-14- 
in such condition that they could continue their development with- 
out putting out new leaves, but they increased quite markedly in 
size, and the condition of their roots indicated plainly that they had 
taken on greater activity and were feeding vigorously. I think that 
the apparent falling off of the sugar content indicated a relatively 
greater increase in the other constituents than any decrease in the 
sugar. The average weight of the beets during this period corrob- 
orates this view. In cases where a second growth has taken place the 
results are unquestionably different, for then new leaves are put 
forth, and the supply of food stored is begun to be used up. 
By the beginning of the second w'eek in October the leaves be- 
gan to turn yellow, and the plants showed signs of ripening. My 
opinion is, that it was rather a case of starvation than of natural 
maturing. The outside rows, in the case of every one of the varie- 
ties, and especially the ends of the rows, were much slower in show- 
ing these signs than the inside rows ; further, the other plots on the 
Farm did not show the same signs of maturity for more than two 
weeks after this. The beets were all pulled on October 14. 
A comparison of those samples numbered three throughout 
the table, with the others, gives an exaggerated view of the effect of 
very unfavorable conditions. I avoid saying alkalized soil, because 
I am by no means convinced that the effect, so evident in this case, 
is a direct result of the action of the alkali upon the plant. I am 
rather of the opinion that the same soil conditions, in the absence 
of alkali, would be quite as pronounced in their effect as that ob- 
served in this case. There is no reason why just as unfavorable con- 
ditions should not exist without the alkali ; but, the fact remains 
that we have both in this instance. 
The observable effects were, a very poor stand and small beets, 
having, for the most part, an exceedingly bad shape. The plants 
did not scald as I expected that they would, and as they did do in 
some parts of the plot. Whether this was'due to a partial adaptation 
on the part of the plants, or due to other causes, I am unable to state. 
The appearance of the beets indicated that it was the former. The 
Kleinwanzlebener and Vilmorin, given as the sixth and seventh va- 
rieties in the table, are samples grown on good soil by the Farm De- 
partment, the Kleinwanzlebener on alfalfa sod. They were taken 
in order to have some comparable standard. They seem to have re- 
sponded more quickly than my less favorably conditioned plot to 
the rain of September 14, and also to have gained in their sugar 
content rather sooner than mine. 
I have included my sample number three in all of the weekly 
averages. This is perfectly proper, as the value attached to these 
averages, and the purpose of their introduction into the table, have 
been stated ; but, in trying to form a judgment of the effect of alkali 
upon the sugar content of the beets, this sample ought to be excluded, 
