THE BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN 1920. 39 
passes along each side of the beet root at a depth of several inches 
below the surface and is so constructed that the beets are loosened 
and slightly lifted. (PI. VII, fig. 2.) The side lifter passes along- 
one side of the beet row and loosens the beet, usually without lifting- 
it; in either case the roots, after they have been loosened, can readily 
be pulled and thrown into piles. Care should be taken in 
using these lifters to see that the beet roots are not broken, as con- 
siderable loss frequently results to the grower from the breaking 
of the roots, causing the lower part of the beet to be left in the 
ground. 
In topping beets by hand, heavy knives closely resembling large 
butcher knives are used; in some localities sickles are used for the 
purpose. This work, now done by hand, as shown in Plate VIII, 
figure 1, may be done by machinery. (PL IX.) In loading the 
beets on the wagons, forks specially constructed with a knob of metal 
on the end of each tine should be used, so that the beets may not be 
punctured when they are forked onto the wagon. Special beet racks, 
as shown in Plate VI, figure 2, and Plate VIII. figure 2, are commonly 
used in hauling the beets to the factory or dump. These special racks 
are necessary in facilitating the unloading of the beets at the dumps, 
Avhere the beets are emptied from the wagons onto the cars. (PI. 
VIII, fig. 2.) If the beets are forked from the wagon the ordinary 
wagon box may be used, but generally the beets are dumped, in which 
case racks with hinged sides are necessary. Furthermore, the special 
rack holds more roots than the ordinary wagon bed, thereby reducing 
the cost of delivering the crop. 
Sugar-heet harvester.— Heretofore the most laborious operation 
connected with beet culture has been the harvesting. This operation 
consists of three parts, lifting, pulling, and topping, as described 
above. The pulling and topping have been done entirely by hand at 
a cost of $7 to $9 per acre. Many attempts have been made in this 
country and in Europe to construct a mechanical harvester. Recently 
several types of this implement have been improved, and it is ex- 
pected that they will be available to harvest at least a part of the 
1921 acreage. One type of harvester, as shown in Plate IX, figure 
1, is a motor-driven device which lifts the beets entirely out of the 
ground and tops and piles the roots. Another type of harvester, as 
shown in Plate IX, figure 2. is a horse-drawn implement which 
tops the beet and then lifts the root. Each implement is operated by 
one man ; hence, the saving in labor and in labor cost are considera- 
tions that appeal to the beet grower. 
LIVE STOCK. 
The live stock on the sugar-beet farm should consist of work stock 
and other animals. One of the most important parts of the necessary 
