BEET SEED PEODUCTION IN FKANCE. 



243 



five grams are placed in closed flasks for moisture 

 determination; two samples of 500 grams (i.i lbs.) in 

 small bags for other investigations; a sample of five 

 kilos for agricultural purposes to determine the variety. 

 This experiment is upon an area of ten acres (120 

 square yards); the soil is determined upon by both 

 interested parties. 



It is interesting to point out the difference in the 

 contracts of various countries; there is almost complete 

 accord on issues of 3 per cent, impurities. However, 

 in Germany and Belgium, up to 5 per cent, impurities 

 is allowed, while in Austria over 4 per cent, is not 

 admissible. Every country, with the exception of 

 Austria, allows that 17 per cent, moisture is a good 

 average. Upon general principles, the distinction 

 between small and large seed still continues in Bel- 

 gium, while everywhere else it has been done away 

 with. In Bohemia and Germany, the chemist must 

 reside in the country of purchase, while in Belgium, 

 and a part of Austria, it is admitted that the chemist 

 may reside in the country where the seed is produced. 



Standard. — While in previous pages we have dis- 

 cussed what appears to be the important conditions for 

 the purchase of superior seed, it is interesting to add 

 the following table, which may be considered as stand- 

 ard from year to year: 



Kind of Seed. 



Normal 



Superior 



Excellent germination but very 



few seeds per kilo 



Inferior, very poor 



Xlmited germination but many 



seeds per kilo ■ 



In 

 1 Kilo. 



26,660 

 42,600 



55,000 



Varies. — European beet-sugar countries have 

 come to certain understandings as to rules and require- 



