72 The Sugar-Beet in America 
to beets, for it is easy to work and allows a ready move- 
ment of air. At the same time, it will hold sufficient 
moisture to meet the needs of the beet plant. A sand, 
although easy to work, is likely to be lacking in fertility and 
water-holding capacity. A clay, though having ahigh 
water-holding capacity, is likely to be difficult to work 
and is usually not sufficiently well aérated. Depth, 
proper texture, fertility, and desirable water relations de- 
serve careful attention. 
