OONSEEVATIOX OF THE SUGAR BEET. 239 



Many manufacturers (Compte, Bombrisky, and 

 others) contend with reason that if this loss of weight 

 takes place within certain Umits there is an advantage 

 to be derived ; it prevents a second growth. If in ex- 

 cess, will cause an alteration of the total mass. Mr. 

 Walkhoff fixes this limit at 10 per cent, of its normal 

 quantity of water; beets which have lost their weight and 

 are withered give much difficulty to the manufacturer. 



Causes of the Loss of Sugar. — ^^These causes are 

 numerous, and may be divided under two heads : 1st. 

 Before being placed in the silos ;^ 2d. Whilst in the 

 silos. 



The loss of sugar whilst in the silos is to be attrib- 

 uted to two causes : — 



(a) The second growth. 



(3) Fermentation ; three causes < (2. Cold. 



CWant of ventilation. 



(a) The second growth taking place it will absorb 

 the greater amount of the oxygen in the silos, replacing 

 the same by carbonic acid. From an analysis of these 

 sprouts made by Barbet it can be seen exactly what 

 this loss is : — 



Water 90.70 per cent. 



Ashes 0.44 " 



Sugar 0.95 " 



Grape sugar .... 2.25 " 

 Nitric elements .... 1.80 " 



Organic elements . . . 3.86 " 



' See " Harvesting." 



