218 



Cultivation of Beet. 



effects. How far the latter is borne out by chemical observation 

 we must leave scientific men to decide. 



The sug:ar-beet is grown for cattle in some parts ; but, as we 

 have not had any experience in its cultivation, we decline to say 

 anything respecting it. . , . , , 



6. Mode and Expense of taking up the Crop. 



The usual time for storing beet is "in October and November. 

 The latter end of October is perhaps the best time, as the roots 

 are liable to be injured by frost if they remain longer in the field ; 

 but the exact time cannot always be adhered to^ as we must be 

 ruled by the v/eather in our proceedings. Dry weather should 

 always be chosen as the best season for storing the roots in good 

 condition, and for their removal with the least injury to the soil. 

 When the mangold is grown on ridges, the plan of operations is 

 as follows : — '■From 4 to 6 men are employed pulling the mangold, 

 and twisting the leaves off. The cost of this, when done by men, 

 is from 55. to 6s. per acre for an average crop, though in some 

 places women and boys do this work for about 4s. per acre. 



In order to do as little injury as possible in Carting off the crop, 

 the beet on Tour ridges, after they are pulled and the leaves 

 stripped off, are laid in small heaps, the leaves being carefully 

 laid in a heap. 



The following diagram will perhaps illustrate this. The beet 

 growing on the ridges 1, 1, 1, 1, are laid in the rows of heaps a ; 

 those on ridges 2, 2, 2, 2, on the row of heaps b ; the roots in the 



1 1 a 1 1 2 2 b 2 2 



