22 
Bulletin 63 . 
increase was from 2 to 3.5 per cent. In 1898 the greatest gain 
observed, which could be attributed to ripening, was 1.4 per cent. 
The varieties grown by the Farm Department remained almost 
constant from October 3rd till October 22nd, in only one variety 
was there a gain of as much as one per cent. The ripening of the 
crop is much more gradual some seasons than others.. The same 
observations were made in regard to the effect of the alkali upon 
the quantity of sugar, coefficient of purity, and time of maturing as 
were recorded in bulletin No. 46, namely, that the effect of the alkali 
is not detrimental. 
The effect of the manure upon the sugar content and coefficient 
of purity, considering all of the tests, which, however, are not con¬ 
cordant with one another, is to lower both the sugar content by from 
0.5 to 1.2 per cent, and the coefficient of purity by from 0.1 to 3.1 
per cent. 
The effect of the manure on the shape of the beet was bad, and 
this effect was uniform in the six comparative experiments which 
were conducted. 
. / 
These effects of the manure were noticeable the second year 
after its application, but not in so marked a degree as they were the 
first year. 
The result the second year is probably due to the failure of 
the manure to thoroughly rot and become incorporated with the 
soil. 
Cut straw was also used as a dressing. Its effects were bene¬ 
ficial to the soil, but less in degree than those of the manure. Its 
effects upon the beets were not pronounced enough to permit the 
expression of a positive judgment. The results of this experiment 
are taken as corroborative of the opinion expressed elsewhere, that 
it is the mechanical condition of our alkali soils that preeminently 
needs improvement. That section of the plot which has been in the 
worst mechanical condition shows more alkali on the surface than 
the others. The water soluble in the soil, however, is greater in 
other portions of the plot. No attempt is made to formulate the 
relation existing between the mechanical condition of the soil and 
the amount of alkali present. These two factors are spoken of 
together as producing certain effects on the crop, but the opinion is 
expressed that the alkali, per se, is not the cause of these effects. 
This opinion is based upon the observation of spots where there is 
an abundance of alkali, but where the mechanical condition of the 
soil is better. No statement is made as to the extent of the 
influence of the alkali upon the mechanical condition of the soil. 
This point is left as an open question. The crops have improved 
each year, showing a mitigation of these conditions due to cultiva- 
