108 ' ■ THE SUGAR BEET. 



the influence of heat, the various chemicals, for exam- 

 ple, in neutralizing the alkaline carbonates from the 

 acids, and thus preventing the formation of glucose 

 in the root ; or, again, a portion of the carbonic acid 

 being set free, the plant absorbs the same, throwing 

 out the oxygen and keeping the carbon, etc. Le- 

 play contends that the soil in close proximity to the 

 root will contain less lime than others that are at a 

 distance. The argillo-sandy soils also give good re- 

 sults. They contain about 30 per cent, of clay, 70 

 per cent, of sand, and 5 per cent, of carbonate of lime, 

 and have not the inconvenience of many soils of an 

 argillaceous nature, as the air and water penetrate with 

 ease. 



We now have the argillo-calcareous, containing about 

 33 per cent, of clay, about 45 per cent, of sand, and 

 the remainder of carbonate of lime. It is much liked 

 for beet culture, but we do not recommend this as a 

 type. 



"We must, as a general thing, admit that soils that 

 are composed largely of argil will give a satisfactory 

 yield, but the roots will be watery, containing but little 

 sugar and a large amount of foreign matter. The cal- 

 careous ones, on the <5ontrary, give small crops, but 

 desirable roots. 



There are various chemicals^ that are said to produce 

 or to be most favorable to the formation of the sugar. 



' See Chapter "Fertilizers." 



