It is therefore seen that of the 5,000 original persons to whom packages 

 were sent over 32 per cent responded by sending samples for examina- 

 tion. As soon as each sample of beets was analyzed a return was made 

 to the sender in the following form : 



REPORT OF ANALYSIS OF SAMPLE OF SUGAR BEETS. 



U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 



DIVISION OF CHEMISTRY, 

 Washington, D. C., October 24, 1891. 



From Clarence Reed; post-office, Vernonia; State, Oregon; variety, Kleinwauzle- 

 bener; number, 2; serial number, 15838: 

 Average weight of beets: Grams, 275; ounces, 9. 



Sugar: Per cent in beets calculated from per cent sugar in juice, 15.67. 

 Sugar: Per cent in juice, 16.5. 

 Yield : Tons per acre, 17. 



* Coefficient of purity, 83.9. t Probable yield of sugar per acre from a crop of 17 tons : 

 pounds,4,036. 



Respectfully, 



II. W. WILEY, 



Chemist. 



One of the most striking features in regard to this method of conduct- 

 ing experimental work is found in the fact that it is almost impossible 

 to secure compliance with dim-lions. It is evident at once that the 

 value of experimental work depends upon the care with which it is 

 done and the accuracy with which the directions prescribed are followed. 

 It is not to be wondered at that farmers, busy with their other occupa- 

 tions, failed to comply with the minute directions necessary to secure 

 the greatest advantage in experimental work. 



Very few of the blanks were returned properly filled out. In many 

 cases the data which were returned were palpably erroneous. In one 

 instance a yield of 99 tons per acre was reported, and in a great many 

 cases the yield per acre was so great as to show inaccuracy on the 

 part of the measurement of the land or the weighing of the beets. 

 In making out returns for such reported phenomenal yields the theo- 

 retical quantity of sugar per acre given was always questioned. We 

 are accustomed to look with suspicion upon any yield of sugar beets 

 which exceeds 25 tons per acre. While it is not impossible to secure a 

 higher yield than this, and of beets of good saccharine quality, yet it 

 is so rare as to throw doubt upon miscellaneous data showing an excess 

 of that yield. 



Another point which makes the returns obtained less valuable is 

 found iu the fact of the length of time which necessarily elapsed be- 

 tween the harvesting of the beets and their reception at the laboratory. 



*The coefficient of purity is the per cent of sugar in the total solids of the juice of 

 the beet. 



tThis number is only approximate, and shows the quantity of merchantable sugar 

 which might be expected per acre from the yield, as reported by you, if manufac- 

 tured by the best approved modern process. 



