SEEDS AND SOWING. 175 



The absorption of the soluble salts by the roots seems 

 also to increase during a rainy spell.^ 



The rains having a most active influence, it is well 

 to analyze the roots dui'ing this last period, and when 

 a I'apid decrease in sugar is noticed, harvesting should 

 commence. 



Heat. — According to observations made in Europe, 

 the total heat required is 5430° F. ; this is obtained by 

 multiplying the average temperature by the number of 

 days. The total can be and is frequently far in excess 

 of the above, and yet satisfactory results are obtained 

 — probably a small loss in sugar will result, but this 

 is of little importance. The consequence is that, as 

 before stated, much reliance cannot be placed upon 

 these ideal figures. On the other hand, many contend 

 that if the total temperature has not attained within 

 100° of the above, poor roots will result, as they cannot 

 possibly mature. 



' Experiments of Champignon and Pellet : — 



The same beets taken from the 



Beets growing, 

 Per cent, of sugar. Saline qnotient. 

 16.8 3.8-] 



16.2 4.0 I 



} average 4.8 



groand after rain. 

 Per cent, of sugar. Saline qnotient. 

 14.4 4.7] 



I 

 12.0 5.3J 



14.7 6.1 



14.7 5.3J 



Mr. Pagnoul experimented on two varieties : 



Weigbt. Per cent, of sagar, 



No. 1. 37 grammes. 



No. 2. 13 " 5.3 



No. 1. 568 grammes. 12.0 



13.1 5.3 



, average 5.2 

 12.7 5.4 



Ijjuly. 



\ September 

 No. 2. 556 " 10.2 J ^ 



