110 The Sugar-Beet in America 
raising beets and it is an expense that should, therefore, 
be eliminated. 
Conditions in each locality must determine what depth 
land should be plowed, but for a great part of the sugar- 
beet area a thorough plowing to a depth of twelve to 
fifteen inches is ample. When experience demonstrates 
that deeper plowing will pay for the extra expense it en- 
tails, greater depth should be practiced, but the extra 
cost should always be considered. 
FINAL PREPARATION 
(Plates VITI, IX) 
Much depends on the final preparation of the land for 
planting. Good plowing counts for little if it is not fol- 
lowed by tillage methods that put the seed-bed in a con- 
dition that will favor a quick germination of the seed 
and a rapid growth of the young plant. This means that 
the top few inches must be fine and mellow and at the 
same time firm and moist. This preparation should be 
done early in order to make possible early seeding. 
Tf the land is too dry in the spring to respond well to 
tillage, it may be irrigated, but this irrigation must be 
given early. Usually irrigation will not be required be- 
fore seeding, but when necessary it should be given before 
the seed-bed is finally prepared, since it enables the farmer 
to make a much finer, more moist, and better bed for the 
germinating seed. 
Definite directions cannot be given regarding the im- 
plement to use. The tool that does the best work is the 
one to employ. The nature of the soil will determine 
