PRACTICAL PAPERS—SUGAR-BEET AND BEET SUGAR. 257 
and width of forty centimeters, running transversely to the 
heaps, and of sufficient length to extend beyond the pile when 
covered with earth, in order that the openings may be free. 
This being done, the piles are covered with earth on the sides, 
and with straw on the top, and the air channels left open from 
the outside. The eireulation of air will be free and in propor¬ 
tion to the difference between the temperature of the pile and 
that of the outside atmosphere, and by this means good venti¬ 
lation will be effected. The only care required is to tend the 
air drafts, and not open them unless the temperature of the 
outside air is above the freezing point. For this purpose small 
heaps of dung are kept ready near eaeh opening, with which 
they are to be stopped when the nights are too cold. In order 
to ascertain the temperature of the mass, so that it can, when 
desired, be maintained at a fixed point, there are set, at different 
plaees in the mass, ehannels made of small boards jointed 
together, so as to form an open-work frame, extending into the 
pile about half its height, in which a thermometer can be placed, 
which may be inspected from day to day, in order that the 
progress of cooling may be watched. It is thought that the 
temperature is sufficiently low at three or four degrees above 
freezing point, at which time the cooling process is stopped 
and the openings closed. The straw on the top of the heap 
will be sufficient to protect the beets from ordinary frosts. 
Should heavy frosts be apprehended, it will be well to cover 
the straw with a thin layer of fresh manure or earth. 
Where it is intended to preserve the beets for a long time, 
the first method of conservation should be adopted, as the re¬ 
sults obtained are more satisfactory, and as this method requires 
less attention. 
When beets are to be worked up during the first month of 
fabrication, the second method will suffice. 
The third method is less costly than the first, but nearly 
an equal amount of care is required for the superintendence 
of the pits. 
Ag. -Tr,—17. 
