154 THE SUGAR BEET. 



these experiments we conclude that in. many eases 

 having a given variety a subdivision can be made by 

 classifying them according to size ; or by having them 

 analyzed, and those containing a large quantity of 

 nitrogen and but few ashes should be chosen, as these 

 will yield beets richest in sugar. 



Some contend that the size of the seed has nothing 

 to do either with the resulting crops or the general 

 saccharine average. This is contrary to the results of 

 all experiments that have been made. In talking with 

 farmers in Germany they led us to understand that a 

 judicious selection could be made according to the 

 density, and it consequently would be sufficient to 

 place them in water, and those sinking to the bottom 

 would yield roots richest in sugar ; but we are unable 

 to say if the direct application of this principle would 

 be exact, as the porosity of the seed greatly varies, 

 and the water thus absorbed might mislead the ob- 

 server. But this idea within itself gives a test. If 

 the water has greatly changed its color we may con- 

 elude that the seeds are old or have attained an age 

 that becomes doubtful ; but these dangers are only to 

 be dreaded in some cases, and, as before stated, it is 

 rational for each manufacturer to grow his own seed, 

 and he is not then in danger of being subjected to 

 fraud. In the first place it is most difficult to make a 

 distinction between the seeds of the sugar beet and 

 the mangel-wurzel, as their external appearances are 

 gi-eatly similar. Then again when it be considered 



