importance of thorough ploughing, harrowing, roll- 

 ing, and all other means of improving soils, is now pretty 

 well understood ; and no good farmer doubts that they are 

 as important to production as manuring. All plants do 

 not require in the sa/he degree these precautions, and those 

 which require them least, generally rank among exhaust- 

 ing plants, whilst those that can least dispense with them 

 are considered fertilizing. The beet is of this latter descrip- 

 tion and one of the leading advantages which it offers to 

 agriculture, is the necessity it creates not only of deep and 

 thorough ploughings, but moreover, the careful culture it re- 

 quires, and the means necessary for gathering it ; these 

 must in the aggregate necessarily leave the soil in a highly 

 improved state, and the benefits therefore to rural econo- 

 my which an extensive culture of this plant must produce 

 are incalculable. The rotations recommended in France 

 are of course various, arising from a diversity of soils, and 

 also a diversity of opinions. M. De Domballe whose 

 experience and talents are entiiled to respect, recommends 



