90 



This experimental work in Wisconsin was supplemented also by an 

 extensive series of experiments carried on by the Agricultural Experi- 

 ment Station of the State, under the auspices of the Department of 

 Agriculture. The following data give the results of these experiments : 



SUGAR BEET EXPERIMENTS IN WISCONSIN IN 1891. 



By F. W. WOLL. 



LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 



MADISON, Wis., February 8, 1892. 



DEAR SIR: I transmit herewith our report of beet-sugar investigations for this 

 State during the season of 1891. 



The report shows that we distributed a thousand pounds of seed among 850 farmers 

 in the spring. In the fall 373 sample lots of beets were received at the station grown 

 from the seed distributed in the spring. Had not a drought of almost unknown 

 severity prevailed during the growing season, a much larger number of farmers 

 would have sent in samples, as we received scores of letters from parties who had 

 received seed, stating that they had been unable to grow any beets. The results of 

 these analyses show 7.12 as the lowest per cent of sugar, highest 23.52, the average 

 for the 373 samples being 12.56, with an average estimated yield of beets of over 15 

 tons to the acre. 



At this station 2 acres of beets were grown, with every prospect in the spring of 

 marked success, as the soil was well adapted to the roots and the stand of young 

 plants remarkably even and uniform. The drought, however, cut the yield down to 

 a little more than 14 tons for the 2 acres. Had there been a normal amount of rain- 

 fall, the yield would have been not less than 50 tons from the same plat. 



Eleven varieties were planted in the station plat. The report shows the average 

 per cent of sucrose in the beets grown by us to have been 15.5 per cent, with 13.27 per 

 cent and 17.56 per cent as lowest and highest limit. 



Much interest has been awakened in this State by the study of the sugar-beet 

 plant carried on by this station under your direction, and I think it would be very 

 unfortunate if the work were dropped at this time. While some other States have 

 gone ahead faster than Wisconsin in the establishment of beet-sugar factories, I 

 believe we have really lost nothing in the apparent delay, for we are learning the 

 capacity and possibilities of our soil and climate, and our farmers are gaining knowl- 

 edge of the requirements essential to successful cultivation of the beet plant. Wo 

 recollect the failure of two sugar-beet factories many years ago and are desirous of 

 not repeating such results. This does not mean that the people are indifferent and 

 lack confidence in this direction, but rather that they would move cautiously and 

 be sure at each step of the ground occupied. 



Trusting that this report may in some measure bear evidence that the confidence 

 you have reposed in us was not misplaced, I am, 

 Very respectfully, 



W. A. HENRY. 

 Hon. J. M. RUSK, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



The report of the work done by this station during the year of 1891, in regard to 

 the culture of sugar beets, will be discussed under two general headings : (1) Report 

 of experiments at this station; and (2) report of analyses of beets from farmers in 

 different parts of the State. 



