Deterioration Sugar Beets Due to Nitrates 45 
the beet in greater detail. So far as our present purpose is con¬ 
cerned it may suffice to state that my observations do not justify me 
in making any positive assertions apropos to the subject. It is self- 
evident that plants must have at least a certain minimum quantitv 
of water to keep them in a state of health and active growth. So 
long as this condition is fulfilled it seems that it would not matter 
whether this moisture is supplied by irrigating water or rainfall. 
This statement assumes that the condition of the soil is taken into 
consideration and is one of the factors determining the amount of 
water necessary to keep the beet in good condition and actively 
growing.. The question of water-supply and its distribution during 
the growing season must be constantly considered in the study pre¬ 
sented herewith. J F 
