254 THE SUGAR BEET. 



certain number of months in the same condition as 

 when taken from the ground. A plank is placed on 

 the soil ; this must have a slight slant, and represents 

 the exact centre of the silo ; perpendicular to same 

 others are placed also in the horizontal plane. The 

 distance between each should be about 4.00 m. (13.12 

 feet), the total length being variable. Two slanting 

 boards form an equilateral triangle, each side of which 

 is equal to the width of the plank. A similar arrange- 

 ment is adopted for the lateral planks (above men- 

 tioned), and we thus have two passages through which 

 the air can circulate. At the intersection of these are 

 placed in a vertical position several sticks, permitting 

 the gases to make their escape, and the drainage is as 

 nearly perfect as possible, and the ventilation may be 

 made as rapid as desired. The only objection that can 

 here be urged is the excessive evaporation resulting, 

 thus causing a loss of weight ; but nothing prevents 

 the injection of a certain quantity of water. 



In Russia for some time past the importance of 

 keeping the temperature constant in the silos has been 

 well understood, and within late years Mr. Walkhoff 

 has called public attention to these facts, from which 

 one can conclude the exact condition of the beets. 

 When the thermometer indicates 42° F., which is a 

 maximum, fermentation is to be di-eaded, and it is ad- 

 visable to act in consequence. (Never permit the ex- 

 terior air to enter when above 42° F. or below 32° F.) 

 Compte de Bombrisky and others make use of silos 



