138 



Table of second scries. 



If the mean loss of weight be taken of the individual beets each day, as shown by 

 the two tables, a ratio of evaporation may be determined, and a standard of correc- 

 tion established approximately exact, to be applied in the analysis of beets which 

 have been some time out of the ground. 



In addition to the observations conducted with individual beets, an experiment 

 was made with a square rod of beets in the middle of a large plat. The beets were 

 got up and the tops removed exactly as though prepared for the factory and then 

 left lying on the ground with a normal exposure to the air and sun. 



Third series. 



Upon the third day of exposure rain fell, consequently the evaporation was some- 

 what retarded. 



It will be understood that the "loss of weight" for the given periods means the 

 loss in per cent of the weight of the beet and not the per cent of water evaporated 

 of the original water contained in the beet. The per cent of water lost would be 

 greater than the numbers given. 



As the " loss of weight " implies the loss of weight of the beet, the per cent of loss 

 means an equal per cent gain in the reading of the sucrose, and the correction should 

 be as follows : 



A beet which reads 15 per cent of sucrose, but which has lost 20 per cent of its 

 original weight, should be read: Sucrose in juice, 15 per cent less; loss of weight in 

 beet, 20 per cent; actual sucrose in juice, 12 per cent. 



In proceeding to a consideration of the second proposition, viz, " the action upon 

 the sucrose present in the beet consequent upon breaking the connection of the latter 

 with the soil," the data obtained in the evaporation experiments are of the fiust value- 

 It may, in the first place, be indicated that any apparent increase of sucrose in a 

 beet which has had its taproot broken, or which has been in any way detached or 



