GROWING SUGAR, BEETS IN MICHIGAN AND OHIO. 



27 



the lowest leaf scar. It is essential that all green portions of the 

 crown be removed in the field. The crown contains salts which in- 



Fig. 19. — Harvesting beets with a lifter. The points of the crotch lifter run on either 



side of the row. - . 



terfere with sugar extraction, so that if the beets are not properly 

 topped a deduction for such beets is made on delivery to the factory 

 or loading station. When topped they are placed in piles consisting 



Fig. 20. — Beets that have been removed by hand, and toppers at work in field. 



of the beets from 16 to 18 rows. The piles must be at least 2 rods 

 apart and must be covered with tops each night. 



On 10 per cent of the farms in the Caro, Alma, and Grand Eapids 

 areas, the topping was done by the farmers' own labor. On 12 per 



