ABSTRACTS. 



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operations of the various Beet-sugar factories in the United States, and 

 the proper methods of growing Beet ; while the second part deals with 

 the insect enemies and fungous diseases attacking Sugar-beet, with tins 

 remedies to be applied. 



This latter part also contains a report on the production of Sugar-beet 

 seed. 



This industry is not yet fully developed in the States, but show s ever 

 prospect of rapidly increasing. The present tonnage of 9*(> per acre 

 would be increased by thorough cultivation, proper crop rotation, and by 

 fertilising where necessary. 



At present, what the Beet -growing industry lacks is a proper disposal 

 of its by-products. 



In most European countries (Germany especially) the pulp has been 

 found to be a valuable food for domestic animals. 



When Beet cultivation was begun in Utah it was found necessary to 

 adopt a system of irrigation, which, with no possibility of obtaining data 

 from other countries with regard to this particular crop, has proved com- 

 pletely successful, and opens up new prospects for agriculture and the 

 people of the arid regions generally. 



The States hope eventually to produce enough sugar for their own 

 consumption (as Spain, Italy, the Balkan States, and even Egypt do now), 

 and are striving to emulate the example of Germany, where, in 1878, the 

 sugar content of the Beet averaged 9 24 per cent., and in 1898 it was 

 13*15 per cent., owing to gradual improvement. 



The cost per acre to produce Sugar-beets and market them is about 

 $30 where rain is plentiful. This does not include the rent of the land. 

 Where irrigation is necessary the cost is about $40 per acre. 



Besides the question of by-products, the incidental benefits resulting 

 from the growing of Sugar Beets must be taken into consideration. 



The high cultivation given to the land through deep ploughing, 

 thorough harrowing, and constant Aveeding, finally makes the land of 

 superior quality for any purpose (Wheat, Corn, or any- other crop). 



Both in Europe and in America, owing to the immense importance 

 of good quality, a farm superintendent is attached to certain farms on 

 behalf of the factory that is to take their Beets. He is a trained agri- 

 culturist and thoroughly scientific. The employment of such an official 

 has been found to be a very necessary precaution, as the cultivation of 

 the Beet is beset with difficulties, and the success of the growers means 

 everything to the factories. The comparatively recent introduction of 

 the industry, and the dislike of the conservative farming class to innova- 

 tion, render the superintendent's advice, guidance, and directions very 

 valuable. 



Amongst by-products, the pulp is estimated by the author as second 

 in value only to the chief product — sugar. It is a most valuable feeding - 

 stuff for cattle, but as yet is little appreciated by stockmen and cattle - 

 raisers. It can either be fed fresh or pressed and made into cakes, which 

 sell at $2 per cwt. In one case, at Waverly, 300 head of three- and four- 

 year-olds consumed about 100 lbs. of pulp per day, in addition to hay, and 

 were putting on over 3 lbs. of flesh a day. 



Beet leaves, with a portion of the crown, are a valuable forage, but 



