354 
On the Chemistry of Silesian Sugar-Beets. 
gravity float. The juice of beets rich in sugar has a specific- 
gravity not lower than 107, and as long as the gravity of the 
beet-root juice continues to increase sugar is still formed, and 
the roots should be left in the ground, A good indication of 
their maturity is afforded when a root is cut in two with a knife. 
If the newly cut, surfaces of the beet rapidly turn colour on 
exposure to the air the ripening process is not completed, but if 
they remain unchanged, or turn only slightly reddish, it may 
be taken for granted that the beets are sufficiently ripe to be 
taken up. Immature roots sliced with a knife rapidly turn first 
red, then brownish, and finally quite dark, on the surface touched 
by the knife. 
Great care is needed in harvesting the crop, for the slightest 
injury to the roots is sure to be followed by a proportionate loss 
of sugar. To the farmer who uses the root for his cattle this is 
of far iess importance than to the manufacturer, whose main 
object is to extract as much sugar from the root as possible. 
When injured by careless manipulation in trimming or otherwise, 
fermentation is rapidly set up in the injured roots, the crystal- 
lizable sugar is converted into fruit-sugar or glucose, which does 
not crystallize, and is consequently lost. The crop should be 
taken up in fine dry weather, and especial precautions should be 
taken to preserve the roots, when stored, from wet and frost. It 
is desirable that they should be exposed on the ground for three 
or four days before they are stacked, in order that they may lose 
as much of their moisture as possible. The roots, however, 
should not be exposed for more than a few days to the air, and 
never to the sun. It is well, therefore, to cover temporarily the 
roots with their tops, in the field, before stacking. 
Some farmers are in the habit of stacking the roots with their 
tops, but this is not a good plan, and it is far better to cut off' 
the tops carefully without injuring the roots, and then to stack 
them. In storing beets especial care should be taken to prevent 
germination and throwing out fresh tops. As light, heat, and 
moisture greatly favour germination, which is always attended 
with loss of sugar, the roots should be especially guarded against 
these injurious influences. 
The most effectual plan to preserve roots in good condition is 
to select a dry and suitable locality, to pile the roots in pyramidal 
stacks, about 6 feet broad at their base, and 7 feet high, and tO' 
cover the stacks immediately with dry earth. At first the roots 
should be covered but slightly with earth, in order that the 
moisture may readily evaporate, and subsequently, when frost 
sets in, another layer of earth, not exceeding one foot in thickness 
may be placed on the stacks. 
If at once a thick layer of earth is placed upon the roots, the- 
