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Sugar-Beet CuUication in Anslria. 
Give preference to smaller seed.s. The best beets for all purposes are long, 
tapering, and smooth ; do not grow out of the ground ; are of moderate 
size ; and are dense and heavy. Plough deeply and as frequently as may be 
necessary to malcc tlie soil mellow. The more it approaches that of a 
garden in physical condition, the more favourable it will be for culture of 
the beet. 
Be careful in choice of manures to be employed. Remember that in- 
soluble and not easily assimilable nitrogenous organic compounds, before 
they can be of use to the crop, must be thoroughly disintegrated and decom- 
posed. They must therefore be applied sufficiently in advance of the crops 
to secure this effect. Soluble nitrogenous compounds may be applied im- 
mediately in advance of, or simultaneously with, planting : and of these the 
nitrates are preferable. Jsitrogenous compounds have a tendency to extend 
the period of growth, and delay the time of ripening. This tendency is 
counteracted bj the phosphates, in consequence of which they increase the 
production of sugar. 
Stable manures must in all cases be worked into the soil with the 
autumn ploughing. Do not apply more than 10 to 15 tons per acre, and 
supplement it with nitrate of soda and superphosphate of lime at the rate 
of from 200 to 400 lb. of each per acre, according to the character of the 
soil. 
Alkaline salts should be applied with great caution, and only to soils 
manifestly wanting them. Tliey add to the cost of culture, and often 
reduce the industrial value of tlie crop. 
Plant closely. Separate the beets by about 8 inches in the row. 
(Cultivate early and often, and continue as long as the leaves will permit, 
but not longer than the middle of July. Do not harvest until the crop is 
thoroughly ri2)e, but it must not be allowed to be injured by frost. 
Store the roots in such a way that they may be protected from extremes 
of temperature and moisture, and observe care in ventilating trenches or 
cellars ; otherwise the roots will rapidly deteriorate. 
Soils adapted for Sugar-Beet. 
Experts are not altogether agreed as to the soil best adapted 
for the beet, but it may be stated generally that the physical 
characteristics of the soil which tend to render it best suited 
to the cultivation of the beet are porosity of surface and subsoil, 
to admit of drainage of superfluous vyater and of free circulation 
of the air, and power of absorbing and holding in a condition 
convenient for ready assimilation the elements of plant .food 
existing^ within it or comincr from external sources. 
The climate uiost suitable for beet-growing is a uioderately 
warm one, with a sufhciency of moisture. The plant does not 
thrive in rough mountain regions. Its qimlity improves in 
dry years, but wet years are favourable to its gross produce. 
Eain in July and August gives weight, but a dry September 
gives sugar. 
Beet will thrive upon almost any soil which is well culti- 
vated, but especially prefers a deep, moist, loamy soil, contain- 
ing chalk and marl. A good mangel, turnip, or potato soil is 
