Bulletin No. 52.— (R«vised.) U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. • DIVISION OF CHEMISTKi r %/ EXPERIMENTS WITH SUGAR BEETS IN 1897. BY HARVEY W. WILEY, Chemist of the United States Department of Agriculture. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT riilXTlNc. OFFICE. 1899. LETTEE OF TKAISTSMITTAL. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Chemistry, Washington, J). C.,' January 25, 1899. Sir: The bulletin herewith, presented as Xo. oli of the Division of Chemistry comprises the portion of the report which was prepared by the Chemist of the Department for the Special Ueport on the Beet Sugar Industry of the United States, submitted by you to the President of the United States and by him transmitted to Congress, and published as Document No. 396 of the House of Representatives at the second session of the Fifty-fifth Congress. It is deemed advisable to secure the publication of this. part of the report as a bulletin of the Chemical Division in order to preserve the continuity of the reports on the sugar industry of the United States as bulletins of that division. In pre- senting this revised edition, advantage has been taken of the opportu- nity to correct some slight errors which crept into the first issue. No changes have been made in the text, nor in the illustrations accompany- ing it, from the document mentioned above. H. W. Wiley, Chief, Division of Chemistry. Hon. James Wilson, Secretary. 3 CONTENTS. Page. References in Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture to matters relating to the beet-sugar industry 12 List of bulletins issued by the Division of Chemistry relating in whole or in part to sugar beets 15 Plan of investigations for 1897 16 Climatology 21 Other conditions 23 Map of thermal belt 23 Changes in the new maps 24 Triple isothermal lines , 21 Beet zone 25 Annual rainfall 25 Study of particular localities 27 North Carolina and West Virginia 27 Eastern Shore of Maryland 27 Delaware 28 New .J ersey 28 Connecticut ■ 29 Massachusetts 29 New Hampshire and Vermont 29 New York 30 Pennsylvania 31 Ohio 31 Michigan 32 Indiana 32 Illinois 32 Wisconsin 32 Minnesota 33 Iowa :;:; North and South Dakota 34 Nebraska 35 rhe arid regions :;r> Data from different States 37 Data obtained in the laboratory of the Department of Agriculture 10 Cautions regarding the value of data 11 Study of the analytical data 56 Arizona 56 Report by B. II. Forbes, chemist r»« ; Arkansas 60 California 60 Colorado 61 Report by William P. lleadden, chemist 63 5 6 CONTENTS. Study of the analytical data — Continued. Page. Idaho 64 Illinois 68 Indiana 69 Report by H. A. Huston and J. M. Barrett 70 Iowa 72 Kansas 74 Kentucky 7tS Maryland „ 77 Michigan 78 Minnesota M Report by Barry Snyder, chemist 82 Missouri 83 Montana 85 Nebraska 86 Report by II. H. Nicholson 86 Nevada 87 New Jersey 88 Experiments by James B. Vredenbnrgh 89 New Mexico 90 Report by ('. T. .Jordan, special agent 90 New York :•:; Report by \Y. s. Jordan, director of experiment station at Geneva. ... 94 Report by I. 1'. Roberts, director of experiment station at Ithaca !•(> Elevations of region of New York suited to beet culture 98 North Dakota 99 North ( larolina 99 Ohio KH) Oklahoma 103 Report by eeis ,i> cattle i«>"n the plains of Russia it is gTOWU where, the i-xx heiinal Line is LO . It' this would hold good <>n this continent, there is no port ion of the United States too cold for its cull are. This vast extent of country is naturally divided into two regions, \i/: (1) The middle division of the temperate /one <>f the United States, Lying between parallels .">!• and 43, comprising Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, <>hi<>, Indiana, [llinois, Iowa. Nebraska, southern Idaho, with an area <>f 163,000 Bquare miles, is favorable to bee! culture, the mean annual temperature varying een IT and.".:; I': (2) the district between parallels 36 and:;.' , embracing the bord< Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tenn< M i. with Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and northern California, possessing an area of 675,000 square miles and :i mean annual temperature of 68 to6fl I'., is :il-o i.i \ orable to the beet; s«> t hat :i belt of c 1 1\ 7 wide iu Latitude and with an i t' m of L, 129,000 square miles is open t«> this industrial ait." BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 13 In experiments in beet culture on the Department grounds the maximum percent- age of sugar in the juice is given for each variety : Variety. White Silesian: Red top Green top White Magdeburg Improved White Imperial Beta Imperialis: No.l Np.2 Vilmorui's Improved Castlenandry Yellow "Number Per cent of tests. of sugar. 12 6.97 10 7.20 12 7.74 11 7.34 12 6.70 12 7.40 12 7.40 12 8.00 1867. 48. Methods of sugar manufacture in Europe. 1868. 158. Report of Theodore Gennert to the Commissioner of Agriculture. A general article on the statistics and manufacture of beet sugar. 1868. 164. Notes on the manufacture of beet sugar in Europe. In 1867 the Department sent nine varieties of seed to Chatsworth, 111., for trial, with the following; results : Polarization. No. 1 11.90 2 10.95 3 12.59 4 12.21 5 11.57 6 13.52 No, Polarization. 7 11.98 8 13.67 9 13.25 Average 12. 40 Mention is made in this article that while in Europe Henry Clay took much inter- est in the beet-sugar industry and afterwards, in a speech in Congress, predicted great results from the introduction of the industry into the United States. 1869. 334. A review of the manufacture of sugar in Europe. 1869. 345. A letter included in the above review. It reviews the manufacture in Europe ;md mentions trials made in the United States. The first attempt to produce beet sugar in this country, mentioned in this review, was by John Vaughn and .James Ronaldsou, Philadelphia. Seed was imported and beets were grown, but no factory was built. 1870. 98. Report of the Chemist on Beet Sugar. He states that the returns of the growth of sugar beets in this country have not yet shown an approach to that amount of sugar which is yielded by the growth of France and northern Germany. Beets grown at Chatsworth, 111., from seeds supplied by the Department of Agriculture contained from 9.31 to 11.24 per cent of sugar. 1870. 215. Progress of the beet sugar industry in Europe. A brief statistical article. 1870. 210. Largely historical. Three establishments were in operation — Chats- worth, 111., Alvarado, Cal.. Sauk County, Wis. Capacity of the Chatsworth factory, 50 tons of beets per day. L872. 154. Report of Ryland T. Brown, Chemist, United states Department of Agriculture. Following are some of the chief points mentioned: The experiments of David L. Child, at Northampton, Mass.. 1838, are probably the earliest recorded in this country. The factory of Bonesteel and Otto, at Fond du Lac, Wis., 1S(!7, had a capacity of 10 tons of beets per day ; capital, $12,000. 14 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IX THE UNITED STATES. Analyses of beets grown on the experimental farm of the University of Virginia, 1872, viz : Variety. Weight. Sugar in tin- juice. White Silenian. (French seed) Carter's Prize Nursery (English seed). Vilmorin's Improved i French seed) ... White sugar beet (Philadelphia) Ounces, 3*1 /'4 33} 10. 17 1872. 151. April, 1872, the legislature of New Jersey passed an act, operative for ten years, exempting beet-sugar factories from taxation. L873. L08. A brief report by the Statistician. The two California factories produced an estimated total of 750 tons of sugar during L873. 1873. 287. Relative to the capacity and product of the Alvarado factory. Capacity. 7,000 tons of beets per annum. is?."). 512. A resume of a German report on the composition of sugar beets. 1876. 153. statistics of the production of sugar in various countries. Mention is made in this article of a factory at Soquel, Santa Cruz County, Cal. The State Agricultural Society of California reported in 1874 that the production of beet sugar in the State amounted in 1870 to 500,000 pounds; in lsTl to SOii.diiO pounds; in 1872 to 1,125,000 pounds, and in 1ST:: to L,500,000 pounds. 1876. 266. statistics of the yield of beet sugar, by countries. 1877. 243. A brief statement as to soils suitable for beets. 1877. 579. German statistics. L878. 117. Analysis of a sample of beet-root sirup. 1879. 67. A report on the analysis of seven sugar beets received from various parts of the country. The percentage of sugar in the juice ranged from 8.9 to 1 L3, the latter sample being from Oswego, \. Y. 187!*. 184. General sugar statistics. 9. Report of the Commissionei of Agriculture. A report of the condition of the Maine Bee! Sugar Company and a statement of the experiments in Delaware were made. Capacity of the Maine factory, 150 tons per day. In 1877 the stale slature of Delaware appropriated $300 as premiums to farmers for crops of BUgar beets, and in L878 $1,500 were appropriated for the same purpose. Imper feci experiments were made in 1878 by the Delaware Bee1 Sugar ( lompany. The total crop amounted to 350 tons of roots, yielding an average of 9 per cent of sugar. A new factory was built by Colwell Brothers, of New York, costing $30,000, wit h a capacity of 60 tons of roots per day of twenty-four hours. The company did not make running expenses, but the experiment was encouraging. 619. A Letter from E. H. Dyer urging a bounty law. 1881. 675. Statistics of sugar production. Statistics of domestic sugar arc given in brief. Beet sugar was made successfully for three successive seasons in California in one factory. The Maine factory, which was in operation for three BeaSOnB, producing in one year 1,200,000 pounds and in another 1.0(10, ooo pounds of sugar, was obliged to suspend operations for want of hcets. which the farmers bhoughl bhej could nol grow at the prices offered, namely, $5 to $6 per ton. 22. Report of II. W. Wiley to the I lommissioner of Agrionlture on the North ern sugar industry .in 1883. This is an abstract of data given in Bulletin No.3 of the I >i\ isioii of ( hem L884. 529. Yield of beel sugar in Russia. 341. analyses of sngai beets grown in various parts of the country. Most, of these Bamples contained verj little sugar, with one exception. This sample contained L8.84 per cent, and was from Menominee, Mioh. The highest per- centage of sugar in the ot he i sample- w as 11 71 . 1 w ent\ eight tests were made. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 15 1889. 140. Cultivation of the sugar beet. Report of the Chemist. 1890. 167. Experiments with sugar beets. Abstract of a report published in full in Bulletin No. 27 of the Division of Chemistry. 1891. 150. Experiments with sugar beets. Abstract of a report published in full in Bulletin No. 30 of the Division of Chemistry. 1891. 156. Laws relatiug to taxation and bounties in various countries. 1892. 128. A resume of experiments with sugar beets. Full details of this work are published in Bulletin No. 36 of the Division of Chemistry. 1892. 467. Statistics of beet-sugar production for the year 1892 : Pounds. Utah Beet Sugar Company 1, 473, 500 Alameda Sugar Company 2, 506, 860 Western Beet Sugar Company 11, 390, 921 Chino Valley Beet Sugar Company 7, 903, 541 Oxnard Beet Sugar Company 2, 110, 100 Norfolk Beet Sugar Company 1,698,400 Total 27,083.322 In 1891 these factories produced a total of 12,004,838 pounds. 1893. 175. Experiments with sugar beets. This is an abstract of a report published in full in Bulletin No. 39 of the Division of Chemistry. 1893. 184. Growth of beets at different altitudes. LIST OF BULLETINS ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CHEMISTRY RELATING IN WHOLE OR IN PART TO SUGAR BEETS. Bulletin No. 3, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. The Northern Sugar Industry; edited by H.W.Wiley, 1884; pp. 118 (out of print). Pages 24 to 29 of this report relate to the beet sugar industry. Bulletin No. 5, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. The Sugar Indus- try of the United States; edited by H. W. Wiley, 1885; pp. 224 (out of print). Part second of this report, including pp. 73 to 136, inclusive, 12 plates, relates to the beet-sugar industry. Bulletin No. 27, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. The Sugar Indus- try : Culture of the Sugar Beet, and Manufacture of Beet Sugar: edited by H. W. Wiley, 1890; pp. 262 (out of print). Bulletin No. 30, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. Experiments with Sugar Beets in 1890; edited by II. W. Wiley, 1891; pp. 93 (out of print). Bulletin No. 33, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. Experiments with Sugar Beets in 1891; edited by H. W. Wiley, 1892; pp. 158 (out of print). Bulletin No. 36, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. Experiments with Sugar Beets in 1892; edited by H. W. Wiley, 1893; pp. 74 (out of print). Bulletin Xo. 39, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. Experiments with Sugar Beets in 1893; by Harvey W. Wiley, with the collaboration of Walter Maxwell, 1894 ; pp. 59. MISCELLANEOUS BULLETINS AND REPORT. Special Report No. 28, United States Department of Agriculture. Report on the Culture of the Sugar Beet and the Manufacture of Sugar Therefrom, in France and the United States; by Wm. McMurtrie, 1880; pp. 294 (out of print). Farmers' Bulletin No. 3, United States Department of Agriculture. Culture of the Sugar Beet; by II. \Y. Wiley, 1891; pp. 24 (out of print). Farmers' Bulletin No. 52, United States Department of Agriculture. The Sugar Beet: Culture, Seed Development, Manufacture, and Statistics; by 11. \V. Wiley, 1897; pp. 48. 16 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. PLAN OF THE INVESTIGATIONS FOR 1897. On the 1 1th day of January, 1897, the following letter was addressed to the Secretary of Agriculture: BlK: Numerous inquiries for sugar-beet seed have come to this division instead of to the seed division, and I am unable to give any definite answer to our correspond cuts in respect of the policy of the Department regarding the distribution of the seeds in question. I would be glad to know it it would be possible for the Depart- ment of Agriculture to provide a few thousand packages of high-grade beet seed which could be distributed to inquiring fanners. There is a widespread interest iu this country in the sugar-beet industry, and it appears to me that a part of the money voted by Congress for the distribution of seeds could be very profitably used in supplying experimenters with the best quality of sugar-beet seed. Farmers can not be certain in buying beet seeds from dealers that they are getting anything more than the ordinary quality of garden seeds. The guaranty of the Department, however, that they are securing high-grade sugar-beet seeds would be of great advantage. I am now engaged in a revision of Farmers' Bulletin No. 3, to be used in supplying the information which is so largely asked lor respecting the culture of the sugar beet and the manufacture of sugar therefrom. It would be of interest to make a statement in this bulletin in regard to the possibility of securing the seeds from the Department. An early reply to this inquiry will be appreciated. I am. respectfully, H. W. Wiley, Chief of Division. The honorable the behalf. For the proper erection and completion of a beet-sngar factory not less than twelve months should in- allowed, and even in this time it can only be properly accomplished under experienced technical control. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 19 In Bulletin Xo. 30 (on page 7) the following observations are found: Only in a few instances were the directions of the Department followed out to the letter. In most cases the jilanting and cultivation of the beet seed were conducted according to such methods as the agriculturist might hit upon at the time. From the information gathered it was found that the chief variation from the instructions was in the preparation of the soil. In very few cases was a subsoil plow used and most of the beets which were sent to the Department were evidently grown in soil of insufficient depth. In some cases, where the exact directions for cultivation were carried out, the character of the beets received showed by contrast with the others the absolute necessity of employing the best methods of agriculture for their pro- duction. In Bulletin Xo. 33 (on page 9) the following statement is made: One of the most striking features in regard to this method of conducting experi- mental work is found in the fact that it is almost impossible to secure compliance with directions. It is evident, at once, that the value of experimental work depends upon the care with whieh it is done and the accuracy with which the directions prescribed are followed. It is n >t to be wondered at that farmers, busy with their other occu- pations, failed to comply with the minute directions necessary to secure the greatest advantage in experimental work. Very few of the blanks were returned properly filled out. In many cases the data which were returned were palpably erroneous. In one instance a yield of 99 tons per acre was reported, and in a great many cases the reported yield per acre was so great as to show inaccuracy on the part of the measurement of the land or the weighing of the beets. In making out returns for such reported phenomenal yields the theoretical quantity of sugar per acre given was always questioned. We are accustomed to look with suspicion upon any yield of sugar beets which exceeds 25 tons per acre. While it is not impossible to secure a higher yield than this, and of beets of good saccharine quality, yet it is so rare as to throw doubt upon miscellaneous data showing an excess of that yield. Another point, which makes the returns obtained less valuable, is found in the fact of the length of time which necessarily elapsed between the harvesting of the beets and their reception at the laboratory. Nearly all the samples received were from distant States, requiring for packages of this kind from three to eight days in the mails. Although the beets were in most cases well wrapped, according to directions, our experiments have shown that they must have lost a considerable quantity of mois- ture by evaporation during their long transit. The data, therefore, showing the con- tent of sugar in the juice would be uniformly too high for normal beets. It is estimated that not less than 10 per cent should be subtracted from the number for sugar to express the normal percentage of sugar in the \)LH>t* as originally harvested. In Bulletin No. 3G (on page 28) the ideas outlined above are some- what expanded in the following words: Before proceeding to discuss the data in the preceding tables, attention should be called to the fact that in previous reports of this kind some dissatisfaction has been expressed in some States on account of the poor showing of the samples therefrom. In former reports attention has been particularly called to the probability that the • lata obtained by this method of experimentation are not wholly reliable and in all oases do not truly represent the capabilities of any locality for beet- sugar production. It is true that a large number of data received from a given State will indicate, in a general way, whether or not that State is capable of producing a good sugar beet, but where the number of data is limited, it may be that the agricultural conditions under which the samples were produced were so poor, or the season BO exceptional, as to prevent a fair judgment of the capabilities of the soil and climate. On the 20 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. other hand, the col tare which the samples received may have been so careful and the seasonal conditions so favorable as to produce a beet far above the average which could be produced in the whole State. Again, the loss of moisture during transportation, or the failure of the farmers to send tbeir beets in as soon as harvested, may tend to reduce the amount of water present in the beet and to raise correspondingly the quantity of sugar therein. Inas- much as the analyses are made on the expressed juice, this would tend to show always an increased amount of sugar over that present naturally in the beets. All these disturbing influences must be taken into consideration in judging the data which have been recorded. This lias been said in general explanation so as to forestall any criticisms which may be made of the value of the data obtained. To illustrate more particularly what is meant, attention is called to the instance, say, of Colorado and Montana. From the State of Colorado one hundred and twenty- three samples were received for analysis, and from the State of Montana only one sample. Any comparison, therefore, between the average results of the two States would be simply absurd. While one hundred and twenty-three samples from Colo- rado, showing, a> they do. fine possibilities of sugar-beet culture, indicate that the State of Colorado is capable of producing beets of high quality, the single sample from Montana, whether it proved exceptionally poor or exceptionally fine, could ha\ e been no criterion by whicii the capabilities of the State for beet sugar could he judged. In connection with the tentative results which have been obtained by this kind of work should be considered the characteristics of the soil and climate of each locality, and by putting the two together a fairly good idea can be formed of t lie possibilities of beet-sugar production. The reader should carefully bear the above explanation in mind, both in looking over the data in the tables and in reading the remarks thereon which follow. Iii Bulletin No. 39 (on page 8) in commenting on the results of the year's work, the following statements are made: The general results of the work this year are somewhat discouraging as com- pared with previous years. Throughout a -re.it part of the beet -growing region the summer was excessively dry, and large numbers of total failures were reported. In former reports attention has been called to the Pact that the present method of experiment is unsat isfact ory, and the reasons therefor have been fully set forth. The farmers are so busy with other work that, as a rule, they are not able to give careful at tent ion to the experimental details. They do not have the time to suitably prepare the soil for beet culture, nor do they give the growing beet proper attention. When the time for harvesting comes they are usually engaged in other farm work, so that the beets are not harvested at the right time, nor are data obtained by means of which any accurate estimate of the yield per acre can he determined. The analytical data, therefore, of such work are usually fragmentary and far from leaching any definite lesson in regard to the industry itself, in general, howevei i he (lata hear out those of p re \ ions years in showing the areas in this count ry where the besl beets can be grown. It Is in these regions that the development of the industry must be expeoted. There is probably not a state or Territory in ihe Union which is not oapableof growing a fair article of sugar beets. Even in the far South beets of fair sugar con- tent have hem produced, and with good tonnage; but \\ hen the competition of tins world 1b to be met, with the price of sugar as Low as it is now, onlj those parts of the country where the soil and climate are especially favorable can be expeoted to compete successfully with the beet Bugarindusl ry already firmly established in older countries. The sole valuable lesson, therefore, of the promiscuous distribution of . ed is in the fact that, as a rule i hose regions best suited to the growth of the sugar heei will gradually be outlined, and Intending Investors led to the proper localities for the establishment of factories. BEET-STJGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 21 The great success of the beet-sugar industry on the Pacific coast leads to the con- clusion that if the northern part of the eastern and central portions of our country is to become the seat of a great sugar industry, every possible advantage must be taken of soil and location, in order to compete successfully with the beet fields of California, Washington, and Oregon. The experience of the past season, as will be seen from the data in the following pages, has served only to give additional point to the observations made in previous bulletins. The sugar-beet industry in this country has now reached a point where it is incumbent upon the National Government to secure a com- plete and accurate agricultural survey of the country in respect of growing beets. The competition in sugar making is now so keen that only those localities where natural conditions are best will, in the end, be found sustaining the industry. If we depend upon costly experi- ment to delimit these localities, hundreds of thousands of dollars will be wasted in the attempt. At a comparatively small expense, the Department of Agriculture will be able to have made careful and accurate surveys, based upon experimental data, to point out the regions where the sugar industry is most likely to succeed. This, however, can not be done by the promiscuous kind of experimentation which the Department has been compelled heretofore to pursue. Up to this time a sufficient scientific interest in the matter has not been aroused among the people to secure the kind of a survey which is necessary. Now, however, the conditions have changed. The agricultural experiment stations in most of the States are thoroughly aroused in this matter. They are willing, with the cooperation of the Department, to undertake an agricultural survey of their respective localities. In addition to this, intelligent men, either in their capacity of private citizens or as representatives of boards of trade, or of business men's associations, are ready to supervise, in limited districts, series of experiments which will give satisfactory answers to the questions which must be answered before the sugar-beet industry is fully established. It will therefore be the object of the Department in subsequent work, espe- cially that of 1898, to secure in each locality interested in the matter, a few carefully conducted experiments. To this end it is urged that the experiment stations in the various States arrange with 25, 50, 100, or more representative farmers, who can be relied upon to do good work, to grow plats of beets in size of not less than half an acre. CLIMATOLOGY. It is evident that one of the first things to be considered, after the soil itself, in connection with the sugar beet industry is the climate. The sugar beet is a plant very susceptible to climatic conditions. At the beginning of its growth the beet plant is peculiarly helpless. It can not lift, in passing from the germ to the new plant, the lightest clod. A rain which packs the surface of the soil immediately after germination will sometimes prevent the plant from reaching the light. 22 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. After the plant is established it requires a considerable quantity of water for its proper growth; this water must be supplied either by the rainfall of the locality, by irrigation, or by the subsoil. High tempera- tures extending over long periods of time are peculiarly injurious to the storing of sugar in the tuber. While high temperatures may not dimin- ish the tonnage yielded by a field, nor apparently produce any injuri- ous effects, in so far as the external appearance of the mature plant is concerned, it will be found, as a rule, that plants grown under such condi- tions of temperature are less rich in sugar than others grown in a milder climate. Since the production of sugar in the leaf of a plant is a joint function of the chlorophyll cells and sunlight, it is found that the high northern latitudes, where the summer days are exceptionally long and the nights correspondingly short, tend to produce, other conditions being the same, a beet rich in sugar. The climatic conditions of this country are so different from those of Europe as to render of little value the general conclusions which experience has drawn from the effect of climate, in the beet-sugar producing countries of Europe, on the sugar content of the beet itself. Nevertheless, it is seen that in Europe the great centers of the beet-sugar industry are in regions far to the north, in fact, so far north as to make it impracticable ever t<> expect, in this country, to establish the centers of the industry on the same parallels of latitude. When it is considered for a moment that the great capi- tals of Europe — St. Petersburg. London, and Berlin — are situated 1,460, <- in Canada, and not in the United States. We have, therefore, had to depend so tar largely on theory in the application of the principles of climatology in the culture of the sugar beet in the United States. The experimental data which have been at our disposal have been fragmen- tary, and, aa has already been noted, have nol been secured in the system- atic \\ ay desirable. The result i*. even to-day, that many of our theories Map showing the probable Areas suited to Beet Culture 'X *.>+* ^^fe^l* . l Hf Brown Belt— Probable basic area of Beet Culture. tight Brown Shading- Probable ex- tension of Beet Culture beyond % Sv^ar Factory in operation • ffuiMhy far the crop oflSM Op m/Mie d/U/n V /or iiienff o/ MM Blue Lines — Boundaries of areas of annual precipitation. Blue Figures Inches of annual rainfall. Bed Lines— Isotherms of mean tempera- tures for June, July, and August. Red Figures — Mean temperatures for June, July, and August. .>-»* PREPARED BY DR H. W. WILEY Washington. D. C, Fet-ruary :'->. rSpa oo BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 23 in regard to climate are not yet substantiated by facts. In the light of the data at hand, in the publication of previous reports it has been assumed that the beet- sugar zone of the United States would be found located over an area of which the southern limit would be marked by the mean isotherm of 71° F. for the summer mouths of June, July, and August. While this temperature is considerably higher than the mean temperature of the European beet-sugar areas for the same period of time, it has always been evident that the beet area of the United States would necessarily be situated farther south thau the like area of Europe. There are two reasons which make this location imperative. In the first place, the more northern latitudes not only have late springs, but even after the spring is once established the occurrence of a heavy frost is not unusual. In the second place, these same latitudes have short autumns, and the occurrence of heavy frosts in late October or early November are not at all unexpected. As a result of this, the season for the growth and harvest of the beet is too short if we should apply for the mean summer temperature the same rules as obtain in Europe. It is evident, however, that the assumption of the mean isotherm of 71° for June, July, and August as the southern limit of the beet-sugar area is based upon so many independent conditions as to render it only use- ful as a working basis. OTHER CONDITIONS. Iii connection with the temperature must be considered the rainfall, the contour and the nature of the soil, the possibility of irrigation, the abundance of subsoil moisture, the proximity of coal, limestone, and water, price of labor, facilities for distribution and transportation, and many other matters which are important in a discussion of the subject. It is further evident that the tracing of a single isothermal line and the arbitrary addition thereto of a certain width of land on either side do not give even the proper theoretical thermal basis for a careful study of climatic conditions. MAP OF THERMAL BELT. For this reason, the present report is supplied with a new map (Plate I), which has been kindly prepared by the Weather Bureau at our request, in which the isothermal lines for June, July, and August have been traced with greater care and from data extending over a longer period of time. 1 The result of these new studies has been to change from former maps, in some cases slightly and in some cases considerably, the position of the mean isotherm of 70° for the three summer months named. This change, as will be seen by consulting the new map, is most marked in 1 Data supplied, through the courtesy of Mr. Willis S. Moore, chief of the Weather Bureau, by Mr. A. ,J. Henry. The map was drawn by the draftsmen of the Bureau under Mr. Henry's direction. 24 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. the case of the State of New York, where in former maps the mean isotherm of 70° was traced in a line running almost directly west from Albany to Buffalo. CHANGES IN THE NEW MAP. In the new map the influence of the Allegheny Mountains on tempera ture has been more carefully studied, and as a result there has been a considerable deflection of the isotherm of 70° to the south and south- west. The general trend of this isotherm from Albany is in a south- westerly direction until the Allegheny Mountains are crossed, where it turns in a westerly direction until it reaches its former location practi- cally in the neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. The position of this isotherm from this point westward is so nearly the same as that of the other map as to require no particular mention. The State of New York, however, especially that portion of it lying between Albany and Buffalo, has peculiar thermal conditions, and these are shown in a special map of that State (PI. II). A considerable area of the State with a mean summer temperature of 70° is found in the northwestern part in the neighborhood of Rochester, while between this area and the continuous isotherm of 70°, as traced upon the map, is a considerable space of territory where the mean summer temperature is considerably below 70°. This area, however, corresponds more nearly to the beet areas of northern Europe than any other portions of our country. The tempera- ture and other climatic conditions in this area are more uniform by reason of the modifying effects of the Great Lakes on the winds which blow from the west and northwest. The experimental data which have been collected show, therefore, that this area, although in many cases the mean summer temperature is below 70°, is peculiarly suited to the production of beets of a high sugar content. The comparatively mild springs and autumns also favor the planting and harvesting of the beet, so that the conditions of this area are as favorable to the production of beets of the proper grade as those areas lying immediately contiguous to the mean isotherm of 70°. TRIPLE ISOTHERMAL I. INKS. As a single isothermal line passing across the country affords a very narrow basis for study, it has been deemed advisable in the map here- with presented to take as the nucleus of the isothermic sugar /.one not merely the isotherm of 70 , but that belt oi territory, varying in width, which is bounded by the isotherms of (ii) upon the north and 71 upon the south. The isotherm of 70 is found between these two, usually occupying the center of I lie belt, or nearly so, Imt sometimes approach- ing more nearly tin- one or the other. If, now. we add to the outside of the belt of irregular width, thus outlined by the two isotherms men- tioned, on the south a Strip of country of varying width and on the north an area bounded by I he limit of dangerous frosts, this area will BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 25 practically include the whole of the United States which, from theo- retical conditions of temperature, is best suited to the growth of sugar beets of a high saccharine content. BEET ZONE. The shaded portions of the map herewith presented indicate in a general way this area. No attempt has been made to extend this lat- eral shading west of the Missouri River. The paucity of data for the western part of the country, in connection with the extreme vicissitudes of climate, renders of little value any extension of the thermal belt. ANNUAL RAINFALL. Connected with this study, the annual precipitation is of the utmost importance. There has therefore been marked upon the map, in the area covered by this belt, the mean precipitation, in inches, from 50 to 40, from 40 to 30, and so on down to the least recorded quantities of rainfall in the far western arid regions. The mean annual precipitation is, of course, of importance in deter- mining the relations of the different regions to the water supply and the need of irrigation. It is also important to know the mean precipi- tation for the months during which the chief growth of the crop and the harvest take place, namely, for April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. The mean precipitation for each of these three months, as furnished by the Weather Bureau for the localities mentioned, is indicated in the following tables: Monthly arerayes of rainfall, April-October. Stations. MASSACHUSETTS. Amherst Boston Fall River Fitchburg Lowell New Bedford Springfield Taunton Worcester e< ricuT. Hartford New Haven New London liiddletown ... Southington Wallingiord m w rosK. Albany Buffalo Coonerstown Gouverneur Ithaca New York City North Salem Lati- tude. 42 22 42 2J 41 42 42 36 42 39 41 39 42 05 41 54 42 16 41 45 41 Lfl 41 21 41 :;:; 41 35 41 27 42 40 42 53 42 42 4 1 25 42 27 40 43 41 20 Longi- tude. Eleva- tion. Num- ber ot years. / 72 32 235 61 71 04 12 79 71 09 259 22 71 50 433 32 71 17 104 42 70 56 100 83 72 35 70 47 71 05 30 22 71 40 473 43 72 10 38 27 72 56 10 45 72 05 8 26 72 39 37 33 72 51 152 26 72 40 73 35 7:; i:. 32 60 78 53 27 74 57 1,300 43 75 35 423 21 76 30 375 :ii; 73 58 52 61 73 34 361 23 Apr. May. 3.1 2.9 3.6 3.6 3.2 3.6 3.7 3.0 3.3 3.7 3.4 3. 1 3.6 2.8 2. 6 2.1 3.4 3.4 3.9 3.7 4.0 3.8 3.7 3.8 4.2 3.3 4.1 3. 6 - 3.2 4.2 June, 3.7 :t. 2 3.1 3.3 3.3 3.0 3.8 2. 5 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.2 4.1 3.5 4. 1 2.7 :;.7 3.8 3.5 July. 3.5 3.7 3.8 3.1 4.5 3.5 3.8 4.1 1.5 4.0 4.3 3.9 4.2 4.2 3.2 4.3 2.8 3.5 4.0 4.0 Au-. 4.4 4.3 4.4 4.3 4.4 3.9 4.5 4.2 4.6 4.6 1.7 Sept. 3.4 3.4 3.3 3.2 3.3 3.3 3.4 3.5 ::. 2 3.4 2.0 3.4 3. 1 3.4 3.1 Oct. Total. 3.9 3.8 4.5 4.1 3. - 4.4 4. 1 3. (i 4.2 3. 5 3. 6 3.:; 3.4 2. 3. 6 4. 1 2.'.. S 26.7 2.".. 3 25. 24.4 23. 7 27.1 25. 4 27. 27. 27. 5 24. 1 25. 7 22 7 25' 4 10. 1 21.7 26. o 26 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Monthly averages of rainfall, April-October — Continued. Sections. Lati- tude. new york— cont'd Oswego. . Palermo . Rochester Utica NEW JERSEY Atlantic City Lambert viUe Newark New Brunswick South Orange Trenton Viueland Blooming drove Dyberry Erie Gettysburg Harrisburg Pittsburg..., Philadelphia Baltimore Cumberland Kinniitshurg 1- it'll' lick Cleveland Columbus Marietta North Lewisburg Steubenville Toledo Wauseon . Westerville Angola Columbia City ConnersT ille.. Farmland Fori Wa\ ne Indianapolis Lafayette Loganaporl Mau/.v Richmond . Spiceland spice Wabash A the August A nrora Chicago Blmira i ralesburg Has 11' inn pin Marengo. Mat toon . Oswegi Ottawa PeOl ia . Philo Pontiac Rockford : dand Arsenal Bandwlob June. 3.4 3.3 3.3 3.0 3.3 3.5 3.9 3.6 3.9 3.3 3.8 4.0 3.8 3.9 4.6 3.9 3.5 4.1 4.0 4.0 3.4 4.1 3.8 3.7 4.1 l 4.0 3. S 4.5 4.2 4.2 1.5 3. 9 I. I 4. <; 5.7 4. 1 8.8 3.7 I. 1 1.0 3.8 L2 4. 1 i B 4 8.7 1.2 8.2 ;i '.» 4.3 July. Aug. Sept 3.1 2.6 2.8 3.3 2.7 3.2 3.0 3.0 2.4 4.7 3.5 3.5 3.5 4.3 - 4.4 4.9 4.3 4.4 3.8 4.7 4.9 3.8 4.9 4.0 5.5 5.3 4.0 4.3 4.9 4.0 5.0 4.9 3.1 4.6 3.8 2.8 2.8 3.3 4.0 3.4 3.6 3.0 4.2 3.9 3.6 4.0 3.4 2.9 4.0 4.3 3.5 4.7 4.0 3. 9 3.4 3.2 2.8 3.4 3.3 3.8 3.5 'J. 7 3.7 3.4 3.1 3.6 3.2 3.2 •J. 4.4 3.9 3. 1 4.4 3.3 4.0 3. 9 3. 1 •_'. 4 :;.4 ■• 7 3.9 3.3 3. 1 2.7 2 7 3.8 3. "J 'J. 7 3. 9 2 i '1.1 ■j e •J 8 3. :. 3. 6 1 8 3.4 L2 3.3 3.1 2.7 2.9 3. 1 8.7 8. 1 B. '.' i 1 4.1 3.3 ;: l 3.4 3.0 2.5 3.4 3. (I 3. 6 4. 1 3.3 3.2 8.4 B.0 8. o 3.3 i a 1 1 3 .; •i. :. - 3.0 8.7 8.8 2 8 :i. 1 3 n • 8. 9 t (i ■• 7 8. 1 3.3 •J 2 1.5 1 7 3. 3. 'J 3.7 3. 3 3.'J 4.5 t B 3.5 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 27 Monthly averages of rainfall, April-October — Continued. Sections. Lati- Longi- tude, tude. Eleva- tion. Num- ber of years. 644 17 800 15 640 7 861 18 750 11 741 30 657 24 857 28 593 33 591 53 580 46 593 25 604 14 770 20 836 33 584 22 Apr. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Total. Illinois— continued. Springfield Sycamore . . . Watseka . .. Winnebago. Wyanet WISCONSIN. Eeloit La Crosse.. Madison . .. Manitowoc Milwaukee MICHIGAN. 39 48 42 00 40 48 42 17 41 30 42 30 43 49 "43 05 44 07 43 02 42 20 Detroit Grand Haven 43 05 Grand Rapids 42 57 Kalamazoo 42 20 Lansing 42 44 Port Huron 43 00 89 39 88 42 87 45 89 12 89 45 89 11 91 15 89 24 87 46 87 54 83 03 86 18 85 40 85 38 84 32 82 26 3.7 3.6 3.7 3.2 3.8 2.9 2.4 2.6 ■2.4 2.8 2.6 2.6 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.1 5.0 4.3 5.6 4.0 4.6 3.3 3.5 2.6 3.4 4.4 5.0 3.7 4.1 4.5 4.0 4.5 4.5 3.6 3.8 3.8 3.8 4.2 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 3.5 4.2 3.5 4.0 4.0 3.5 3.2 2.4 2.9 2.4 3.2 4.7 3.6 3.2 3.1 3.2 2.7 3.2 3.0 2.9 3.6 4.8 3.4 4.2 3 1 3.0 3.0 2.7 3.1 2.6 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.3 2.6 2.2 3.6 2.6 3.0 2.6 2.8 2.7 3.6 3.2 2.4 2.4 3.4 2.5 3.2 2.6 3.2 2.8 3.1 2.7 2.9 2.5 2.4 2.6 2.6 2.8 24.2 25.5 23.9 23.9 29.0 23.1 23.9 23.4 20.9 21.1 21.3 22.1 21.3 23.3 21.0 19.4 STUDY OF PARTICULAR LOCALITIES. North Carolina and West Virginia. The elevated areas of the mountain regions of North Carolina and West Virginia afford conditions of temperature and precipitation which are favorable to the growth of sugar beets. The rough and moun- tainous character of this portion of the country, however, presents mechanical difficulties in cultivation of sufficient magnitude to warrant the statement that the beet industry on a large scale is not likely to be established within it. A portion of the region specified has a mean annual rainfall of more than 50 inches, while the most of it is supplied with a rainfall of 40 inches. It is not probable, on account of the con- sideration mentioned above, that the beet-sugar industry, on a scale of any magnitude, will ever be established in the regions specified. Eastern Shore of Maryland. The isotherm of 71° enters Maryland at a point about the center of the Atlantic coast of the eastern shore, and runs north by north- east almost to Poughkeepsie, X. Y. It is evident, therefore, that the temperature conditions of this region are similar to those on or south of the isotherm of 71° in other parts of the country, although here in this area the region lies to the west of this isotherm. Judged by this factor, and also by the mean annual rainfall, which is 40 inches for this locality, the cultivation of the sugar beet might be success fully inaugurated along the Atlantic; coast of the eastern shore; in fact, practically over the whole of the southern portion of the eastern shore of Maryland. The character of the soil in this Locality is mostly sandy, and its natural fertility has been considerably diminished by long years 28 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. of cultivation. There is no reason to doubt, however, the fact that with proper fertilization and cultivation the requisite degree of fertility for the production of sugar beets could be secured. The general tend- ency in this region is in the direction of a too high temperature and too tew hours of sunshine. The above observations apply also to Accomac County, Va. Delaware. The observations which have been made in regard to the eastern shore of Maryland also apply to the eastern region of Delaware. On account of the ravages of the "yellows" among the peach orchards of southern Delaware, it might be worth while for the agricultural experi- ment station to make a careful survey of the southeastern portion of the State with reference to the possibility of producing sugar beets of the requisite degree of saccharine strength. The surface of the soil is generally level; a good deal of it is of a sandy nature, and so far as its physical properties are concerned, it may be regarded as favorable to beet growth. New Jersey. The mean isotherm of 71° degrees passes northward almost parallel to the Atlantic coast of New Jersey, and at varying distances there from. The part of New Jersey lying between this isotherm and the seacoast is mostly composed of sandy soils, reasonably level. There are no mechanical difficulties of any magnitude connected with the culture of the beet, and the problem of fertilization of the soil is one which is easily solved. The same observations in regard to possibilities of beet culture may be made of this region of New Jersey as have been made in respect of Maryland and Delaware. This general obser- vation relating to the whole may be added : We have in tins area ;i menu snmmer temperature of 71°. In no place does it reach the isotherm of 70°. The whole region may there- fore be regarded ns representing thai of a maximum temperature com- patible with beet culture. It may be further said thai the culture of the beet should only be pushed south and beyond the isotherm of 71 . where peculiar natural advantages, independent of thermal factors, are afforded. These natural advantages consist of exceptionally fertile soil, favorable contour of the surface, cheapness of fuel, facilities for transportation, etc. A large portion of the region which has been mentioned is devoted to truck farming for the markets of large cities, and it is doubtful if this remunerative form of agriculture could be replaced successfully with sugar beet culture in competition \\itli more QOrthern localities, where richer beets can be produced. Nevertheless, the possible productioD of fairly good beets in the region indicated must be admitted from the point of view of temperature and precipi- tation alone. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 29 Connecticut. It will be observed that, both in respect of precipitatiou and tem- perature, the whole of Connecticut may be regarded as lying in the beet belt. From theoretical considerations, therefore, it could be pre- dicted that beets grown in Connecticut would show a satisfactory content of sugar and possess a high purity. So favorable are the theo- retical conditions in that locality that it would be advisable for the agricultural experiment stations of the State to make a systematic agricultural survey of the possibilities of growing beets. The valley of the Connecticut River affords a fertile held of experiment where the mechanical conditions of culture and the natural conditions of the soil are factors which favor success. There are large areas of the State, however, so broken in contour as to render the possibilities of beet cul- ture unpromising, but wherever large bodies of fairly level land with good fertility can be found it is fair to presume that the culture of the sugar beet would be attended Avith success. Conditions which obtain in Connecticut are also found in the State of Rhode Island, although a portion of that State lies north of the isotherm of G9°. As will be seen farther along, however, in discussing the conditions of growth in New York, there are many localities in the United States north of the isotherm of G9° where beets flourish; in fact, it may be said that the possibilities of growing beets north of the isotherm of 69°, where rea- sonably mild autumns can be expected, are much better than south of the isotherm of 71°. Massachusetts. The valley of the Connecticut, in the State of Massachusetts, loubt- less affords as fine facilities for beet culture as in the State of Con- necticut. The greater part of the State lies north of the isotherm of G9°. As in the case of Connecticut, there are doubtless many regions in this State north of the isotherm of G9° where, owing to the mild autumns, the sugar beet may be expected to grow satisfactorily for sugar-making purposes. A large part of the State is unfitted, by rea- son of its contour and the nature of the soil, for the culture of beets, but at least the Connecticut Valley and similar stretches of soil might be used to good advantage for this purpose. New Hampshire ani> Vermont. These States, lying north of the isotherm of 69 . will have to contend in the growth of beets with the shorter growing season and less heai for the three months of June, July, and August for forcing the beets to maturity. Nevertheless.it is doubtless true that for a distance of LOO miles, or even more, north of the isotherm of 09° beet culture could be practiced with success on account of the longer summer days. Samples of beets received from Vermont and analyzed in this Laboratory show 30 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. favorable contents of sugar, and high purities. Those grown also at the experiment station of Vermont, as will be seen farther on. afford encouraging data. The thing to be feared in these localities is not inability to grow a beet rich in sugar, but the possibility of being able to harvest and secure it properly before the advent of winter. These areas do not enjoy the immunity from sudden changes of temperature, due to the lake breezes, which is characteristic of the great plain of the .State of Xew York between Albany and Buffalo. New York. In this State we have a remarkable variety of ther~ial conditions. The mean isotherms of 09° and 70° pass in a southwesterly direction from Albany into the State of Pennsylvania, following, in general, the trend of the ranges of the Allegheny Mountains. The influence of these high altitudes is seen in forcing these isotherms to the south. The southeastern portion of the State of New York lies, therefore, within the belt of isotherms peculiarly favorable to beet culture, with the exception of the valley of the Hudson from a point a few miles above Poughkeepsie to the mouth of the river. This valley, including the city of New York, has a higher temperature than that deemed most suitable to beet culture. As this valley is, however, unfitted by reason of its contour to the culture of beets, the above fact is of little importance. Passing to the west of Albany, the mean summer .temperatures for the three months of June. July, and August are con- siderably below the standards which have been mentioned until the region immediately east of Rochester is reached, where again we find a mean isotherm of 70°, and about Palmyra of almost 71°. South- west of this the mean temperatures of the summer are again below (19°. Nevertheless, a fairly satisfactory agricultural survey of this region has shown that it is capable of producing beets of high quality ; and the effects of the lake breezes upon the climate have doubtless much to do with this condition. For instance, in regions in this area where the mean summer temperature is below <>!> the autumns are far more mild than in the similar regions in Minnesota, SO thai the months of October and November can both be relied upon with great certainty for securing the harvest of the beets. As lias been before mentioned, we have in this region a nearer approach to the conditions of beet growing in northern Europe than in any other place in the United States. This whole region, therefore, must be considered and included in the area of our country where the theoretical conditions, and where the actual conditions, of temperature and precipitation favor the pro- duction of a beet of high saccharine content. If we should leave out of the calculation the southern deflection of the isotherms of 69 and 7<> . due to the Appalachian system, and connect directly the area, in the neighborhood of Rochester, where these temperatures obtain, with Albany, neglecting the intermediate temperatures, we should have the isotherms occupying practically the sunn- position in this new map that BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 31 they were made to occupy in the former maps furnished by the Signal Office for this Department. In the absence of definite information on the subject, it is fair to presume that the former maps were made in this way, and this accounts for the discrepancy in the position of the isotherm of 70° found in these maps and in the one now presented. Abundant experimental data go to show that the total area of the State of Xew York south of Saratoga is well suited to the growth of beets, wherever the physical conditions of contour are favorable and the soil suitable. The map of the beet area has therefore been extended so as to include this region in the beet belt. Pennsylvania. A large portion of the State of Pennsylvania, from the thermal point of view alone, is well suited to the growth of beets. The position occu- pied by the belt of territory included between the isotherms of 09° and 71°, however, in tlie State of Pennsylvania indicates an area which, for physical reasons, is mostly unsuited to beet culture, as it covers prin- cipally the mountainous region of that State. The northwestern part of the State, especially the portion bordering on Lake Erie, has the same favorable conditions for beet culture as are found in the great valley of the State of Xew York ; and the principal development of the industry in that State, for the physical reasons mentioned above, must be looked for in that section. South of the isotherm of 71° there may be favorable regions in the southern and eastern portions of the State, but the altitude has pushed the isotherms too far south to look for the best results in the southwestern part of the State, on account of the shorter days due to the more southern latitude. Where conditions of contour and fertility of soil are favorable, the whole portion of Pennsylvania north and west of the isotherm of 71° may be regarded as favorable to beet culture. The precipitation immediately west of the Allegheny Mountains is not so great as on the east, but there is an area in the extreme northwestern part of the State where the mean average pre- cipitation is nearly the same as that east of the mountains, namely. between 40 and 50 inches. Ohio. The northeastern and northern parts of Ohio are well situated for beet culture. In general, the contour of the land is favorable, being reasonably level, and the soil is fairly fertile. The conditions in these localities are fairly comparable with those in the State of New York. except that the mean temperature is higher, the mean isotherm of To running in a northwesterly direction across the northern part of Ohio and entering the lake near Sandusky. It is probable also that to a considerable distance south of the isotherm of 71 . good beets can be grown, but where so large an area is found with more favoring climatic conditions, it is not well to push the industry too far south until more favorable localities are fully exploited. 32 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Michigan. A large part of the southern peninsula of Michigan is directly in the heart of the beet belt. The contour of the soil is also favorable, being reasonably level, with an average fertility, and the data which have been secured in actual experiments in those regions are of the most encouraging kind. There seems to be no doubt of the tact that this locality is among- the best in the United S'ates lor beet culture, and the modi lying influence of the lake on the autumnal climate must not be lost sight of. Indiana. The northern counties of Indiana, especially the northwestern, are situated in the beet area, and it is probable that the culture of the beet may be extended southward, as in the case of Ohio, as far as Fort Wayne and Lafayette, although it is not advisable for intending investors to locate in the more southern areas until the more north- ern have been fully exploited. The agricultural survey of the northern part of the State, undertaken by the experiment station at Lafayette, in conjunction with the work of this Department, will indicate finally with more accuracy than a mere theoretical map the most favorable conditions of culture. Great interest has been manifested in Indiana in the extreme southwestern portion, near Evansville, in the culture of the beet, and, as will be seen in the following data, many samples have been secured from that portion of the State. In many respects this region is most favorable to beet culture, particularly on account of the facilities for transportation, cheapness of fuel, and the fertility of the soil. The mean summer temperature, however, is so high as to cause grave doubts concerning the future success of beel growth in that locality. The soil in northern Indiana is much like that of Michigan — sandy, reasonably level, and fairly fertile— and there is reason to believe that an industry profitable both to the fanner and manufacturer may grow up in that part of the country. 1 1 I [NOIS . The northern part of Illinois is in the beet-sugar belt, and the con- ditions in respect of contour of the surface and fertility of the soil, facilities and cheapness of transportation, etc., are excellent for the sugar beet industry. The character of the soil in northern Illinois, however, is quite different, from that of northern Indiana and the southern peninsula of Michigan. It is mostly a prairie soil, dark and underlaid \n i 1 1 i clay, so that the physical conditions of culture are probably not so favorable as in the other sections just named. W I8CONBUY. Southern Wisconsin occupies a most favorable position for beet culture, and the data which have been obtained from that state by the agricultural experiment stal ion ai Madison, in conjunction with the BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 33 work of this Department, are favorable, and show great possibilities of success for the industry in that region. We begin to notice here the effects of the southwestern breezes in forcing northward the isotherms of 70° and 69°, aud these hot breezes cut off from the culture of the beet large areas where soil and other conditions are extremely favor- able. The same remark should be applied to the belt of country imme- diately south of the isotherm of 71° that has heretofore been made, namely, that there are doubtless many sections where the successful culture of the beet may be secured. This is dependent upon local conditions which must be determined by careful agricultural surveys in the future. Minnesota. The deflection in a northwesterly direction of the isotherms of 70° and 69° includes in the sugar beet area a large portion of the State of Minnesota, especially the southeastern portion. Here there is no question of the growth of the crop and the production of beets of high saccharine qualities. The great point to be feared in this locality Is the early approach of winter, and this is true of all the cis montane western regions. We find here a drop in the rainfall from an annual average of 30 to 40 inches to one of from 20 to 30 inches. We there- fore meet here a greater possibility of suffering from a dry season than in the regions of the East. As a rule, however, the quantity of rainfall during the growing season is sufficient for the production of a good crop. Iowa. A remarkable deflection of the isotherms of 69° and 70° is noticed in passing from Minnesota to Iowa. Not only are these isotherms deflected toward the south, but they actually take a backward course toward the east, so that their direction for a considerable distance is east of south. This brings the theoretical beet belt, so far as tempera- ture is concerned, almost through the center of the State of Iowa. The well-known fertility of the soil of this State, witli the generally level character of the surface, shows that the agricultural possibilities for the growth of sugar beets are great. In the greater part of the State the rainfall reaches 30 inches per annum, but in the northwestern part the approach to the arid region is shown by a dropping off oi the average rainfall, so that it is between 20 and 30 inches. Nevertheless, experience shows that, as a rule, a sufficient rainfall is provided in all parts of the State for the growth of ordinary agricultural crops. The isotherms of 69° and 70°, after passing partly across the State of Iowa, take a sudden turn toward the north and west and pass out of the State again into Minnesota, where they reach a more northern latitude than Minneapolis. With the exception of the southwestern counties of Iowa it is fair to presume that almost the whole of the area of the State, in so far as thermal conditions and rainfall are concerned] is H. Doc. ;J96 3 34 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. suited to the growth of beets. Of course, in this matter, it should be remembered, that local conditions of soil, transportation, fuel supply, and other factors must be taken into consideration. Iowa also occupies a position where there is no tempering influence of the northwestern winds, so that it begins to feel the rigors of the winter at an earlier date than is experienced on the same isotherms east of the Great Lakes. North and South Dakota. The conditions which prevail in North and South Dakota are some- what unique. From the highest position attained in Minnesota, at the border line between that State and North and South Dakota, the iso- therm of 69° turns again east and south and suffers a considerable deflection, due doubtless to the lower altitude of the Red River Valley. Passing, however, into Dakota the isotherms are rapidly pushed north- ward by reason of the hot southwest winds which are so often experi- enced in the summer time in those localities. For these reasons the isotherm of G9° reaches almost as far north as Bismarck, and the iso- therm of 70° is only a few miles south of it. From this point the isotherms of G9° and 70° run almost due south from North Dakota entirely across the State of South Dakota and into Nebraska. The most favorable beet- sugar belt, in so far as the temperature alone is concerned, would be the area bounded by the isotherms of 71 and 69 degrees, occupying a belt of considerable breadth running north and south through South Dakota into North Dakota, and southeast through North Dakota back into South Dakota. The depression due to the Missouri River causes an area of higher temperature to extend in a north westerly direction into South Dakota. This area, although per- haps not so favorable to beet growth as the other, is still situated in a fertile country, and doubtless has many advantages tor growing beets not possessed by the higher lands to the east and west of it. There is no question of the ability of both the regions within (he area specified to grow beets of line saccharine strength. Abundant experimental data have been secured from both the States to substantiate this state- ment. Caution, however, must again be given in regard to the sudden advent of the winters, especially in North Dakota, where sometimes in October, and usually in November, temperatures approaching zero or even below zero, degrees Fahrenheit, are observed. These sudden falls of temperature would prove disastrous to the beet harvests, and hence tend t<» restrict to a certain degree tlic spread of the industry in that country. Again, attention should be called to the fact thai the whole of the areas in the two Dakotas, where the thermal conditions are best suited to heet culture, has an average annual rainfall of only from L5 to 20 inches. The danger of drought and the possible shortage Or loss of tin- crop from that source are therefore increased, ami we begin to approach an area where artificial irrigation must be looked t<» in many seasons. Probably, however, in the majority of seasons the rain- fall in this vicinity would be sufficient to secure a good crop. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 35 Nebraska. A study of the position of the isotherms shows that the best part of the State of Nebraska, both as respects soil and rainfall, has an average temperature of more than 71° during the summer months. The most favorable conditions of temperature are found almost in the center of the State over an area of somewhat irregular shape, and occupying a position where the extreme distance separating the isotherms of 71° and 69° is the greatest of any in the country. In Nebraska the two isotherms of 69° and 70° run almost parallel, but the isotherm of 71° runs first in a southeasterly direction, then almost south, and finally almost due west, forming a stomach-shaped area occupying a portion of Dakota and the central portion of Nebraska. The agricultural and analytical data which have been obtained in Nebraska are very exten- sive, and it will be observed that both of the sugar factories which have been established in that State are south of the limit of 71°. It has been observed also, by those who have had access to the analytical data of these two factories, that the saccharine contents of the beets which have been delivered to them have not been equal to those of beets grown in more favorable localities in the United States. On the other hand, the insufficiency of the rainfall in the central and western portions of the State renders less certain the growth of sugar beets, and tends to crowd the sugar factories and the sugar industry into the wetter and more fertile portions, in spite of the fact that the temperature is higher. The Arid Regions. It will now be necessary to trace the theoretical sugar-beet belt, so far as thermal conditions are concerned, by States through the arid regions. There is so little of the area embraced in this belt which is subject to irrigation, that it is understood at once that the possible beet- sugar industry of that region must be confined to the most favorable localities. It is interesting to see, however, how the elevation produced by the Rocky Mountain range deflects the isotherms which have been traced in a generally westerly direction up to this point so far to the south. Passing from Nebraska, the isotherm of 70° runs in a south- westerly direction to a point southwest of Denver, whence it turns in a southeasterly direction to New Mexico, thence almost due south to near the Mexican border. Being deflected to the west, it ascends on the other side of the Rocky Mountain range in a general northerly and westerly direction, passing in a northwesterly direction through Utah, thence turning west and south in Nevada, being deflected again to the south by the Sierra Nevada range of mountains, which it crosses, pass- ing from Nevada into California, whence it passes northward again along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains until it comes near the coast line in the northern part of California. Thence the isotherm of 70° is deflected southward, almost parallel with the const line, until it passes into lower California. It is seen that all the coast 36 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. valleys of California are included in the thermal belt most favorable to beet culture. The greater part of the area included in the thermal belt which has just been traced across the arid region is totally mi suited, on account of the mountainous and rough region of the surface, for agricultural uses. It is therefore evident that it is only in isolated places, where the surface of the land is smooth and irrigation can be practiced, that beet culture can be established. In connection with the thermal belt, the map shows that the mean average rainfall in many cases does not exceed 5 inches per annum. In addition to the continuous belt thus marked out, there are some areas of varying temperature which demand attention, as, for instance, the elliptical area bounded by the isotherm of 70° in Idaho, of which Boise City is the center, and another area bound ". by the isotherm of 70°, within which an isotherm of 71° is found, in the State of Washing- ton. There is also one locality in Montana, on the Yellowstone River, where the average summer temperature is 71°. In so far as thermal conditions are concerned, vast areas of the arid regions could be devoted to beet culture if the other conditions of cul- ture were favorable. The differences of elevation of the plateaus cause numerous sudden changes of temperature, so that there are doubtless many localities not marked on the map where the mean summer tem- perature is almost identical with that which has been already mapped out. By reason of the meageruess of data, experimental and other- wise, relating to this whole region west of the Missouri ftiver, the shading showing the probable extension of the beet area beyond the borders of the basic thermal belt has been omitted. The general dis- cussion of this thermal belt, accompanied as it is by the chart of pre- cipitation, is not necessary at this point. In general, in connection with this study, the remarks which are made in Bulletin No. 27, on page 169, and repeated in Farmers' Bulletin No. 52, may be recalled with profit: The mistake must not bo made of supposing that all the region inolnded within the boundaries of this zone is suitable for beet culture Rivers, hills, and moun- tain* occupy a large portion of it, and mnofa <>t* the rest would be excluded for vari- ous reasons. In the western portion, perhaps all but a small part of it would ho excluded by mountains and drought Beginning a< a point midway between the oue hundredth and one hundredth and first meridian, as indicated by the dotted line, beets could be grown only In exceptional places without Irrigation. <>n the Pacific coast only tli.it portion of the zone lying near the ocean will be found suitable for hi ( I culture. On the other hand, there are many localities lying outside the indicated bolt, both north and south, where doubtless the sugar heel will he found to thrive. The map, therefore, must he taken to Indicate only in a general way those localities at or near which we should expect success to attend the growth of sugar beets in the mosl favorable conditions other than temperature alone. The present map (Plate 1) gives in greater detail than ever before the boundaries of this thermal belt, by reason of the fact that the BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 37 observations of the TTeather Bureau have been more numerous, and have been compiled in a more systematic manner. It would be idle to assert that subsequent observations of the Weather Bureau may not change in a marked degree the boundaries of the belt which has been mapped. It is also quite true that the agricultural surveys which will be conducted by the several States will locate definitely, beyond the limits already outlined, the areas where successful beet culture will be practiced. I may venture the prediction, however, that these areas will be contiguous to the zone which is already mapped out, and that the future beet-sugar industry of the United States, when it shall have reached a magnitude sufficient to supply to our people a large part of the sugar they consume, will be located almost entirely within the areas which have thus been traced. DATA FROM DIFFERENT STATES. Two methods of collecting the data from States have been pursued. In the first place, those receiving seeds directly from the Department of Agriculture were supplied with Farmers' Bulletin No. 52, giving instructions for preparing the soil, and planting and cultivating the beets. Each person was also supplied with a series of blanks for the purpose of obtaining cultural and climatic data, and for securing as great accuracy as possible in the reports which were made. The data blanks used are represented in the following forms: United States Department of Agriculture. Washington, D, C, August 15, 1897. Directions for Taking Samples of Sugar Beets for Analysis. Prepared by H. W. Wiley, Chief of Division of Chemistry. When the beets appear to be mature (September 15 to November 15, according t^ latitude arid time of planting) and before any second growth can take place, select an average row or rows, and gather every plant along a distance which should vary as follows, according to the width between rows: From rows 16" inches apart, length 75 feet. From rows 13 inches apart, length 66 feet. From rows 20 inohes apart, length 59 feet. From rows 22 inches apart, length 54* feet. From rows 24 inches apart, length 50 feet. From rows 28 inches apart, length 42 T 9 (J feet. The beets growing in the row, of the length above mentioned, are counted. The tops are removed, leaving about an inch of the stems, the beets carefully washed free of all dirt and wiped with a towel. Where the row is not long enough to meet the conditions, take enough from the adjacent row or rows to make up the required length. Rows of average excellence must be selected; avoid the best or poorest. Throw the beets promiscuously in a pile and divide the pile into two parts. Tnis subdivision, of one-half each time, is continued until there are about ten beets in a pile. From these ten select two of medium size. Be careful not to select the largest or smallest. 38 BEET -SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. From all of the rest of the beets, save these two, the necks are removed with a sharp knife at the point indicated by the dotted line in the figure (rig. 1). The beets, including the two saved as a sample, are then weighed. The number of beets harvested multiplied by 435.6 will give the total number per acre. The total weight of beets harvested multi- plied by 435.6 will give the yield per acre. Wrap the two sam- ple beets carefully in soft paper, and write your name legibly thereon. The beets must be perfectly dry. Fill out the blank de- scribing the beets, in- close it in the envelope, and sew it up in the bag with the beets. Attach the inclosed shipping tag to the bag and Bend the pack- age by mail. N<> beets w ill be ana lyzed which are not sampled as described above and properly identified. Miscellaneous anal- yses of samples with- out accurate descrip- tion are of no value. Blanks are sent to each one lor t \\ Bets of samples. From two to t'oni; weeks should elapse between t lie times ( .| ^ending t ho tw<> sets of samples. I f additional analy- ses be desired, other blanks will be sent on application, but not more than four analyses can be made for any one person, excepl in Bpeoial oases. A model, showing how blanks should be filled out, is inclosed. Fio. l.— Indicating point ;it which lop <>f beet Bbould he cut off. I Model B.] r. s. DKPABTM1 NT Ol kORICULI I KM. Mmn.i FOB 1>i -rianiv. Swti'ii Ol BUOAH I'.mis. i'i. pared by E. w . w n.i v. Chief ol Division of < Ihemistry. Variety : Kleinwanzlebener. Date planted: May ::. 1897. Date thinned : June :;. 1897. Date harvested : November o, L897 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 39 Character of soil : Black prairie loam ; in cultivation for 20 years, chiefly in corn ; level, tile-drained; last crop, oats; no fertilizer was used; barnyard manure applied in 1895. Character of cultivation (dates, implements, etc.): Plowed November, 1896, 8 inches deep, subsoiled 6 inches; harrowed with disk harrow May 1, 1897; rolled; seed planted with hand drill one-half inch deep; plants up May 16; stand excellent; hoed by hand May 22 ; plowed with horse hoe May 28 and June 8, 16, 24, July 3, 10, and 17. Length of row harvested (feet) : 66. Width between rows (inches) : 18. Number of beets harvested : 88. Total weight of beets, less necks and tops (pounds) : 88. Weather for each month: May, dry; June, copious rains; July, fine growing weather; August, hot and dry; September, dry until the 24th, when a heavy rain fell. State: Iowa. Post-office : Hanover, Buena Vista County. Date : November 17, 1897. Name : Robert Simpson. Note.— Beets will not be analyzed unless accompanied with description as above. It is evident that in promiscuous experimentation of this kind, even when directions are closely followed, and when all the operations are conducted in accordance with the directions in Farmers' Bulletin No. 52, and the procedure described in the blanks for taking samples faith- fully followed, the data are still of an unsatisfactory nature. For iustance, when a plot of beets has been harvested and quartered until the two beets required for a sample have been selected in accordance with directions, we still have an uncertainty prevailing as to whether the two beets correctly represent the whole lot. In fact, it is well known that the variations in the character of beets grown side by side are very great, far more so than is the case with sugar canes. As an illustration of this, the following analyses, giving the weight and sugar content of every beet grown in a row at the experiment station of Kentucky, is sufficient evidence : Analyses of all the beets in a row t Kentucky station. Serial Weigbt after topping. Sucrose Serial Weigbt a/ter topping. Sucrose Serial Weigbt after topping. Sucrose No. in beets. No. in beets. No. in beets. Ounces. Per cent. Ounces. Per cent. Ounces. Per cent. 1985 27 7.7 2009 8 8.2 2033 10 8.1 1986 25 " 9.9 2010 4 9.3 2034 10 7.2 1987 24 10.4 2011 1 9.9 2035 12* 9.1 1988 24 10.6 2012 1 10.5 2036 11 9.0 1989 20 8.6 2013 2 9.6 2037 11 9.8 1990 20 7.9 2014 H 10.9 2038 9 8.8 1991 28 6.7 2015 3* 9.9 2039 9 7.4 1992 31 9.0 2016 34" 8.2 2040 8 9.7 1993 18 10.4 2017 27 7.0 2041 11 8.9 1994 24 9.0 2018 20 9.3 2042 8 9.3 1995 53 4.8 2019 8 11.9 2043 9 6.9 1996 19 8.2 2020 16 6.2 2044 8 10.4 1997 33 2.6 2021 22 8.0 2045 7 9.4 1998 16 9.9 2022 15 6.8 2040 5 8.2 1999 2 10.7 2023 20 9.8 2047 4 8.4 2000 2 8.8 2024 26 9.0 , 2048 5 8.6 2001 2 it. ti 2025 16 9.4 2019 4 8.7 2002 13 8.9 2026 18 9.7 2050 4 10.5 2003 8 9.6 2027 18 6 6 2051 4 9.3 2004 12 11.0 2028 15 8.6 2052 3 10.7 2005 6 10.5 2029 11 9.3 2053 2 12. 2 2006 3 11.1 2030 17 4.9 2054 1* 10. ti 2007 5 10.6 2031 12 6.8 2055 1 9.9 2008 11 10.2 2032 12 6.9 2056 1ft 11.2 40 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. The great variations which exist, both in size and quality of beets, are most strikingly shown by the above figures. The variation in size- extends from 1 to 53 ounces, and in sugar content from 2.6 to 12.2 per cent. When, however, it is considered that all overgrown and under- grown beets are rejected in taking the samples, and only those of medium size and perfect form selected, it is evident that the chances of the sample representing fairly the average of the whole lot are very much improved. Even granting this, however, it is unsatisfactory to depend upon the analysis of two or three samples alone for determin- ing the character of the whole plot. It is evident, however, that on account of the nature of the method of investigation and the undesira- bility of burdening the mails with too many samples, it is impracticable to do better than has been done in this matter. The analyses of all of the samples which were sent to the Department of Agriculture from each of the States and Territories are given in the tables which are found farther along. For convenience of reference, the analyses are tabulated by counties in each case. The second method of collecting data was through the cooperation of the agricultural experiment stations. To facilitate this, the Secre- tary of Agriculture appointed the directors of these stations special correspondents of the Department for distributing the seed and collect- ing the beets for analysis. The analyses were made by the chemists of the several stations, and they are given below, grouped under the various States. Where the cooperation of the agricultural experiment stations was secured, the reports are given by the director or officer in charge. Inasmuch as the details of these analyses are published by the various stations, including the names and residences of the persons who grew the beets, in the present report only the averages of the analyses by counties or sections, together with such observations as have seemed desirable, are given. The reports of the directors and other officers in charge contain much interesting material, and in some cases are given without abbreviation. DATA OBTAINED IN THE LABORATORY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. The analytical data obtained during the season of 1897 in the Depart- ment of Agriculture have been classified as follows: The data obtained from each State or Territory collected by counties or sections and the general average for each county are as follows: The analytical tables Bhowing the data of the Department samples contain the names of the states and counties arranged alphabetically. The aame of each county is followed by a symbol in the shape of a square to designate the position of the county in the state. The plain Square Shows that the county is situated in the central portion, while a Btraight line attached to the center of the top of the square shows the county is in the northern part of the State; attached in a diagonal BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 41 direction to the upper right-hand corner, that it is in the northeastern portion of the State; attached to the center of the right side, shows it is in the eastern portion of the State; attached to the lower right-hand corner, that it is in the southeastern portion; attached to the center of the lower side of the square, that it is in the southern part; to the lower left-hand corner, in the southwestern ; to the center of the left- hand side of the square, in the western part, and to the upper left-hand corner, in the northwestern. The tables also state the number of samples received from each county, the average weight of the samples in ounces, the average per cent of sugar in the beet, the average purity coefficient of the juice, and the maxima and minima percentages of sugar in the juice and the coefficients of purity. In many cases the quantity of juice was too small to compute the purity in the usual way, and in others the low percentage of sugar rendered the ascertainment of the purity unnecessary. These two rea- sons account for the omission in many instances of the number express- ing the purity of the juice. CAUTIONS REGARDING THE VALUE OF THE DATA. It is highly important that the persons using the analytical data contained in the following tables be cautioned in regard to the value which should be attached thereto. It is evident, in the first place, that samples which have been grown in such a promiscuous way as those received by the Department, in so many different characters of soil, under so many different climatic conditions, and with such variable culture, water supply, and fertilizing materials, must lack that uni- formity of value which should characterize scientific data in general. Attention has already been called, moreover, to the fact that the few samples of beets which have been sent can not be regarded as exactly representing the whole mass of which they originally formed a part. The variations in individuals are so great under practically identical conditions as to render somewhat doubtful data which are based upon a few samples alone. For instance, in the comparison of different States in respect of sugar-producing qualities, it may be that one State is represented by perhaps less than 50 samples, while others may have 500 or 1,000. In such cases the average of the 50 samples does not in any way present such convincing data as the average of 1,000. The greater the number of samples examined, the more nearly will the disturbing influences of individuals be eliminated. When it comes to a comparison of the counties in the several States, the same remarks are true. In many instances a county may be represented by a single sample. It may be that the sample is extremely good or extremely poor. In neither case is it representative. It would be unjust, therefore, to compare a county with one sample with another from which 50, 100, or 200 samples have been received. Even in the averages representing 42 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. the samples from a single county or locality care must be taken not to be misled. The samples may include, for instance, a very small beet with an excessive sugar content, or a very large one with a deficient sugar content. In case only two or three samples constitute the whole number, the influence of these abnormal samples is raised to a maximum. As an illustration of this, the analysis of samples from Clinton County, 111., may be cited as a type of many others. Three samples were received from this county, the average weight of which was 13 ounces, and the average sugar content 15.7 per cent. One of these samples, however, weighed only 4 ounces, and had the abnormal sugar content of 21.2 per cent. It is evident, therefore, that the average percentage of sugar in the three samples is very much higher than it would have been had they all been normal in size. Another point must not be forgotten, and that is, granting that the samples of any locality are representative, they represent only one season. That season may have been peculiarly favorable or unfavorable, and hence no section should be judged by the results of a single year's experiment. The reader who wishes to study critically the data which follow must take all these facts into consideration, and the judgment which he may form in regard to any particular section must be sub- ject to the rectifications indicated by the variable factors mentioned above. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES 43 H z* § O -r BO 05 r- ooc~» 00 00 d 00 lO oc" cn O -~ L- -~S t- » t> t- in o in :-. ifl o -* c*i re d d d d OS ?Q 5<5 "* i-5 od d d oj -* !S © 00"<* NOOCCMfJ oomoNNON ■<* -* 00 O O 00 o p.® -* • cscs re m iftM-OOM' Mo d d t-I t- d oo' od dco t-^d t-^'* t> OOO0CN ^eifflTf d t »rtfflNOOf IN ^ ■>* CO re » M reHMr-t ffi?5iOMt>30t-N oo co a in c ■* in o o cm m d d 00 00 Hreino^HHint-cioooxre®Hoi>o*Ji'-x-r:x t> in in pi co t^ d -* ■<* c6 ■** d t> d os in * •<* 2°2 -non- - D- *J = G ,i .« .2." 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PS CM i-i iH OO 00 t- -* OS to to oo r^ t>« oo t- "^ pi pi 00 00 00 © ^ M Si td 05 t~o 00 PS oo OS esi — t-^ in » 00 K3 t>^»Hia?;oioa oc oo' t^ t^ pi ih to' x' r-' rl coco psca lO NOsm-JOt km nNfl NNHrlH OS eo CM T o to O! H H M ^ :i - PS C a [ c k c ^ J b P r G 1 ■ C < • z I s 1 ■ = f t c D -DC Si I - rc « = - p < I .z s. 7 ] c a a - s a t a b •< i i 1 e 1 1 1 2 4 a a b I > - 1 56 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. STUDY OF THE ANALYTICAL DATA. Iii farther elucidation of the data contained in the preceding tables a brief discussion of them for each State is appended, supplemented by a summary of those secured by the experiment stations in the several States. Arizona. The samples from Arizona consist of one from Apache County, and six from the agricultural experiment station in Pima County. In the foregoing tables the averages of weight are given ''to the nearest ounce to avoid the fractions of an ounce, which would necessarily increase the space required for printing. Inasmuch as the weight of the cut beet is so easily varied by a slight difference of the position of the knife in cut- ting, it is evident that this method of estimation is practically sufficient. In the analytical data obtained from Arizona, as will be seen by referring to the preceding data, the mean weight of the beets examined was 23 ounces and the meau percentage of sugar in the samples 9.3. On account of the poor quality of the beets, the purity of the juices was not determined. The highest observed percentage of sugar in the beet was 12 and the lowest 7.G. The following report of his investigations and observations in regard to the sugar beets grown in Arizona, during the season of 1897, was made by Robert H. Forbes, chemist of the Agricultural Experiment Station of Arizona. RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS WITH SUGAR BEETS IN ARIZONA FOR 1897. By R. H. FORBES, Chemist. Briefly stated, the average for 157 analyses of beets from all over the Territory is 8.56 per cent of sugar in the juice, with a purity of 61.8. At first glance these are discouraging figures indeed, but taken as they stand they are misleading, and their true significance can only be gotten at by examining the whole series of analyses for differences due to the effect of such important factors as care and skill in grow- ing, different kinds of soil, differences of climate found in various localities and at different times of the year, and the variety of beets planted. In order to show the results of careful cultivation upon tho quality of the beets, I have divided t he samples received from Salt River Valley into three lots. The firsl Lot consists of L3 samples grown by l>r. Claflinon the experimental sub- station grounds near Phoenix. These beets were given the most excellent care. The second lot consists of 24 samples obtained from lii growers near Phmnix, Glen- dale, and Mesa. These beets received a fair amount of care during growth, but on t he average were probably not as carefully at tended to as l >r. Claflin's L8 samples. The third lot consists of CO samples from the same localities, but which were cured for scarcely al all excepting for an occasional irrigation. The results speak for them- selves. Dr. Claflin's LS samples averaged L1.23 per cent of sugar in the j nice with a purity of 68.8. The 24 cultivated samples from bther growers averaged 9.42 per eent of sugar in the juice, with a puritj of 66.8. The 60 negleoted samples gave 8.36 pel eent of sugar in the juice, with a purity of 53.4. These figures confirm the well-known faol that Intelligent and skillful care is I ntial in beet culture; more so, I dare say, than in the production of any other great staple, and careless or ignorant treatment of our vegetable thoroughbred will BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 57 inevitably end in disaster. The sugar beet is no exception to the well-known rule that plants, which have been developed through cultivation, if neglected or allowed to run wild, quickly return to their former primitive condition. Because of the unusual facility with which the sugar beet returns to its former unprofitable condition, it is evident that beet culture is a high art, and in this coun- try the more intelligence is required in its treatment because the conditions are in many ways unusual, and the rules which are successfully applied in other countries must be changed or modified here. In a general way, however, we may insist that deep and thorough preparation of the soil, careful irrigation, and repeated cultivations and hoeings as long as the crop will permit are no less essential here than elsewhere. The effect of climate is also perceptible in our analyses. Samples have been received from St. Johns, St. Joseph, Holbrook, Duncan, Buckeye, Thatcher, Skull Valley, Tombstone, Taylor, Fort Thomas, and other more elevated or more northerly points. Almost without exception, the beets from these places were much above the average in richness and purity. The richest samples we have as yet received came from St. Joseph and contained 16.3 per cent of sugar in the juice, with a purity of 81 ; 17 samples received from the above places averaged 12.37 per cent of sugar in the juice, with a purity of 75.5. In order to make the comparison more rigid, we select the Kleinwanzlebener variety only from among them, and find that 7 samples average 12.4 per cent sugar, with a purity of 76.3, as against 10.22 per cent sugar and a purity of 67.82 for this same variety in Salt River Valley. Knowing the great influence of temperature upon the composition of the beet, it is difficult to lay these differences to any other cause than the cooler temperature of these higher and more northerly localities. It is a matter of regret that arable land is so scarce in these parts of the Territory. Our observations, however, may guide us in obtaining better results in warmer localities, and in this way: Most of the Salt River Valley plantings were made in March and April, so that almost from the start the plants were subject to the hot fu mer weather, the temperature throughout the months of June, July, August, ami September being much above the point generally regarded as most favorable to sugar beets. Now, it is possible that by planting earlier in the year a cooler temperature maybe secured for the first three or four months of the life of the plants. Of course the risk from frost will be increased, but that there is some possi- bility of success in the plan is suggested by the fact that on June 14 we analyzed a sample of beets from Fowler Brothers, near Phoenix, which gave 15.2 per cent of sugar in the juice, with a purity of 76. The seed for this lot was planted Feb- ruary 12 and the beets were probably not mature. We can not safely draw conclusions from a single instance, but the high percentage and purity in this extremely early sample are suggestive of the possible advantage in early planting. Selecting the Kleinwanzlebener beets received from the northern places and com- paring them with those obtained from Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, and Mesa, in the Salt River Valley, we obtain the following results: Showing effect of climate Kleinwanzlebener : From more northerly or elevated localities. 14 samples . . From Salt River Valley, 18 samples Average weight of beets. Ounces. 18 18.2 Sugar in juice. Per cent. 13.35 10.48 Sugar in beets. Per cent. 12.35 Purity co- efficient. 78.8 69.5 The average mean monthly temperatures for Phcenix, Prescott, and Fort Thomas during several years past are shown in the following table. Phcenix is in the Salt River Valley, Prescott represents the cooler northern parts of the Territory from 58 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. which beets were received, and Fort Thomas is in the fertile, irrigated portion of Graham County, in Southeastern Arizona. Mean temperature. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Xov. Dec. Phoenix °F. 49 34 47 OF. 54 38 48 °F. 61 44 55 op 67 51 61 o F . 74 59 70 °F. 82 66 79 °F. 90 74 86 °F. 88 72 83 °F. 80 65 75 °F. 70 54 62 op 6i 42 49 °F. 55 39 Fort Thomas 44 Finally, as to the soil, it is much more difficult to trace any connection between the quality of beets produced and the numerous varieties of soil, for which this region is famous and on which they have been grown. Fortunately, however, we have recently completed the analysis of a series of twenty representative Salt River Valley soils and certain general characteristics of the soils of this region have been determined. From a chemical point of view the following statements may be made about five of the most important soil constituents, viz, potash, lime, nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and humus. Potash is everywhere present in abundant quantities. We have found from 0.47 to 1.96 per cent in our samples, the lower figure being ample for a fertile soil. Lime also is present in great sufficiency, the samples showing from 57 to 4.2 per cent. Nitrogen, however, is deficient almost everywhere, the average for the series being 0.048 per cent, and in only two instances rising above 0.10 per cent, which is con- sidered to be a needful amount to insure nitrogen fertility. This deficiency probably affects the richness of sugar beets less than it does their size. It is well known that an excess of nitrogen produces beets of an enormous size, but of very poor quality. In one instance we received a beet weighing 5 pounds, which had been grown on heavily mauured and abundantly irrigated soil. The sample gave only 1.7 per cent of sugar in the juice, with a purity of 23. This result was probably due, in part at least, to excessive nitrogen. Tlif small average size of the beets received, however, points to a poverty of nitro- gen in the soil for this crop. This will hold for other crops as well as beets, and I am told that in one case near here two neighboring orange orchards were planted, one on virgin mesa soil, the other on plowed alfalfa ground. It is stated that the latter orchard has prospered far more than its neighbor. This was doubtless due to the nitrogen which alfalfa and other leguminous crops contribute to the soil. In selecting beet ground, therefore, other things being equal, it would be well in this region to choose that which has previously been in alfalfa. In support of this view I would state that Dr. Clallin's samples were grown on ground that had previously been in alfalfa, so that his excellent record may have been due in part to this cause. Phosphoric acid is usually present in sufficiency, though never very abundant. In BOOM Oases a serious lack of phosphoric acid has been noted. The average for tho \ all. v is (i IS per cent. It is stated that the effect of phosphoric acid in beet culture is to increase the sngar and hasten maturity, it is supplied to advantage in connec- tion with nitrogen, this combination tending to increase the size of the beets and also maintain their richness. This desirable combination of nitrogen and phosphoric acid is found in guanos and in bone superphosphates, and it is probable that the application of these fer- tilizers will, so far as beet culture is concerned, greatly improve the soils of this region. The question of cost, of course, enters here, but it Is one which must in any CaSfl BOOH be solved. At Chino, Cal., with an exceedingly fertile soil, the need of commercial fertilised is already felt, after the lands having been cropped for five or six years. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 59 Barn manure is of value for beets only after other crops have been grown on the land, and the manure thereby thoroughly incorporated with the soil. If applied just before planting the beet seed, it will prove injurious both to the stand of plants and the quality of the product. Humus, or vegetable matter, is deficient in all arid soils, our own among the number. Humus and lime are valuable largely because they impart better tilling qualities to the soil, give it greater water-holding power, and lessen the tendency to hardness when dry. Humus results from barn manure, and the application of this material with suitable precautions should be beneficial. As to alkali and its effect upon beets, it may be said that when the plants are once established in thrifty growth they will stand more alkali than most other crops. It has been observed also at Chino that the quality of the beets is not impaired by alkaline ground. It is probable, however, as a matter of opinion, that young plants - are injured by the crust formed on the surface of the soil through the action of alkali, and this may account in part for the exceedingly poor stand of plants obtained in most of the experiments this year. Almost without exception, the reports state that the seed did not come up well or that the young plants died. This difficulty may possibly be overcome by planting earlier in the year, by using more and better seed, and by taking more care to keep the surface soil loose during the germination of the ^eed and the first weeks of plant growth. Salt River Valley is not excessively alkaline; much less so, it is stated, than the Pecos Valley in New Mexico, where beet culture is now attempted. So much for the result of one season's experimental work. The lessons we have learned are : (1) That here as elsewhere sugar beets must be grown with the utmost care; (2) that the cooler portions of the Territory, so far as observed, produce better beets than the warmer localities, and. that experiments should be made as to what early planting will do in these warmer localities; (3) that the Kleinwanzle- bener variety, so far as yet known, yields the best results in Arizona; and (4) that the soils of the valley stand in need of nitrogen and organic matter, possibly phos- phoric acid also, and that previous occupation of the ground with alfalfa or other means of fertilization should be secured. Though many of the results are unfavorable, the occasional successes that have been secured show that there is ample reason for a continuance of the work. If, during the next year, a half dozen first-class farmers of this valley will each put in an acre of Klein wanzelebener beets early in the year, on ground that has been in alfalfa, and will care for them as they ought to be cared for, I believe that we may have something much more favorable to report on this subject. Further details of the above experiments with beets are published in Bulletin No. 26 of the Arizona experiment station, issued in December, 1897. The poor results obtained in Arizona are somewhat surprising, although in general it may be said that the climate of Arizona is too warm for securing the best results. The remarks made by Mr. Forbes in regard to careful culture should be given due consideration. The probabilities are, however, that inasmuch as the beets in Arizona were all grown with irrigation, the application of the water was of such a character as to prevent, in some respects, the development of the highest saccharine content. It may be remarked in general, in regard to the beets grown with irrigation, that much is yet to be learned in regard to the manner of supplying the water, the time at which it is to be applied, and the quantity which is to be used. It would be expected that the ideal conditions of moisture could be secured by irrigation, and yet in practice the results have not been the most encouraging. 60 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. This lias been true in regard to the growth of beets in Utah and Xew Mexico under irrigation. There is no factor connected with the sugar- beet industry which is of more practical interest than a careful study of the conditions under which irrigated beets should be grown. The fertile soils of the arid regions are undoubtedly able to produce large crops of beets under irrigation, when the proper conditions are under- stood. Complaints have also been made in respect of the effects of alkali upon beets in these soils, and also of insect pests. It is impor- tant that a study be made of the bacteria, molds, and insect pests of sugar beets, together with the effects of the alkali. After allowing for -all these conditions, however, it must be confessed that the Arizona data are somewhat disappointing, and unless great improvement can be made there is little prospect of the industry being established on a secure foundation in that region. Arkansas. Arkansas lies so far south of the beet belt as to make a discussion of the possibilities of beet growing in that vicinity unnecessary. Only two samples were received from the State, and as might be expected, these do not show any very favorable qualities. A few general remarks may be made about growing beets in warmer climates than those best suited to obtaining the highest grade of beets, namely: First, that it is quite possible to get fine harvests of beets with favorable tonnage per acre, Second, that it is possible to grow beets containing quantities of sugar which would have made them valuable for manufacturing pur- poses several years ago, before the beet reached its present high state of development, and Third, that such beets could probably be grown with great profit for stock-feeding purposes in all these localities. The full value of the beet and beet pulp will be discussed in a separate portion of this report. The average weight of the two samples received from Arkansas was 18 ounces, and the average content of sugar in the beet 11.3 per cent. California. California is recognizee! as the principal beel sugar producing State in the Union. Only one sample of beets was received from this State, and it had B weight of 26 ounces and contained 16.8 per cent of sugar. All of the coast valleys of California are favorably situated, in respect of temperature, for the production of sugar beets, and the same may be said of certain lands, the limits of which are not yet well defined, in other parts of the state. liven in the Sacramento Valley, as far inland as the point of junction with the San Joaquin River, where the temperature is higher than that considered best for beets, it has been found that good beetS Can be grown. In experiments conducted on Union Island, near Stockton, Cal., during the years 1884 85, under direction of the chief chemist of the Department of Agriculture, very BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 61 encouraging results were obtained, both in the quantity and the char- acter of the beets produced. These beets were grown upon the reclaimed lands of the delta of the San Joaquin at its junction with the Sacra- mento River. The lands were protected from overflow by strong levees, but the conditions were not theoretically the most favorable for the production of high-grade beets. Unfortunately, however, large portions of the coast lands, by reason of their contour, are not well suited to the cultivation of beets. On page 90 of Bulletin No. 5 of the Division of Chemistry, published in 1885, the following observation is made: "In the interior and eastern divisions of California only the high Sierra regions have a temperature low enough for beets, and in that locality there is no land adapted to beet culture. The beet region of California, therefore, is confined to the coast valleys.' 7 This statement may have to be modified to some extent by reason of the data mentioned above from Union Island. These obser- vations are corroborated by the analyses made by Director Hilgard, during 1897, of beets grown in Sacramento County. This locality adjoins Union Island, where the experiments conducted by the Department of Agriculture were made. The average size of the beets examined by Director Hilgard was satisfactory, and the content of sugar in the beets was a little over 16 per cent, with a high purity reaching almost 85 for a whole series of analyses. These data show that in the Sacramento Valley, at least where the temperature is somewhat higher than that regarded as most favorable, beets of fine sugar-producing qualities can be grown. After a careful personal study of the climatic and soil con- ditions in California, made in 1884, it is stated on page 100 of Bulletin No. 5 of the Division of Chemistry that there are in California about 5,830 square miles of land suitable to beet culture, provided the whole of it could be supplied with a sufficient quantity of water. Even if only one-third of this area should be found eventually fit for the culture of beets, it would be possible for the State of California alone to produce nearly 500.000 tons of beet sugar and still practice a proper rotation of crops. In view of the fact that the beet sugar industry has been so carefully studied in California, both by the agricultural experiment station and by those engaged in the manufacture of sugar, it is not necessary here to dwell further upon the possibilities of its extension in that State. Colorado. The number of samples received from the State of Colorado at the Department of Agriculture was 174. The average weight of the beets received was 20 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 13.G, and the mean purity 70.7. The conditions which obtain in Colo- rado are so different from those of the Eastern States as to warrant a detailed discussion of the data. This, however, in the present condition of affairs, would be somewhat premature. It is advisable to wait until a more thorough agricultural survey of the State be made, under the immediate supervision of the agricultural experiment station. When 62 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. the analytical table of the data received from Colorado is consulted, it is seen that most remarkable differences exist in the returns from the different counties. Since in most cases only a very few samples have been received from any given county, it is not fair to make any judgment of the possibilities of any one county from data of so limited a nature. The great variations in altitude in the State, causing sharp differences of temperature, must also be taken into consideration. In addition to this, it is fair to presume that the samples have all been grown under irrigation, and it is impossible, in such data as are collected from the farmers, to determine with any certainty what the proper conduct of the irrigation should be. In general, the data are entirely satisfactory, especially in respect of content of sugar. As regards the mean purity of the juices, the data are somewhat unsatisfactory, since it falls more than three points below the minimum of good beets. This may be due to the great amount of mineral salts which the soils of Colorado contain, and to the well-known property of the sugar beet of absorbing these salts from the soil. For this reason, it may be suggested that in many cases cultivation of the sugar beet could be advantageously practiced, not alone on account of the profit in the beet itself, but because of the improvement in the soil which would result from the extraction of the alkaline materials. Among the counties where the samples have been somewhat numerous and the results most encouraging may be men- tioned Boulder, lying to the northwest of Denver and mostly within the favorable thermal area, where the average content of sugar in the beet was over 15, and the purity nearly 81. This most favorable result was obtained with exceptionally large beets, the average weight of which was 31 ounces. This fact makes the data even more valuable and suggestive. Another county where the data were extremely favorable, although the number of samples was only two, is Delta, a county lying within the theoretical thermal area, and where the average size of the samples was 20 ounces, the average content of sugar over 17, and the parity 80.5. Another t*a\ orable result may be reported from Garfield County, although the average size of the beets is a little low. The mean per- centage of sugar in the beets was L6.6, and the purity 83.2. This county also lies mostly in the thermal belt. In contrast with the above should be cited the returns from Logan County, showing not only small beets, but exceptionally low contents of sugar ;ui<>n th<- whole, the data from Colorado are exceedingly encouraging ;uii 'i 16.3 13.7 83.6 79.2 The S;iu Lnia Valley 12.4 78.5 14. 8 SO R Idaho. The number of samples received at this laboratory from the State of Idaho was only seven, representing two counties. The average weight of the beets received was 21 ounces, the average content of sugar therein 15.5 per cent, and the average purity 70.4. Both in respect of size of the beets and content of sugar the results are very encouraging. The average coefficient of purity is almost up to the minimum standard, and doubtless could be improved later on. The alkalinity of the soil, which has been mentioned in connection with the lowering of the average in Colorado, is doubtless active in Idaho. There are large areas in Idaho where the thermal conditions are favorable, but they are detached from the main thermal belt crossing the continent. There are two centers of thermal conditions in Idaho which serve as nuclei for deter- mining the conditions most favorable. One of these lies almost wholly in the State, and Boise City may be regarded as the renter of it, and the other extends into the western and northern part of the State from the State of Washington. In general, it may be said that the thermal conditions in Idaho, if they alone are to be considered, are sufficiently favorable for the culture of the beet, in so far as the growing season is Concerned. The data obtained, while meager, are Sufficiently encour- aging to warrant a more thorough survey of the State, and also the belief that the conditions for the successful establishment of the sugar industry may be found wherever the character of the soil, in respect of contour and fertility, and the facilities for irrigation and other factors favorable to the growth of the sugar beet and the manufacture of sugar can be secured. The report of the chemist of the station contains much valuable information in respect of the sugar-beet industry in the State of Idaho, and is herewith appended: BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 65 RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN IDAHO. In the first place, the results of the past season are q uite disappointing and unsat- isfactory, due to several causes -which will be eliminated largely in the experiments of next year. The climatic conditions of Idaho are quite varied, the growing season opening several weeks earlier in South Idaho, along the Snake River and in the Boise Basin, than along the Clearwater or in North Idaho. The seed furnished gratis to this station by the Department of Agriculture arrived late, and before it could be dis- tributed — May 4 to June 2 — the season was well advanced, hence the seed that was planted either failed of germination, or the young plants were killed by severe climatic changes of heat and drought, or of cold and wet soil, which latter condition prevailed in the Palouse region. Much of the seed sown in our station plats failed to grow. The stand was irregular, weak, and of poor quality, so that the tonnage per acre could not be estimated with any degree of reliability. It is therefore omitted from the tables. Seed was mailed to 114 farmers, representing 41 different sections of the State, yet samples of beets for analysis were received at this Department from only 20 farmers, representing 13 localities. This apparent apathy on the part of our farmer friends is explainable in part. In many cases the seed did not reach its destination, or when planted it failed to germinate, or the young plants were destroyed by insects or jack rabbits. In a few cases there was not sufficient interest manifested in the experiment to induce proper cultivation of the young plants, therefore no samples worthy of shipment were grown. ^ Sugar-beet growing is a new industry to the American farmer, and he has yet to learn that the ordinary farm methods are not always applicable and sufficient to grow and mature a typical sugar beet. The Idaho rancher is not an exception. He has yet to learn the value of intensive methods, from the preparation of the seed bed to the marketing of his crop. The neglect to plow deeply, to pulverize finely, to place the seed with care, to thin the plants judiciously, to cut out the weeds, withal to cultivate and hoe the growing plants regularly, resulted in partial or entire failure of the experiment. The sugar beet is a thoroughbred, and must be given care in keeping with its regal characteristics if high sugar content and purity are to be attained. The successful sugar-beet grower has learned that the sucrose is practically hoed into the root. This knowledge and its application our farmers evidently were not in possession of, or the number of samples forwarded would have been greatly augmented. It is a matter of education, however, which will be overcome in time by the dissemination of information through the press, the station bulletin, and closer eompetition induced by immigration from older States, where better methods of farming prevail. The 41 samples analyzed averaged in sugar content 15.17 per cent : in purity. 87.55. The 20 samples grown by the Station gave in sugar 15 28 per cent: in purity, 92.55. The 21 samples grown elsewhere averaged 15.07 per cent of sugar, and 82.78 in purity. The highest and lowest results ga^e 19 and 10.2 per cent in sugar; and 95.10 and 81.81 purity, respectively. OTHER 8UGAB BEET DATA NOT HITHERTO GIVEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. During the fall of 1894, 192 analyses of sugar beets were made by the Station, which gave an average of 13.7 percent of sugar and a purity of 76.08 degrees. Some of the samples were large, others had been frozen, still others were immature, while a fw varieties were not at all adapted to our soil and climate. This reduced an otherwise much higher average. Excluding about 20 samples, the remainder, 55 samples of Vilmorin's improved gave an average of 11.77 percent of Bugar and a purity of 7.")..").") degrees. Forty-four samples of Kleinwan/lehener beets averaged ll.lt! per eent of sugar with a purity of 82.80. Thirty samples of Imperial averaged in BUgar 11.1 pel cent, in purity, 85.42. H. Doc. 396 5 G6 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Ten samples of French Red Top gave an average of 13. G5 per cent of sugar with a purity of 82.70. The average of 10 samples of Lane's was 13.44 per cent of sugar with a purity of 81.69. Eight samples of New Danish gave an average of 13.83 per cent of sugar and a purity of 81.81. The highest and lowest percentages of sugar in each variety were as follows: Variety. Yilmorin's EQeinwanzlebener Alette.... Imperial Red Top Danish . Highest. Lowest. Per cent. 1'er cent. 16.6 14.4 19.6 14.6 18.4 14.6 18.2 10.6 15.7 10.6 15.9 10.7 15.2 10.8 The places represented in the experiment were the University of Idaho, Cceur d'Alcne, Sand Point, Moscow, Kendrick, Lenville, Princeton, Cornwall, Genesee, substation at Grangeville, substation at Idaho Falls, substation at Nampa. The average yield throughout the State was estimated at 20 tons per acre. 1 ANALYSES OF BEETS GROWN IN 1895. The experiments in sugar beets for 1895 were covered by 342 analyses of beets grown by the University of Idaho and by farmers residing near Grangeville, Nampa. Moscow, Weippe, Vollmer, Palouse, Spokane Bridge, Westlake, Starner, Newport, Balmonn, and Paris. The average sugar content of the crop was 15.19 per cent: coefficient of purity, 79.91. In the analyses were included 15 samples of red or table beets. These In contained ;m average of 13.75 per cent of sugar in the juice and a coefficient of pnrity of 75.57. Several analyses were made for the purpose of determining what bearing, if any, the size of the sample beei bad upon the sugar content and purity. Among others I select four varieties, and submit the results without comment: VII.MOK1.VS IMI'KOVKI). Size. Weight Sugarin Porityco- i. Large... •_\ Medium :;. Sim;. 11 ... Ounces. •J1.4 15.2 7. S beei /■- >■ cent. 14.012 n Bl L4.07 7'.' M s i . 26 FLORIMOND DESPREZ. 1. Large.. 2. M »-«! i ii ii B4.00 I. \ M I s [MPER] M i Large... 2 Medium :$. Siiiaii CLEINWANZLEBENEK 1. Large... 2. Medium :\. Small 20. 17.il l:: (i L4.00 li ,06 18.74 HI. 18 B4.72 83.93 aanal In suoh ladoubtleaa too high. il. W. W. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 67 ANALYSES OF BEETS GROWN IN 1896. The work of the year was confined very largely to the station, and consisted of a special effort in the way of growing typical sugar beets. The effect of deep and shallow plowing, regular cultivation, fertilization, and irrigation, as compared with the average treatment given the root under natural conditions as to soil, moisture, and cultivation, was noted. The seed bed was prepared and the seed sown from the 21st to the 30th of May. Very heavy rains prevailed on June 5 and again on June 9. All of the seed had germinated by June 11. The average per cent of stand June 5 was 10.7; June 24 it was 29; one month later it had reached 61.8 per cent. The crop was harvested and analyzed during October. The number of analyses made was 60; the per cent of sucrose in juice was 14.18; coefficient of purity, 77.30; yield per acre, 48,510 pounds. The sugar-beet experiments connected with this station during 1894, 1895, 1896, and the inauguration of the work of 1897 were under the direction and control of the Agricultural Department, the chemist being responsible only for the analytical data. In July, 1897, under the redistribution of the powers of the station staff, the rather unsatisfactory data thus collected were assigned to the chemical department for compilation and publication, together with the power of supervision of such experi- ments in the future. METEOROLOGICAL RECORD. The better to understand the possibilities of the sugar-beet industry in the Palouse country of Idaho, as well as other experiments that may hereafter be undertaken by the station upon the "university farm," the following meteorological data are included in this report. We are under obligations to Prof. J. E. Bonebright, meteorologist of the station, for the results tabulated: Table 11. — Meteorological record for Moscow. Month. Maxi- Mini- Average mum tern- mum tern tempera- perature. perature. tare. April May June July August September October 1895 April May June July August September October 1896. April May .1 one July August September October 1897. April May June J«iy August September — October 76.0 86.0 84.0 93.0 90.0 85.0 74.0 76.0 81.0 90.0 92.0 94. 84. 74.0 68.0 84.0 92. 97.0 93. o K.-). 76.0 63. 1 78.8 0.-). (J 82.0 81.6 89. it 00.4 25.0 30.0 32.0 I 40.0 34.0 32.0 28.0 26.0 30.0 33. 41.0 33. 28.0 21.0 26.0 ol.d 34.(1 14.0 38. 30.0 28.0 36. 5 38.8 46. 48. 5 40. t 38.4 36.4 47.40 57.40 62.00 78.00 70. 50 58.80 40.40 48.10 51.90 59. 40 72.70 74.50 49.80 46.10 42.53 46.50 61.10 70.41 07. 17 54. 65 46.33 49.70 Humid- ity. Per cent. 76.0 63.0 74.0 05.0 40.0 72.0 85.0 70.0 68.0 52.0 38.0 47.d 70.0 72.0 53. 80 70.00 71.50 59. 20 72.2 77.4 15 1 40. 3 77.6 Rainfall. Inches. 1.38 1.53 1 . 23 .12 .25 1.30 2.17 .41 .90 .32 3.33 Trace. 3. 60 2.21 .17 1.33 ..-I 1.07 .40 1.20 •J. 7 'J .85 . 35 1.07 1.10 Days lair. Days clear. Days cloudy. 68 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Illinois. The samples received from the State of Illinois by the Department of Agriculture were 32 in number. The average weight of the samples was 17 ounces, percentage of sugar 13.1, and the purity 75.5. Twelve of these samples were from the northern, 8 from the central, and 12 from the southern belt. When judged by the few samples analyzed by the Department of Agriculture, it is seen that Illinois presents an exception to the estab- lished rule, inasmuch as the beets grown in the northern belt are infe- rior to those grown in the central belt. The data, however, are not numerous enough to base any certain conclusions upon them, and the usual rule is established from the more numerous analyses conducted by the agricultural experiment station, as will be seen farther along. Summarized, the results obtained at the Department, of Agriculture from the northern, central, and southern belts in Illinois are as follows: Summary of analyses of sugar beets from Illinois. [Compiled from analyses of the United States Department of Agriculture.] Number of sam- ples. Average freight , Sugar in beets. Purity co- efficient. 12 8 12 Ounces. 19 20 13 Per cent. 12.6 13.8 13.2 Tti 2 76.5 73. ;{ At the agricultural experiment station of Illinois, at Urbana, 312 samples of beets were received and analyzed. The following summary shows the analytical data and the distribution of the samples by counties: Summary of analyses of sugar beets from Illinois, by counties. County. I III. I.N HI I.I Stephenson Winnebago MoHenry Carroll Whiteside I). kafb "..-""-! I tapage Cook Rocu [sland Ill II IV Bureau LaHfllle Kendall Grundy Will <~ • a - . ? <" i j 5-rf - — i! •"8 ■~ i a feJ || Y< ' < QQ Ouneet. /'. ret. 1 20 10.7 70.0 2 18 13 4 75.8 1 19 15.1 i •jo L8.8 3] i a 22 L8.fl 70. 2 8 28 ;i a - 10 L8.8 B0. 8 7 18. i 78.3 1 21 16.8 :! 24 I i . l Lfl li D •; 18 12.7 78.8 :t 88 L0.5 HI 22 18. 1 78. I a it L3.8 i 18 L8.9 n 28 12.0 i 17 12,(1 ( lounty. • i.\ i i: u. r.i li Blankakee Benderson Knu\ Stark Peoria Marshall w Iford Livingston I roquois Eanoock Pulton Tazewell MoL( in Ford Aihuiis m.i on Dewitl as = s ID -'J .9 C3.fi u w < Cfl r.rrt. 24 IJ '.1 22 0. B 20 U.0 10 14.4 'J 4 L8.0 18 n..; 22 17 L4.0 20 11. 8 17 LO.fl 17 1! 2 20 12. 8 •Jl 12.0 M in .- 17 12. i 10 n l 29 27 18. 8 79. :» 70 B 7.-.. 1 78. 8 80. 1 82. l 84.0 77.1 77.8 77.0 75. 5 7:;. 7 60. 8 81.7 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 69 Summary of analyses of sugar beets from Illinois, by counties— Continued. County. CENTRAL BELT- continued. Macon Piatt Champaign Vermilion Pike Scott Morgan Sangamon Christian Shelby Douglas Edgar Calhoun Greene Macoupin Montgomery ... -S P. as Ounces. 18 20 21 19 10 10 22 17 19 21 24 16 14 14 17 11 s ^.5 0"° w a ."S"3 m P4 Per ct. 8.0 64.9 12.7 81.0 11.7 79.6 11.3 75.2 9.6 69.4 9.7 64.3 10.3 74.3 11.2 76.8 11.8 76.5 10.9 71.9 11.2 77.5 12.1 74.9 9.4 72.1 8.5 68.3 11.6 72.2 13.0 76.9 County. CENTRAL BELT — continued. Clark SOUTHERN BELT. Effingham Madison Bond St. Clair "Washington Jeiferson Wayne Clay Edwards Jackson Saline J5 =- - - Ounces. 11 u 2 Per ct. 13.6 12.6 10.3 10.3 12.3 11.9 12.1 14.3 11.8 8.7 10.8 9.3 73.9 74.6 74.0 80.8 77.7 75.2 85.0 77.0 68.3 58.7 73.8 68.9 The average weight of the beets received was 20 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar therein 11.9, and the mean purity 76.4. Distrib- uted geographically into northern, central, and southern sections, we find each of the sections represented by the number of samples of the mean average composition indicated in the following summary: Summary of analyses of sugar beets from Illinois. [Compiled from the experiment station report.] Number of samples. Average Sugar in Purity co- weight, beets. efficient. 104 165 43 Ounces. Per cent. 22 13 2 79 3 Central belt °0 11 5 75 4 19 11.1 74 7 Average, etc 312 re. 4 Here we see the regular rule illustrated, and the beets derived from the northern are superior in every respect to those from the central and southern belts. It is evident, however, judged by the data obtained during the present year, that Illinois is not so well adapted to the growing of high grade beets as some of the States to the east of it. Nevertheless, it is quite certain that, with proper drainage, scientific cultivation and fertilization, and good culture, high-grade beets can be grown in many of the northern counties of Illinois, and it would prob- ably be safe to say that for a distance of 100 miles from the boundary between Wisconsin and Illinois the sugar-beet industry could be suc- cessfully established where the conditions of soil and factors favorable to manufacture are suitable. Indiana. One hundred and three samples were received at the Department of Agriculture from the State of Indiana, representing several different 70 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. parts of the State, but mostly from the northern portions. The largest number of samples, however, from any one county was from Vander- burg, in the extreme southwestern part of the State. The average size of the beets from Indiana was small, the percentage of sugar in the beet fair, and the purity a little below the minimum for good beets. In general, the best beets were grown in the northern portion of the State, near or in the thermal beet belt, although a few samples received from the central and eastern parts of the State were very satisfactory. Among the counties furnishing the largest number of samples may be mentioned Henry, in the central eastern part of the State, from which 8 samples were received, having an average Aveight of 1 7 ounces, contain- ing 13.1 per cent of sugar, with a purity of 78.5. The averages for Henry County in sugar and purity were almost exactly those for the whole State. Three samples from Marion County, in the central por- tion of the State, show excellent results, both in percentage of sugar and in purity, and having an average size of a pound. The best results are reported from Stark County, in the northwestern portion of the State, where the percentage of sugar was 15.7 and purity 81.8. The beets, however, from this region were small, the average size being only 12.8 ounces. The beets received from the agricultural experiment sta- tion were very much undergrown, the average weight being less than 7 ounces. The percentage of sugar in the beets was good — 15.1 — and the purity also above the minimum. The causes of the poor yield of beets are discussed farther on in the report of the chemist of the station. The largest number of beets from any one county was received from Vanderburg, namely, 40 samples. The people of this county have been particularly interested in the industry, and especially to Mr. 11. Oordes are we indebted for the large number of samples received. In spite of the very fertile soil and other favorable conditions of culture, the beets had an average size of only 14 ounces, and both the percentage of sugar in the beet and the purity were below the minima. In general, it may be said of Indiana that the northern portions of the Stale, where th<- character of the soil is favorable, are best suited to the culture of I he sugar beet , namely, those portions either lying in the area of favor- able thermal conditions, or extending to a varying distance to the south thereof and covering the greater portion of the northern pari of the State. The Central Counties Of the State, judged by the few sam- ples received, may also be expected bo grow beets of fair quality, a more careful agricultural survey of the State is needed, and the data above are supplemented by the more valuable data collected by the agricultural experiment station under tin- supervision of the chemist, Mr. II. A. Huston. NOTES OM 3UGAB BEETS RAISED in imuana in 1897. (Prom Report of n. A. Huston.) The early part <>r the season was fairly favorable to the growth of the crop. In manj oases, however, tin- beets were planted quite Late and were mnofa below normal Size when the drought Oaxne on in August. From the middle of August until the BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 71 end of the usual growing season very little rain fell. This tended to produce beets of high sugar content and small size. The popular interest in the subject has been much greater than in previous years and a much better return than usual was secured from the seed sent out. At three points in the State parties are now engaged in placing contracts for sufficient acreage to insure a tbree years' supply of beets for. a 300-ton factory. Reports from these localities indicate that the required acreage will be secured. Nearly all farmers who have raised experimental crops of beets for the past few years report that they believe the crop would be a profitable one at $4 per ton. This estimate is based solely on their own experience with the crop. The total number of samples analyzed at the agricultural experiment station of Indiana was 205. Arranged by counties, the following table gives the most important data connected with the analyses : Tests of sugar beets grown in Indiana in 1897 under the direction of the Indiana agricul- tural experiment station. H. A. Huston and J. M. Barrett. County. Lake"ti Porter ti Laporte tJ St. Joseph b - Elkhart rj -■-• Lagrange ti... Starke ti , Newton tl Jasper "ti Allen ti Benton -a White ti Cass rj Wahash b - • - Huntington ti Warren -a Tippecanoe -d. Carroll D flS la fc-s < Ozs. 51 8.3 12 13.7 22 9.0 24 13.0 12 14.8 12 16.6 14 14.1 11 13.7 2 17. 9 23 13.5 31 11.2 20 10.3 17 12.1 14 13.0 25 11.8 18 12.2 15 12.5 11 12.4 u P © o & o s s ft County. 68.0 1 84.0 2 64.3 1 85.0 6 83.6 7 87.4 1 85.0 28 96.4 1 84.4 1 82.4 21 79.6 3 66.0 1 77.2 4 77.8 4 78.0 19 83.0 1 84.6 8 82.0 5 - be S P Ozs. Grant □ 12 Jay r> 26 Fountain -a 31 Clinton a Boone d Tipton a Madison □ Randolph o... Parke -a Marion □ Hancock o Henry o- Morgan o Greene p Jackson p Vanderhurg p 13.6 13. 3 10. I 13.2 13.6 13.5 9.2 12.9 10.2 12.7 14.0 12.9 13.9 12.8 10.0 10.6 70.1 79. 5 68.6 83.2 82.0 82.3 70.2 79.0 56. 7 83.5 87.4 78.0 82.8 84.4 72.8 77.7 Averages, etc 17. 8 12. As will be seen above, nearly all the counties represented are in the northern part of the State. Only a few counties are represented in the central and southern portions of the State. Making an average oi the results from the different counties by sections of the State, it is seen that they vary considerably, as is shown in the following summary : Summary of results. Average weight. Av. per ci m of >iiL r ;ir in juice. purity coefficient Number Ounces. 18.9 18.5 14.2 13.3 12.9 10.7 81.9 78.0 97 C7 41 72 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IX THE UNITED STATES. It is seen that there are considerable areas in the northern part of the State where both soil and climatic conditions are extremely favorable to the culture of the sugar beet. The proximity of these counties to Chicago insures a market for all the products of the fac- tory. In many cases these counties are situated in or near the gas area of the State, so that fuel is comparatively cheap. All of them arc within easy distance of the great coal fields of Indiana, and the supply of water and limestone is abundant. It is evident, therefore, that all the conditions favorable to the growth and manufacture of the beets exist in the northern part of the State of Indiana, and there is no rea- son to doubt the speedy foundation and healthy growth of the industry in that locality. Iowa. The thermal conditions for the growth of beets in Iowa are favorable over almost the whole of the State from north to south. The southern counties are probably a little too warm for the best results, and the northern counties too much exposed to severe cold weather during harvest time. One hundred and thirty samples of beets were sent directly from Iowa to the Department of Agriculture for analysis. In the results as tabulated by counties it will be observed that a great many of the counties are represented by a single sample, and therefore it is not possible to base any conclusions on the work done in respect of the possibilities of growth of beets in such counties. Benton County sent G samples, with an average weight of 1G ounces; 13.8 per cent of sugar in the beet, with a purity of 76.9. Clinton County furnished 5 samples. The beets were very small, averaging only 11 ounces. The content of sugar was high, namely, 16.8 per cent, and the purity low, 75.8. Greene County sent o9 samples of good size, namely, lit ounces; father low content of sugar, namely, 12.7 per cent, and a low purity, namely, 7<>..*i. Guthrie Count \ sent (> samples of good size, namely, 23 ounces; rather low content of sugar, L2.5 percent. with a purify of 78.8. The averages for the L30 samples from the Stale are as follows: Weight, 18 ounces; sugar in beets, 13.3 per cent; purity, 7.' , ».7. Under the direction of the agricultural experiment station of the State, in cooperation with this Department, a large number of samples of seed was distributed, and GIL* samples of beets sent to the station for analysis. Following is an abstract of the report of Prof. C. F. Cnrtiss, director of the Iowa station: Total number of samples analyzed, 642. One and seven-tenths per cent of tin' samples contained 17 percent or more of Bugar; 73 per cent of these had a purity coefficient of 80 or above, and 50 per cent of t liese samples w ciglied 1 I ounces or al>o\ e. POUT and t luce tenths pel- cent of the samples contained L6 per cent and over of sugar and less than 17 per cent; of these samples 80 per BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 73 cent had a purity coefficient of 80 degrees or above, and 2.9 per cent weighed 14 ounces or above. Twenty-two and three-tenths per cent of the samples contained 14 per cent or over of sugar and less than 1G per cent; of these samples 50 per cent had a purity coefficient of 80 or above, and G2 per cent weighed 16 ounces or above. Forty-one and four-tenths per cent of the samples contained 12 per cent and over of sugar an^ less than 14 per cent; of these samples 14.7 per cent had a purity coefficient of 80 or above, and 69 per cent weighed 16 ounces or above. Sixty-nine and three tenths per cent of the total number of samples contained 12 per cent or more of sugar. The above percentages are based on the weight of the juice. The mean weight of the samples received at the Iowa station was 19 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 12.4, and the mean purity 76.6. The results by counties are given in the following table: Analyses of sugar beets grown in Iotca and analyzed by the Iowa agricultural experiment station. County. Adair Adams Allamakee... Appanoose . . Audubon — Benton Blackhawk . . Boone Bremer Buchanan . . Buena Vista Butler Calhoun Carroll Cass Cedar Cherokee — Chickasaw . day Clayton Clinton Crawford Dallas Davis Decatur Delaware . . . Dickinson . . Dubuque ... Fayette Floyd Franklin ... Fremont ( i reene Grundy (iuthrio Hamilton ... Banooek — Hardin Harrison ... Henry Howard Ida Jasper Jefl'erson . . . Average weight per root. Ounces. 19 21 20 8 16 21 17 17 14 15 19 13 12 22 22 21 19 15 17 23 17 23 23 14 12 18 21 17 17 24 17 19 19 23 22 21 18 19 17 26 18 21 23 12 Sugar. Per cent. 13. 40 13.26 14. 26 16.11 13. 09 13.30 13. 98 13.33 11.24 14.24 13.62 10.77 15.80 12.34 12. 03 12. 56 13.34 13.34 12.08 13.48 ^5.81 10.55 13.46 15. 78 14.14 13. 23 12.81 14.14 14.62 12.77 12. 62 12. 15 13.(14 12.00 12.60 12.58 11.92 12.88 12.65 14. 24 13.33 12.79 13.06 12.36 Purity coef- ficient. 77.45 75.30 78.87 82.80 78.36 76.68 79.64 76.81 78.71 76. 25 77.70 74.45 81.46 75.51 75.34 74.48 77.01 75. 54 74.06 78.47 78.97 68.24 79.33 73. 94 79.27 75.76 75. 16 69.76 80. 33 75.01 73. 23 71.37 77.42 73.91 74.98 75.24 75. 84 77.01 76. 57 78.64 77.48 77.49 76.86 76.27 County. Johnson Jones Keokuk Kossuth Linn Louisa Lyon Madison Marion Marshall Mills Mitchell Monona Montgomery Muscatine O'Brien. ^ Osceola Page Palo Alto Plymouth Pocahontas Polk Pottawattamie — Poweshiek Ringgold Scott Shelby Sioux Story Tama Taylor Union Wapello Warren Washington Wa\ n, • Webster Winnebago Winneshiek Woodbury Worth Wright Average Average weight per root. Sugar. Ou nces. 20 17 23 25 17 10 19 18 21 22 19 20 27 25 20 16 14 23 22 26 20 22 19 2li 17 16 24 28 17 11 15 19 20 21 13 18 22 19 20 18 15 Ter cent. 12.54 14.05 14.06 12.58 12.08 12.65 14.07 12.55 12.86 12.51 12. 94 12.37 13.86 12. 33 14.44 14.38 14.16 12.56 12. 88 12.49 11.76 12.96 13.04 1 2. 87 12.54 13.73 13.43 12. 11 12. 30 L2.55 1 1 82 13.98 13.70 13. 62 13. 84 15. 15 12. 57 12.21 13.57 12.7:: 13. 34 12.22 Purity coef- ficient. 76.98 77.52 76.46 77.26 74.02 74.54 79. 33 74.34 74.66 74.85 76.94 76.21 80. 87 76. 52 80.92 92. 77 81.48 7 4.22 106.85 79. 39 78. 46 76. 09 78.13 77. 52 75. 58 76. 59 78. 58 73. 79 76.51 77.01 70. 39 76.54 76. 74 75. 79 77.8 4 70. 92 76. 1 I 76. 87 76. 42 74. 34 78.77 75.48 76.56 74 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. The results contained in the above table are not as satisfactory as would be expected from the location of Iowa in respect of thermal and other climatic influences. The poor results obtained are due either to the seasonal influences, which might have been particularly bad for the season in question, or to some unsuitability of the soil or climate to the production of high-grade beets. In general, it has been observed that soils particularly rich in humus and of a black color do not produce as high-grade beets as sandy and somewhat lighter- colored soils. The character of the subsoil and of the stratum under- lying it must also be taken into consideration before we can have an idea of the condition of aeration of the soil and the possibilities of the roots of the beets extending to the proper depth. It is fortunate that the agricultural experiment station of Iowa will continue these experi- ments in a more careful manner and under more efficient control of the station or some of its representatives. It is evident that with the possible exception of the southern tier of counties a large portion of the State of Iowa with favorable soil conditions should produce beets of high saccharine strength. The causes which have depressed both the content of sugar and the coefficient of purity should be carefully investigated. KANSAS. Several years ago extensive experiments in growing beets in Kansas were made at Medicine Lodge, and accounts of the work are given in former bulletins on this subject. At that time it was stated, in dis- cussing the results, that the climate of Kansas was particularly unfa- vorable to beet culture. The extremely dry weather to which much of the State is frequently subjected, in conjunction with the hot winds which sweep over the vast plains almost every year from the southwest, renders the growth of the beet extremely precarious. At times excel lent beets can be grown; in fact, beets of line character were produced nt the time mentioned at Medicine Lodge. It is not to be expected, however, that from year to year beets of high grade can be grown in sufficient quantities to warrant the building of factories in the Slate. Nevertheless, considerable interest is taken in the work by the fanners in various parts of the State, and also by the agricultural college and experiment station. Forty-one samples were received by the Depart* nieiit of Agriculture. The average size of these samples was rather large, namely, 27 ounces. The sugar content was low, 11.1 percent. and the purity quite low, 73.8. While it is evident that Large quanti- ties Of BUgar can be made from beets of this eharaeter, it is also plain, without argument, that- such a quality of beets would not be able to compete with those grown in more favorable localities. The agricultural experiment station of Kansas, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, also conducted a series of experiments and ree< [ved lor analysis L57 samples. A detailed report of this work BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 75 will be found in the bulletins of the agricultural experiment station of Kansas, and the following summary sufficiently indicates the character of the results obtained. The number of samples analyzed was 157. The average net weight of the beets received was 17 ounces; the average content of sugar in the beets, 11.9 per cent, and the average coefficient of purity of the juice, 77. The percentage of the whole number of beets containing 13 per cent of sucrose or over was 15.2. The percentage of beets containing 13 per cent of sugar or over, having a coefficient of purity of the juice of 80 per cent or over, was 67. The percentage of beets containing 13 per cent and over of sugar and weighing 1G ounces or more, net, was 42. The analyses made at the agricultural experiment station of Kansas have been consolidated and tabulated by counties. The table of analyses follows : Summary of analyses of beets from Kansas. [Compiled from report of experiment station.] County. Allen Atchison Barber Barton Bourbon Brown Butler Chase Cheyenne Clay Cloud Coffey Crawford Do Dickinson ... Doniphan Douglas Edwards Elk Ellsworth Finney Franklin Geary < rraham Grant Ilarvev Do Jackson Jefferson Jewell Johnson Labette Lane Leavenworth Lincoln Logan a 3J © -J P< W) © CD CD © ED 3 © - bo rO « ,Q a" £ U 3 z > fc "A < OZ8. 10 14 17 17 14 12 4 34 8 5 10 21 22 18 6 14 10 17 37 28 93 20 1 4 20 12 3 >{ 20 17 15 •J 4 11 20 6 12 14 21 5 17 6 19 6 16 6 13 31 18 6 16 5 6 14 14 20 6 15 - 40 1<) 14 18 3 20 26 2 4 22 12 10 - 10 19 o Per ct. 10.64 12.61 14.91 10.35 13.88 11.29 10.86 11.61 12.14 11.21 11.65 15.13 13.87 12.29 13. 67 12.48 11.12 14.04 14.14 11.86 9.51 12.83 15.47 12. 83 11.17 11.82 11.12 14. 23 8.76 10.17 12. 75 11.38 11.40 72.0 79.5 72.5 74.0 75.0 81.0 70.8 77.0 79.9 78.0 79.2 78.0 82.0 77.0 84.0 77.5 71.0 83.0 78.0 73.0 76.0 74.0 77.0 70.0 76.0 78.0 County. 77.3 83.0 67.0 68.5 79.0 79.6 76.0 Lyon Marion Marshall McPherson . . . Montgomery. . Morris Nemaha Osage Osborne Ottawa Pawnee Phillips Pottawatomie Pratt Kawlins Keno Republic Rice Riley Rooks Rush Russell Saline Sedgwick Shawnee Sheridan Smith Sumner \\ aubaunsee Wallace Washington . Wichita Wilson Woodson Wyandotte ... 9 * H u & © a ,o OS 5* 3 Ozs. 16 16 25 7 15 15 23 16 16 22 4 19 16 8 16 12 18 14 21 16 20 10 9 12 15 21 28 18 15 19 27 14 14 7 14 Per ct. 13.29 11.23 12.20 13. 08 11.39 14.01 10.30 12. 17 12.39 12.90 8.52 12.16 12.20 12. 19 9.57 13.78 10.69 11.71 8.98 13.39 11.88 11.49 15.78 11.23 12. 19 11.59 11. 12 13.38 12. 14 11.58 10.79 1 1 . 24 13. 12 14.32 14.11 79.5 71.8 79.4 76.0 74.6 74.5 74.2 77.2 70.0 78.2 70.0 79.5 83.6 75.0 73.0 79. 5 74.5 74.5 70. 3 80. 5 77.0 71.0 84.0 74.0 77.3 78.5 78.0 76.0 77.5 76 75. 2 79.0 81.0 73.(1 75.0 The data obtained at the Kansas station corroborate in every respect those secured at the Department of Agriculture. It is evident that 76 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. fairly good beets can be grown in Kansas, and there are doubtless seasons when exceptionally rich beets might be secured. In general, however, it maybe said that there is no immediate prospect of the suc- cessful establishment of the sugar-beet industry in that State, unless it might be in some of the extreme western or northwestern counties, where irrigation might be practiced, and where the altitude is sufficiently high to secure a lowering of the temperature. One of the great causes of danger, however, is found in the hot southwest winds, which frequently blow over the State with disastrous consequences at the period when the crops are growing most rapidly. It will be seen that in many instances individual analyses obtained in Kansas are extremely satisfactory, as for instance, in Elk County, where two samples, including 14 different beets, showed an average weight of 21 ounces, an average content of sugar in the juice of 14 per cent, and an average purity of 83. Another sample is found in Saline County, where 10 beets, forming two samples, showed a sugar content of 15.8 per cent in the juice, with an average purity of 84. In this case, however, the beets were very much under size, the average weight being only 9 ounces. When, however, the data received from the counties are compared with similar data from the State of New York, the discrepancy observed is so great as to indicate, without further elucidation, the proper locality where the first development of the sugar-beet industry should be looked for. In the light of our previous experiments, it must be evident that high grade sorghum, developed from carefully selected seeds, has m better prospect in Kansas of being a profitable sugar-producing plant than the sugar beet. Kentucky. Only a few samples, with the exception of those sent by the experi- ment station, have been received from Kentucky. This State being situated far south of the theoretical sugar-beet belt, it is not to be expected that the results of the analyses would be particularly encour- aging. The mean weight of thr six samples received was L6 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar 11.9, and the purity 71.5. The six sam- ples included four from tin 1 experiment station. The beets received were small, and the percentage of sugar only a trifle under the mini- mum which is advisable for profitable sugar making; The purity, however, is excessively low, and this seems to be characteristic of beets grown too far south, the purity coefficient Usually falling in a more rapid proportion than the content of sugar. Large numbers of samples were received from the experiment sta- tion in addition to those analyzed above, which were grown upon the special plot, which will be mentioned later cm, and under the most favorable conditions of cult me. The beets which were sent to the Department were of good size and mostly of a favorable shape, but the analytical data were very disappointing, falling a great deal lower than BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 77 was expected. Nine samples of White Improved Imperial Elite, planted May 8 and harvested December 9, had an average weight of 33 ounces, with 4.9 per cent of sugar. Three samples of original Kleinwanzlebener had an average weight of 23 ounces, with 10.8 per cent of sugar. Six- teen samples of Vilmorin's Improved had an average weight of 25 ounces, with G.4 per cent of sugar. Thirty-nine samples of the Demes- may variety had an average weight of 29 ounces, with 5.3 per cent of sugar. All of these beets were somewhat overgrown, but not suffi- ciently so to account for the extremely low percentage of sugar. A large additional number of samples had been selected for analysis, but the results of the preceding analyses were so discouraging as to render the further prosecution of the analytical work unnecessary. This sub- ject will be mentioned again when the experiments in the specially cultivated plots with high grade seeds are discussed. Maryland. All the analyses of the samples of beets grown in Maryland were made in the laboratory of this division, the agricultural station at College Park not having undertaken any work of this kind. The whole num- ber of samples received from the State was 29. The mean size of the beets was 19 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beets 11.4, and the mean purity of the juices 79.1. In respect of size, the samples from Maryland are about the mean. The purity of the juice is almost up to the minimum standard, but the percentage of sugar in the beet is about O.o* less than is advisable for manufacture. In regard to climatic conditions, as has been before intimated, the State of Maryland occupies a somewhat peculiar position. There is a considerable area along the eastern shore, next to the ocean, where the average summer temperature is 71°. In the western part of the State, after a long deflection to the north, the isotherm of 70° may again be found. Lying immediately south of the isotherm of 71°, in the north- ern portion of Maryland, are found some very line valley lands where the conditions of culture may be considered favorable. These lands are underlaid by limestone, which in many cases comes to the surface. Theoretically they are a little too warm for the most successful culture, but lying so near the favorable thermal belt there may be reasonable hopes of successful culture in many localities. In the western portion of the State, where the thermal conditions are favorable, we find the mountain ranges, and the low temperature of the summer is due to the high elevation. The quantity of table lands upon the tops of the moun- tains, however, is not sufficiently great to warrant the expectation of the founding of a great industry. There is no doubt, however, of the possibility of growing very rich beets on these table lands. In general it may be said that the State of Maryland is not very favorably si tun ted for the culture of sugar beets, but there are circumscribed localities 78 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. within the State where it is desirable to conduct further experiments. It is therefore earnestly hoped that the agricultural experiment station of the State will make a more careful agricultural survey of the possi- bilities of the culture of sugar beets therein. Michigan. The southern peninsula of Michigan is favorably situated for the culture of sugar beets, both in respect of thermal conditions and rain- fall. The soil is also for the most part well suited to sugar-beet culture. In going northward, however, it becomes more sandy until finally the pine regions are reached, where a soil without fertilization would not be sufficiently rich to produce large crops. The well-known tendency of a sandy soil, with proper meteorological conditions, to produce beets of a high purity is well illustrated in the samples which have been received from Michigan. In all, 450 samples from the State were sent to this laboratory for analysis, 400 of them being from Saginaw County and grown under the supervision of Messrs. Higgins & Lenders. In regard to the results from particular counties, attention should be called to the fact that the samples from Allegan were all enormously overgrown, the average weight of the beets being G2 ounces and the corresponding content of sugar and the coefficient of purity low. The results from Calhoun County, in the southern part of the State, are par- ticularly favorable, the average weight of the samples being 17 ounces. average content of sugar in the beet 15.8, and the average purity 83.2. The greater part of the samples having come from Saginaw County, the average data for this county are almost the same as those of the State, with the exception that the purity is considerably higher. The average composition of the 400 samples from Saginaw County was as follows: Average weight, 22 ounces; sugar content in the beet, 14.8 per cent, and purity, 83.3. For the whole State — 450 samples — the average weight was 22 ounces, average sugar content 14.7 per cent, and average purity 81.1. The agricultural experiment station of Michigan, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, also made an extensive series of inves- tigations, a resume of which is given below: RESULTS BY COUNTIES of THE CULTIVATION OF SUOAB BESTS IN MICHIGAN i\ 1897. The following table, is ^ivon containing the number of samples Bent to the stal i<>n from each county , the average per cent of sugar in the juice, and coefficient of purity of all samples sent. Seed was distributed in sixty-eight counties, and from the table below it will be set n t ha! samples lia\ e lieen received from sixty-four of t hem. The average peroenl of sugar in tin', juice of beets of the whole State, when grown on the proper kind of soil and from the right kind of seed, is L6.40, and the coefficient of purity in s4. An average of 16.40 per cent of sugar for the whole state, far i ding the besl districts in France and Germany , is both surprising and gratifying. 1 ■These data are obtained by omitting from the table the analyses of samples which were known to have been grown under unfavorable conditions. — H.W.W BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 79 Analyses of s:igar beets grown in Michigan and analyzed by tlu experiment station. Michigan agricultural County. Alger ..../ Allegan Alpena Antrim Arenac Baraga Barry Berrien Branch Calhoun Cass Charlevoix Clare Clinton Craw lord Eaton Emmet Genesee Grand Traverse Gratiot Hillsdale Huron Ingham Ionia Iosco Iron Isabella Jackson Kalamazoo Kalkaska Kent Lapeer Leelanaw Lenawee Livingston Mackinac Macomb Manistee Mason Mecosta Menominee Midland Missaukee Monroe Montcalm Muskegon Newaygo Oakland Oceana Ontonagon Osceola Otsego Ottawa. Saginaw St. Clair St. Joseph Sanilac Shiawassee Tuscola Van Buren Washtenaw..-. Wayne Wexford Total.. .. Total number Sugar in of juice. samples. Ver cent. 1 14.22 3 15.67 2 15.01 2 15. 97 8 16.77 1 14.10 4 14.90 10 15.53 3 17. 83 3 16.62 6 15.82 2 15.44 7 17.58 2 16.80 4 15.89 1 15.25 5 17.50 1 15.02 6 14.75 7 15. 75 6 16.09 2 16.71 6 17.47 36 16.43 4 16.36 G 13.18 1 18.18 4 14.09 7 19.74 17 15.45 2 16.91 1G 15.55 2 17.71 3 18.77 5 15.96 2 14.34 1 16. 22 11 16.11 6 17. 09 5 16.54 4 16.67 6 16.58 2 L7.62 1 15.79 2 16.41 2 17. 64 9 16.03 13 16.11 7 15.29 11 16.54 4 15.15 2 id. :>5 1 18.00 14 16. 47 127 15,99 31 17.53 1 12. 16 11 18. 15 4 16. 89 1 18.94 4 13. 82 4 16. 10 9 16. 12 il 14.59 Coeffi- cient of purity. Samples rejected for bad soil or seed. Number of sain- Sugar in pies on juice in right soil such and prop- samples, er seed, j 1 3 2 2 8 1 4 9 3 3 6 2 7 2 3 1 5 1 5 5 6 2 6 35 4 5 1 3 2 14 2 14 2 3 5 2 1 9 6 5 4 6 2 1 2 2 9 12 6 11 4 2 1 14 123 30 1 11 4 1 4 44 Per cent. 14.22 15.67 15.01 15. 97 16.77 14. 10 14.90 16.00 17. 83 16.62 15.82 15.44 17.58 16.80 16.05 15.25 17.50 15.02 16.14 15. 91 16.09 16.71 17.47 16.53 16.36 14.22 18.18 16.41 18.16 15.87 16.91 15.85 17.71 18.77 15.96 14. 34 16.22 16.91 17.09 16.54 16.67 16.58 17.62 15.79 16.41 17.64 16.03 16.54 16.26 16.54 15. 15 16.55 18.00 16. 47 16.13 17.64 12.16 18.15 16. 89 18. 94 13. 82 16. 10 17.08 [5.25 465 16.08 83 16.40 Coeffi- cient of purity. Five samples from Oceana County are not included in results of analyses, because they were dried and damaged by keeping. 80 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Interesting data in regard to cost of culture were obtained at the Michigan station. The plats were planted on the 8th of May, and harvested on the Cth of October. After throwing the dirt away from the beets by a plow they were pulled by hand and the leaves and stems removed. Owing to the deepsubsoiling and thorough preparation of the ground, the beets were found wholly embedded in the soil, none of them having been pushed above the surface. The average weight of the beets before the removal of the necks was about 2h pounds. The following table gives the total labor, calculated to 1 acre, required for growing and harvesting the beets: Man and team. Man. Plowing and snb.soilin^ Harrow in^ r , Marking Planting. 77 on i- ft. J fours. 12.00 3.75 .80 3.25 Cultivating 15. 00 Thinning and hoeing 75. 90 Harvesting 4. GO 130. 75 Total 30. 15 209. 90 The hand labor in harvesting was performed by boys at 8 cents an hour. The work of hoeing and thinning was performed by men at 12£ cents an hour. The cost of team work is computed at 2o cents an hour for man and team. On the above basis, the total cost of planting, culti- vating, and harvesting an acre of beets at the Michigan Experiment Station was $29.40. The yield per acre, the percentage of sugar in the juice, and the purity for each variety grown are shown in the following table : Variety. Wohfl nka Improved Kloiiiwanzlebener Original deinwanelebener — Government R Icinu anzlebener I. a Plug liiclic Government Kleins anzlebener, Hoerning'a Improved Kioto's I in|ii'o\ ed Klein wanzlebener on muck — Yield pel acre. Pounds. 23,615 25. 078 27, :i08 25, 048 29 205 32, 827 24 500 20, 200 Sugar. /Vr (•' at 15.22 1G.40 1- 27 17.78 18.78 17. 78 15.20 IS. 21 12.90 Purity. Pull details of all the experiments conducted in Michigan by (ho agricultural experiment station are found in Bulletin No.lSOof that station, issued in December, 1S!>7. by Director 0. 1>. Smith and Chemist R.O. Kedzie. The Study Of the two sets Of data secured at the Department of Agri- culture and by the agricultural experiment station of Michigan la suf- ficient to demonstrate tie- fact (hat tlie Southern peninsula of Michigan lias great possibilities for the development of the sugar beet industry. When if is remembered that the most of those who grew the samples had had no previous experience in the matter, that no systematic. fertilization was attempted, and that in many instances the soil was BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 81 improperly prepared, the remarkably favorable results obtained are the more convincing. It is evident that all the southern portion of the Southern Michigan Peninsula, in conjunction with the northern part of Indiana, forms an area in which the future will see a remarkable development of the sugar-beet industry. Minnesota. Forty-nine samples from the State of Minnesota were received for analysis at the laboratory of the Department of Agriculture. The mean weight of the samples received was 24 ounces, the mean percent- age of sugar in the beet 11, and the mean purity coefficient 79.2. Great variations are shown in the samples received from different parts of the State. One of the best series of results was obtained from Freeborn County, in the southern part of the State, from which twelve samples were received, having an average weight of 20 ounces, an average content of sugar in the beet of 14.1 per cent, and an average coefficient of purity of 82.3. Another good series of samples, though less in number, was from Ottertail County, in the western part of the State, from which four samples were received, having an average weight of 23 ounces, a mean content of sugar in the beets of 14.9 per cent, and a mean coefficient of purity of 82.1. The general average from the State was lowered by a large number of very poor samples, which evidently Ji ad been grown under extremely unfavorable conditions. The period of growth in Minnesota, while a little short, is neverthe- less favorable from other considerations, especially in the southern and eastern portions of the State. Toward the northwestern portion of the State the rainfall is somewhat uncertain, and the autumn is perhaps a little too cold. As has been intimated before, the chief difficulty in Minnesota in the establishment of the beet-sugar industry is not in securing a proper growing season, but in having a sufficient time to properly harvest and protect the beets. The sudden, and often early, advent of winter in the northern and western portions of the State will be the cause of difficulties of a serious nature in the harvesting and siloing of the beets. These are factors which intending investors will do well to carefully consider. In general, the conditions of growth are so favorable as to warrant the careful study of the soils of the State by the agricultural experiment station with a view to selecting those locali- ties where the conditions of culture are most favorable. In a State of such vast area it is far better to determine those restricted sections where the conditions are most favorable rather than try to establish the industry indiscriminately in every portion of the State. In cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, the agricultural experiment station of Minnesota conducted an extensive series of cul- ture experiments in various parts of the State. The general results of the experiments are indicated in the report of the chemist of the station, which follows. H. Doc. 39G 6 82 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED BY THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION OF MINNESOTA. The seed from winch the beets were grown was obtained from a variety of sources. Some procured seed from the stock which the legislature directed the State treas- urer to purchase. About 100 pounds of seed were obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture and distributed by the experiment station. Some was obtained direct from Germany, while a few obtained seed from seed dealers and other sources. As a rale, the seed was of good quality. Only a few instances of pool seed were reported. There was but little difference as to the quality of the beets produced by the seed furnished by the State and by the Department of Agriculture. At the experiment station the average of four plots of Klein wanzlebener beets grown from State seed showed 17.5 per cent sugar, with a purity coefficient of 86.7, while the average of four plots of Klein wanzlebener beets grown from United States Depart- ment of Agriculture seed gave 17.4 per cent sugar and a purity eoeflicient of 87.8. The past season has not been one particularly favorable to the production of the highest quality of beets. It has been the most unfavorable season in nine years. As a whole, however, the results have been satisfactory, and I consider them of unusual value, because they indicate the quality of the beets which are produced in an unfavorable rather than a favorable season. At the experiment station the average of those plots which were grown under normal conditions gave a sugar content of 17.4 per cent and a purity eoeflicient of 87.3. There is one factor in our favor which I think has been overlooked in considering desirable locations for sugar beet factories, and that is, we have never lost a sugar- beet crop from hot, dry winds, which occasionally occur in some of the prairie States. About three hundred samples of beets have been tested during the season. In many cases the results were lower than they would have been if. the beets had been properly cultivated. In one of the tables the results are given of some of the beets which have been grown under abnormal conditions. In one case twenty-five min- utes' time was spent on a quarter acre of beets, while in another case the seeds were planted five inches. These results, while they possess no value as indicating the quality of sugar beets which may be produced in a locality, are nevertheless valua- ble, because they emphasize the importance of the right kind of cultivation for sugar-beet p rod notion. Sugar beets grown at the Minnesota "Experiment Station. No. plot. No. tests. Sugar. Purity A v. rage coellicient. weight. Bighest results: Rows 18 inches apart and heota 4 18.5 l L '-' in. i) 15,8 16. 9 17. 1 - r. Oune«i. 92.5 12.8 Lowest results: Bows 86 Inohes apart and beeta LO 78.0 18.4 A 81 age Of rows: 24 and 30 inches apart and beets i to 6 Inohes In row, 21 and 80 Inches apart and beets 6 i<> to inohes In 8 H H 8 16 16 Lfl 16 86, l 85.5 85.4 87. 8 16. 1 14.9 it and 18 Inohea apan and beets 8 and i<» Inches in 14. 1 1 t and Lfl Inches apart and beets 1 ami (i inches in 11.0 The cultivation of the beeta waa under the supen ision <>i" the Agricultural Divi- sion. The analyses were all made by the chemial of the station. The analytical data obtained arc summarized from the details of tlie chemist's report in the following table: Total number of analyses reported 143 Average vreighl of the beeta (ounces) 17 Average per cent of sugar in the juice 13.1 Average coefficient of purity 81.8 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 83 The classification of results is made in several portions, namely, analyses of miscellaneous samples from the State at large and analyses of special samples from definite localities. In the analyses of mis- cellaneous beets collected from different parts of the State, with the exception of those specially mentioned below, thirty four samples were examined. The mean weight of the beet is not given in this table of analyses. The mean percentage of sugar in the juice is 14.25 and the mean purity coefficient 82. Sixteen samples grown at Mankato, Minn., showed an average weight of 21.9 ounces, a mean percentage of sugar in the juice of 12.8, and a purity coefficient of 80.2. Ten samples grown at Winton and Stockton had an average weight of 17.1 ounces, contained 13.7 per cent of sugar in the juice, and had a purity coefficient of 81.9. Eighty three samples grown at Albert Lea had an average weight of 16.G ounces, contained 13.8 per cent of sugar in the juice, and had a purity coefficient of 82.1. In general, it will be observed that the results obtained on the samples sent directly to the station were better than those secured at the lab- oratory in Washington. Upon the whole, the results of the work done at the experiment station are eminently satisfactory, especially as they were accompanied with the statement of the director that the condi- tions were the most unfavorable, for the development of a crop of sugar beets, which had been known in the State since the commencement of the experiments in this direction, in 1888. The results of the analyses of the beets grown at the station are extremely satisfactory. The average weight of the beet, to be sure, is somewhat low, but this doubtless was due to an unfavorable growing season. The mean percentage of sugar in the beets grown in different plots is exceptionally fine, and the coefficient of purity in one instance is higher than could reasonably be expected with the best kind of culture. Only in one of the plots cultivated on the station are the results unsatisfactory, and in this case it is the coefficient of purity especially which has fallen below the standard. Missouri. Very extensive experiments were made in Missouri, about 4,000 sam- ples of seed having been distributed, and over GOO returns made. There were sent directly to the Department of Agriculture 324 sam- ples, detailed analyses of which are found in the preceding tables. The average weight of the samples received was 20 ounces. The mean percentage of sugar in the beet was 11.7 and the mean parity 73.5. Many individual samples from the State show excellent qualities, but reliable judgment, as intimated before, can only be based upon large numbers of analyses. Among the counties furnishing beets of high quality may be mentioned Barton, in the southwestern pari of the State. Three samples were received from this county, all of them of 84 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. rather large size and fine content of sugar, the mean size being 27 ounces, the mean content of sugar in the beet 15.3 per cent; only the purity in all cases was a little low, the mean being 77.3. Benton County, in the center of the State, also showed good results, live sam- ples having an average weight of 1G ounces, an average sugar content of 15.5 per cent, and an average purity of 77.1. The best single sam pie received was from Pulaski County, in the center of the State, the percentage of sugar being 18.3, the purity 86.1; but the weight was low, namely, only 12 ounces. Two hundred and ninety-nine samples of beets were sent directly to the agricultural experiment station of Missouri and analyzed in the laboratory of that station. The mean results, by counties, obtained on analysis are given in the following table: Summary of analyses of beets grown in Missouri. [From Report of Missouri Experiment Station.] County. A flair .... And lew. . Audrain . Harry J'.arton ... Bates — I '.i n ton . . . Boone Buchanan Butler ... Caldwell . Callaway. Carroll ... Cass Cedar — Chariton . ( lnistian Clark .... Clay Cooper . . . Crawford. Dade Dallas.... Dekalb... D.-nt Douglas.. Franklin . < iaseonadt Gentry Gn i d< Grand; .. Ban ison Henry Hickory. . iioit . Howell... I loll Jackson. . Jasper ... Jefferson Johnson.. Knox Laclede Lafayette i,au rence ! Lincoln . . Linn ,2 ft E 5 5 3 © a bC^ cS^J 24 11.88 29 10.26 2A 13. 10 18 18. 11 88 12.14 27 il in 17 1(1.71 22 11.90 16 12.81 19 12. 36 26 11 15 24 12 12 25 15 60 12 ; ,94 2H 12.28 ®ft Cm 82.89 76.76 56.66 73.96 81.62 76. 82 86. 36 63. 78 81.88 58. 23 80. 16 76. 45 75.03 84.75 78.86 74.24 67. 86 77. 76 67. 16 81.69 81. 27 67. 95 74.95 70. 40 72. 86 70. HI 88. f.O 75.42 77. 17 71. 11 66.76 76.68 78. 29 78. 18 79. 76 79. 28 72. 57 68 73 72. 5 1 74. K7 74. OH 7H. 06 H2 27 57. 18 72.21 County. Livingston McDonald Macrn Madison Maries Marion Mercer Mississippi Monroe Montgomery New Madrid Nodaway Oregon Ozark Perry Pettis Phelps Platte Pike (average) First harvest.. Second harvest Randolph Rai Saline Schuyler Scotland Scotl Shannon Shelby St. Charles St. Clair St. Franc ois si Louis Stoddard Sullivan Taney Texas Vernon Warren Washington W a\ lie Webster w orth Wrighl To I ■ I | ii il mean ,C ft S £ s a t- fcO (>Z8. 12 19 14 20 28 32 44 24 11 21 20 42 20 6 16 24 13 27 21 21 21 16 44 21 25 20 26 12 8 58 a 22 27 16 26 15 18 86 22 M 84 18 Per ct. 9.75 13.83 14.11 13.07 12.95 il. 76 13. 51 10.57 7.71 12 62 12. 30 11.66 8.37 13.81 14.06 10.05 11.81 12.11 10. 14 10.94 9.34 li 80 10.95 13.71 15.71 15.51 9. 70 ll 94 7.H7 11. 21 21.02 9.68 13.53 14.79 Lfl Q8 18.08 13 17 H. (17 ln.71 13.08 13. 12 L1.85 14.01 28 1 1 . I 70.34 80 u."> 70.89 71.85 78. 92 till. 32 Si i. 22 7f.. 00 57. 57 78. ll 79. 03 72. 61 67. 12 77. 15 74.86 65. 67 75. 56 74. 74 76. HI 74. 30 80 17 72. 40 76. 39 82. 30 79 46 66.43 76 10 76. 26 78. 36 92. 1!» 61.99 82 B0 74. 19 74.95 . 17 I. 18 73.71 S3. 21 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 85 Of the whole number of samples, the percentage of those containing 13 per cent or more of sugar in the beet was 24; the percentage of these beets with a sugar content of 13 per cent or over having a purity coefficient of 80 or over was 83 ; the percentage of the number of beets containing 13 per cent of sugar which had a purity coefficient of 80 or over and weighing 1G ounces or over was 68. The average percentage of sugar in the beet for the whole number of samples examined at the station was 11.1. The average coefficient of purity 74.9, and the average weight in ounces 2o. A tabular com- parison of the mean results obtained by the Missouri station and in the laboratory of the Department will be interesting: Total number of sam- ples. Average weight. Sugar in Purity CO- juice. efficient . "Tinted States Department of Agriculture Agricultural experiment station of Missouri. :J24 301 Ounces. Per cent', 20 11.7 28 11.1 73.5 74.9 As will be seen above, there is a remarkable agreement between the mean results obtained in the two laboratories. The average size of the samples received at Washington was smaller than that of the beets analyzed at the agricultural experiment station of Missouri, and this is doubtless the cause of the slightly increased mean percentage of sugar obtained in the laboratory of the Department of Agriculture. A general study of the results obtained leads to the inevitable conclusion that Missouri is not very favorably situated for producing beets of the high- est quality. It is possible to secure, in some instances, results which are exceptionally favorable, but that such results could be secured con- tinuously, and from season to season, is not probable. The data show that the whole State of Missouri belongs in the same category, in respect of growing rich sugar beets, as the southern parts of the States of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Even the northern counties of Missouri are too far south to give the best results. It is evident, however, in so far as yield is concerned, that Missouri is probably the equal of any State in the Union for growing beets of fine size and large tonnage per acre. Unless exceptional conditions favorable to manufacture are found in the State, it is not probable that the sugar-beet industry will gain a foothold for some time in competition with the more favorable local- ities farther north and east. Montana. Only four samples were received from the State of Montana at the laboratory of the Department of Agriculture. The average weight of the samples was 20 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 14.4, and the mean purity coefficient of 77.8. Analyses were also made by the agricultural experiment station of Montana. Fifteen analyses were made of samples grown on the 8G BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IX THE UNITED STATES. grounds of the station. The average weight of the samples was 14.8 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 16.2, aud the mean coefficient of purity of the juice 81.1). Thirty samples grown in the Gallatin Valley had a mean weight of 22 ounces, a mean content of sugar in tbe beet of 13.7 per cent, and a mean coefficient of purity of 7G.4. Eight samples grown at Livingston had an average weight of 24.7 ounces, with a mean sugar content of 13.8 per cent in the beet. and a coefficient of purity of 74.3. Nine samples from Kalispell had a mean weight of 32 ounces, a mean content of 13. ,*> per cent of sugar in the beet, and a mean coefficient of purity of 7G.L\ Four samples of beets from Missoula had an average weight of 32 ounces, a mean per* centage of sugar in the beet of 12, and a mean coefficient of purity of 73.0. Four samples of miscellaneous origin had an average weight of 23 ounces, an average sugar content in the beet of 12.7 per cent, and a coefficient of purity of 74. The whole number of samples analyzed by the agricultural experiment station of Montana was 70, with a mean weight of 23 ounces, a mean content of sugar in the beet of 14.7 per cent, and a mean coefficient of purity of 77. The results obtained at the experiment station show what can be doue by careful culture, and indicate that Montana, under proper con- ditions, is capable of producing a fairly good sugar beet. The data in general are sufficiently encouraging to warrant the agricultural experi- ment station of the State in making a more thorough and careful agri- cultural survey of the possibilities of beet production. Nebraska. Thirteen samples grown in Nebraska Mere received at the Depart- ment of Agriculture for analysis. The mean weight of the samples received was 21) ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beet L2.9, and the mean purity coefficient 7(1.0. The studies which have been made in Nebraska have been so thorough in previous years that it would not be advisable to make any deductions from so small a number of samples as Mas analyzed. In connection with the work done at I he Department, the following report of the chemist of the agricultural experiment sta tion of Nebraska may be considered: RRfll i |v mi EXPERIMENTS IN NEBRASKA. We distributed seed t<. 133 persons. Of these 158 responded, either by sending beets <»r written communication, or both. Of tbe L58, 106 returned samples of lor analysis; 52 reported failure to secure crop. Of the 52 reporting fail- ares, 1 1 said that the see.l failed to germinate; 1 1 ascribed failure to dry weather; 24 gave \ arious reasons for failure, 13 stating thai tbe crop was destro; ed by grasshop- i lost their crop l».\ !■ ason of stook incursions, and 7 through general neglect. Putting these figures in t he form of percentages i 36.4 per cent of those receiving seed responded In Home was ; 67 per cent of those \\ ho reported to us sent boots for analysis; 26.9 per oen1 of failures were attributed to dry weather; 2t;.!> per cent of failnn fctributed to pooi seed; 25 pei oen1 of failures wereoaused by grass- hoppers; 7.7 per oeni of failure- were caused by cattle; 13.4 per oenl of failures were caused bj general neglect. The results of analyses showed an average of 12.3-1 per cent of sugar in the juice BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 87 with a purity coefficient of 75. The highest per cent of sugar in juice was 16.8 with a purity of 78.5. The lowest was 4.6 per cent with a purity coefficient of 45. Beet seed was sent into sixty-seven counties and heets were received from thirty- six counties. The average results obtained agree very closely with those secured in the laboratory of the Department of Agriculture. So long a time has elapsed since sugar-beet growing was commenced in Nebraska on a large scale that it is possible to form some idea of the adaptability of that State for beet growing. The soils of Nebraska are mostly very fertile, with a fairly level surface, and are well suited in this respect to beet culture. The climatic conditions, as will be seen by consulting the map, are somewhat variable, and the rainfall in parts of the State is scant and in all parts of it very uncertain in respect of distribution. Periods of extremely wet weather are apt to alternate with long droughts. Hot winds may be expected over many parts of the State during the period of most rapid growth, and these winds are extremely injurious to all kinds of vegetation. The winters are apt to come on early and with severity, rendering the harvesting season some- what precarious. There is no doubt of the fact that good beets can be grown under favorable conditions in Nebraska, but the uncertainties of the season are such as to indicate that there will not be a very rapid expansion of the industry in that State until more favorable areas have been thoroughly exploited. For details in regard to Nebraska the reports of the agricultural experiment station of Nebraska, at Lincoln, may be consulted. For about eight years this station has been engaged in the study of this question, and has pub- lished numerous and valuable bulletins, many of which can still be obtained by applying to the director of the station. Nevada. A large portion of the State of Nevada, in fact the whole of the northern and western parts, lies within the thermal area suitable to beet culture. Twenty-one samples of beets were received at the Department of Agriculture from Nevada, the average weight of which was 25 ounces, the average content of sugar in the beet 10.6 per cent, and the average coefficient of purity 81.1. These samples all came from the parts of the State lying within the favorable thermal area. The agricultural experi- ment station of Nevada, at Reno, also made an investigation of the possibilities of growing beets in that State, and lias submitted a report on the subject. In all, twenty-two samples were received at Reno for analysis, the average weight of which was 25 ounces, and the average content of sugar 1G.9 per cent, the purity not being given. These data show a remarkable agreement with those obtained by the Department of Agriculture. The beets were grown entirely under irrigation. Some of them, however, received only one irrigation and others as high as live. The results obtained at the station itself were in the highest degree satisfactory. The total number of samples grown and analyzed at the 88 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. station was ten, the mean weight of the beets was 19 ounces, and tbe mean percentage of sugar 18.9, purity coefficient not given. 31 r. Stubbs, the director of the station, in submitting his report, states that he distributed 90 pounds of the seed received from the Department to thirty farmers residing in fifteen counties. Only five of the thirty farmers sent samples for analysis. One reported failure from stock breaking into the field and destroying the crop; one, failure from lack of water, and one stated that the samples of seeds sent him did not arrive. Mr. John Harrison reports that there are 20,000 acres of land in a single body such as he used for growing his beets. All the samples sent to the Department of Agricluture by Mr. Harri- son, ten in number, were from Humboldt County ; the average weight of the samples was 21 ounces, the mean content of sugar in the beets 18.8 per cent, and the mean coefficient of purity 83.1. It is evident that, if such beets as these can be grown in that locality, the 20,000 acres of land suitable to beet culture would suffice to maintain a large factory, which must of necessity prove eminently successful if fuel, limestone, and water can be had in sufficient abundance and sufficiently cheap to operate it. The cultural results in Nevada are of the high- est significance. This State, which is devoted chiefly to mining, has very small agricultural interests, but if a few areas capable of irriga- tion, like that at Lovelocks, in I iumboldt County, can be found, Nevada should become a beet producing State. The establishment of this agri- cultural industry could not fail to be of immense benefit to the Coin inon wealth. There is no other State in which the reports are more favorable, although it may be said that the number of samples is not sufficiently large to carry absolute conviction. Nevertheless, the uni- form excellence of the samples can not be the result of accident, but must have been due to the favorable influences of soil and climate. The agricultural experiment station of this State will do well to make a more careful survey, and especially to map out the localities where the eon tour of the State is suitable to beet culture and where water can be obtained. \i:w Jersey. A.8 lias been before stated, New Jersey is traversed from the south toward the north by the mean isotherm of 71 for the three summer months. A portion of it is therefore within the theoretical thermal bell for beet growing. In general, it may be said, however, t Imt the temperature will be found a little too warm to secure the best results. On the Other hand, the soil of New Jersey is of a sandy nature, suited to the growth of a beet with a high puritv. The data which have been collected during the season from New Jer sey are encouraging. The whole number of samples received from the State was 31, the average weight 16 ounces, the mean content of sugar in the beet 11. 'J per cent, and the coefficient of purity 81.4. Essex and Mercer counties each furnished seven samples; the results in Essex County were fairly good, but in Mercer County were poor. Ocean BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 89 County furnished eight samples, with a high average percentage of sugar and purity coefficient, but with a weight only half the normal. No investigations were made by the experiment station of Xew Jer- sey, but Mr. James B. Vredenburgh, of Jersey City, conducted some very careful experiments at Freehold, in Monmouth County. The following report of Mr. Vredenburgh is interesting and contains valuable data. RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IX NEW JERSEY. May 20, 1897. — I had one-quarter acre clover sod plowed and prepared for planting. May 22. — I had planted four kinds of beet seed, viz, a strip of 111 by 2 feet 9 inches or seveu one-thousandths of an acre in imported Vilmorin. A similar strip in imported Klein wanzlebener; a similar strip in Government seed, and the balance of the quarter acre in cattle beets. I fertilized the whole plot equally with 300 pounds of phosphate. I weeded the beets twice, cultivated them five times, and gathered them November 1. I had one of each kind analyzed each week, commencing August 3, by an expert chemist, the result of which I herewith inclose: Varieties. Weight. When gathered. Without tops. Pounds. 258 279 236 Pounds. 239 •258 220 The Vilmorin, therefore, produced at the rate of 17^ tons to the acre, without tops; the Government, 18 tons to the acre without tops; Kleiuwanzlebener, 15 tons to the acre without tops. It will be seen that by far the best result came from the Vilmorin, the purity <>f the juice in the analysis of November 1 being 88.20. This latter result was from an average of three beets, one small, one middle size, and one large. The cost of the labor, fertilizer, etc., on the one-quarter acre was about $15. Eesult8 on farm at Freehold, Monmouth County. Date. 1897. Au». 30 Sept Marked. Oct. 15 15 15 20 •J 7 27 27 4 4 4 14 14 14 20 20 20 Nov. 1 1 1 No mark ....do ....do ....do Government Klein wan zlebener Yilinorin No mark (Jack) - .. < rovernment Klein wanzlebener Vilmorin < rovernment K lei n wanzlebeuer Vilmorin Government Klein wan zlebener Vilmorin Government Klein wan zlebener Vilmorin Government Kleinwanzlebener Vilmorin "freight of the beet. Percen SUi. With With top In tin- top on. out off. beet. Pounds. Pounds. 1.171 1.088 10.45 1.384 1.161 11.15 1.481 1.168 11.75 1.251 1.000 11.85 2. 093 1.545 9. 80 1. 704 1.329 11.40 1.724 1.311 12.40 0.587 0. 505 14.30 4.391 2.923 10. 40 4.491 3. 000 10. 10 4. 2 ( .<2 3.058 y. 90 2. 097 1.700 12 i" 1.633 1.225 12.00 1.876 1.479 13. 80 1.662 1.474 11.50 2. 234 1.770 12. 30 1.706 1.474 14.20 1.583 1.373 13.50 2.415 2.037 11.90 2.150 1.715 14.30 2.313 1.757 12.40 1.380 1.000 13.10 1.270 0.958 14.30 In the juice. Purity co- efficient. 11.30 12. 50 12. 55 10.60 12. 00 13. 10 15.60 11.25 10.35 10.55 13.25 13. 10 14.10 12.75 12. 75 15.65 14. 50 12.70 14.95 13.50 13.80 15.35 80.14 83. 30 79. 40 80. 60 83. 90 M 50 83.40 81.50 77. 24 78. 17 84.30 82 10 86.10 80. 20 81.70 84. L0 82.00 81.90 83.50 78.00 83.10 88. 20 90 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Excluding the analyses made before the 20tli of September, which would be anterior to the manufacturing season, and including all of those made after that date, we find that the sixteen samples analyzed had an average weight of 27 ounces, a mean content of sugar of L2J5 per cent, and a mean purity of 82.3. These data, obtained by Mr. Vredenburgh, in conjunction with those secured from the analyses of the samples forwarded to Washington, indicate the possibilities of suc- cessfully establishing the industry in the State on the lands which are particularly suited thereto. As before stated, however, the danger from a slightly too high temperature must be expected, and Avhile good beets, capable of yielding high percentages of sugar, and with high purities, may be grown in New Jersey, it is scarcely probable that they will reach as high a grade as those grown farther north. New Mexico. Only three samples grown in New Mexico were received at this laboratory for analysis. These were all grown in Mora County by the La Oueva Ranch Company. The average size of these samples was small, but the content of sugar and the coefficient of purity of the juice were high. In connection with this work the report of the director of the agricultural experiment station will be found of interest. RESULTS OK EXPERIMENTS IN NEW MEXICO. Tahle 1. — Analyses in the chemical laboratory of the New Mexico Experiment station prior to October Jo, 1897. Locality. New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station, Mesilla Park Harvested Sept. IS Harvested Oct. 11 Blue Water: Harvested Sept. 8 Harvested Sept. BO Albuquerque Santa l'o ( lerro Dorsey i bap ham I ularosa Anthony Maxwell City Hatch Socorro Lordsburg Blossburg Aztec Subexperimenl Station i j, etc Number of sam- ples ana- lyz< (1. Avei weight of beets. J '<>u mis. :ti l.l'l ::i 1.53 4 1.88 4 L.83 3 1.7:5 7 L.06 3 1.04 l 1 . 60 i L.60 •> 1.98 l 1. is a •J. 77 i i . 1- i i i 96 1.61 , 1 A v. rage per cent sugar in the juice. 11.02 12.47 10.60 L2.70 13. 16 14. 10 17 03 L2.60 L5, L0 ll -.'i 11.. Ml 111. 11.60 i.. 50 L0.8U 13.18 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 91 Table 2. Analyses in the chemical laboratory of the Xeiv ^^exico Experiment Station between October 25 and Xovember 15, 1897. Locality. Comity. Number of sam- ples ana- lyzed. Average weight. Average per cent sugar in the juice. 5 6 1 4 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 5 1 6 1 Pounds. 1.5 1.9 1.9 3.5 2.7 2.8 3.2 1.5 2.1 1.7 1.1 1.6 1.7 1.0 1.9 1.1 1.5 16 8 do 17.6 do 13 5 10.6 Bernalillo 12 5 San Miguel 13.5 East Lasvegas Pine Spring Eaton Maxwell City- do 15.1 13.5 13 1 do 15. 3 do 15.4 do 13.9 Hatch 16.5 Santa Fe 15.9 Hobart do 14.9 17.6 Taos 18.6 40 1.7 15.3 Table 3. — Analyses in the chemical laboratory of the New Mexico Experiment Station between Xovember 15 and December 20, 1807. Locality. New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station. Mesilla Park. Harvested Nov. 16 Dona Ana . Harvested Dec. 15 Sample came in not marked ^Vatrous Mora Lacueva do Los Lunas Valencia. .. Blue Water do . Roswell Chavez Hagerman Eddy Santa Fe Santa Fe. .. Espanola do Jewett San Juan ... Las Vegas Subexperiment Station San Miguel Averages, etc Number Average (ii sam- Average per cent ples ana- weight. sug aria lyzed. the juice. Pounds. 31 1.7 13.9 27 1.6 13.9 1 1.5 17.4 1 .8 12.0 2 1.1 15.6 1 2. ."> 14.5 4 1.2 13.8 3 1.7 13.8 3 1.2 13.5 3 - 18.0 5 1.6 14. 1 1 •> •> 13.0 1 1.6 17.6 Our work is still in ;m incomplete condition, as we have not had time to estimate the coefficient of purity and consider some other points in connect ion with these analyses. 1 beg to call your attention to the fact that nearly all of the beets analyzed here were grown by farmers who hail had no previous experience in growing beets, and whose habits of farming are extremely loose. We can say definitely that if these beets had been grown under such conditions as would he expected to obtain upon a well- regulated farm, the results would have been verymuch more satisfactory. We know thai the conditions under which the most of the samples grew on the station farm here were not of the most satisfactory kind, as we are trying experiments on time of planting, time of harvesting, variety testing, deep and shallow plowing, different modes of irrigation, etc. It is now estahlished beyond a douM that New Mexico can grow large crops of sugar heets, containing a very high percentage of sugar. Located at Eddy, in the southeastern part of the Territory, there is already estah- lished a sugar-heet factory, doing a successful and profitable business. Iu the northern portions of the Territory coal is comparatively cheap, and the 92 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. completion of a railroad now in process of building will very materially cheapen coal in the .southern part of the Territory. Limestono seems to he scattered pretty well throughout the Territory, and while we have not had time to go fully into this subject, the few analyses that Ave have made indicate that the Territory affords limestone of a very good grade. We have just taken a survey of the limestone and waters of the sugar-beet districts. The question of water is engaging our attention, too; and we believe that water of fairly good quality can be secured. There is a lively interest taken in sugar-beet work in all parts of the Territory, and from the tables herewith inclosed the most favorable locations can easily be selected. Particular attention should be called to the Rio Grande Valley, especially the northern portion, and the Animas Valley. This latter has an extensive and abundant supply of very good water, but at present no railroad. This valley seems to be a very promising section for the production of sugar beets. See Aztec and Farmington in the tables. The soils of the Territory contain, I think, about the average amount of nitrogen and phosphoric acid and about the usual amount of potash. They have a decided advantage over the soils in the rainfall districts, because the fertility is largely kept up by the plant food contained in the irrigating water, and nearly all that once gets on the soil remains, as very little, indeed, is lost by leaching and drainage. We expect to publish a bulletin about the 1st of February, giving our results in detail. The analyses which were made by the chemist of the agricultural experiment station of the samples received by him are classified in accordance with the time at which they were made. Ninety-six analy- ses made prior to October 25 showed an average weight of the samples of 26 ounces, with an average content of sugar in the beet of 12.5 per- cent. The purity coefficient of the juice is not given. Forty samples analyzed between the 25th of October and the 15th of November had an average weight of 27 ounces, with an average content of sugar in the beet of 14.5 per cent, the purity coefficient not 1 > < m 1 1 <_; stated. Eighty-three samples analyzed between November 15 and December 20 had an average weight of 2(> ounces, and an average content of sugar in the beet of L3.4 per cent. The purity was not given. It is evident thai there are many localities in New Mexico where the conditions of temperature are most favorable to the growth of beets. There are also large areas of fairly level land which are capable of irri- gation. Wherever the temperature of these regions is sufficiently low to permit the proper development of the beet, and where sufficient Water for irrigation can be Secured, there is reason to believe that the industry may be established and prove to be fairly profitable. While 1 he summer days in New Mexico are not so long by an hour or more as in the regions farther north, the amount <>f sunshine w hich the growing- beet will receive is practically as great as ID more northern localities, because of the comparative absence of cloudy and rainy days. The remarks which have already been made in regard to the growth of beetfl on irrigated ureas apply to New Mexico. This is a subject which demands the most careful scientific study, and the work which is now doing by the agricultural experiment station of the Territory is certain BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 93 to bear excellent fruits in the near future. New Mexico is provided with a beet-sugar factory in the extreme southwestern portion of the Territory, and thus a practical demonstration of the possibilities of beet growing can be made. It is difficult to secure definite data from this factory, but from the meager reports received it is believed that the season's work has not been so successful as had been expected from the results obtained during the preceding year. Accounts have been received of a mold or fungus attacking the beets, and it is also evident that the true principles of irrigation have not yet been thoroughly worked out. There should not, however, be anything 'discouraging in accidents of this kind, as the conditions, upon the whole, are such as to warrant the expectation of final success. New York. On January 16, 1894, in addressing the New York Farmers Club on the subject of beet sugar, I used the following words: The plateaus of the great West subject to irrigatiou are especially suited to the production of sugar beets. The same is true of the lands of certain portions of Nebraska and Dakota, of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, of northern Illinois, Indi- ana, Ohio, and New York. Recently, in passing over the valley of the Genesee River, I was particularly struck with the quality of the soil and its suitability to beet cul- ture. The valley of the Genesee is only a type of hundreds of thousands of acres in New York which could be profitably devoted to beet culture. At that time practically no experiments had been made to determine the suitability of the soil and climate of New York for producing high- grade beets. In fact, not until the last year has any systematic attempt been made to ascertain the capabilities mentioned above. In the spring of 1896, in conversation with a committee of the board of trustees of the agricultural experiment station at Geneva, I urged upon them the desirability of studying the capabilities of New York for beet produc- tion. In 1897 the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the experiment stations at Geneva and Ithaca, conducted a series of inves- tigations throughout the State of New York, which has given data of extraordinary interest and importance. The climatic conditions, as respects temperature and rainfall, affecting the State of New York have already been discussed. It has been seen that there are two areas in which the thermal conditions are particu- larly favorable, separated by a large area where the mean summer temperature is less than 69°. It has already been pointed out, how- ever, that a lower temperature than 69° is still highly favorable to the production of beets of superior excellence if coupled with conditions which permit their maturity and harvest in time to avoid the severe frosts of winter. These conditions exist in a marked degree through- out the whole of the region in New York lying between the Hudson Eiver on the east and the Great Lakes on the west, excluding the extreme northern portion, where the altitude and mountainous char- acter of the country preclude the possibilities of beet culture. The 94 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. whole of the area named, therefore, where the contour is favorable and the character of the soil suitable may be regarded as a prospective area of sugar-beet culture. SAMPLES RECEIVED AT THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. From the seed distributed to farmers in different parts of the State, 225 samples of beets were received at the Department of Agriculture for analysis. The mean weight of these samples was 21 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 15, and the mean coefficient of purity 82.4. Every county in the State reporting results showed favor- able data. The counties having the largest number of samples of course gave data which are the most instructive. Cattaraugus County supplied 15 samples, with a mean weight of L8 ounces, a mean percentage of sugar in the beet of 15.1, and a mean coefficient of purity of 81.9. Chautauqua County furnished 45 samples, with a mean weight of 21 ounces, a mean sugar content in the beet of 1(>.G per cent, and a mean coefficient of purity of S2.7. Erie County sent 37 samples, having a mean weight of 19 ounces, a mean content of sugar of 15.!) percent in the beet, and a mean coeffi- cient of purity of S3. 9. Oneida County was the source of 22 samples, with a mean weight of 11 ounces, a mean sugar content of 13.(5 percent, and a mean coeffi- cient of purity of 81.8. Ontario County furnished 22 samples, having a mean weight of 17 ounces, a mean content of sugar in the beets of 1."") per cent, and a mean coefficient of purity of S3.4. Yates County supplied 15 samples, having a mean weight of 23 ounces, a mean sugar content of 12.7, and a mean coefficient of purity of 79.(1. The uniformly good properties of so large a percentage of samples collected in the promiscuous way made necessary by the method of the experiments show beyond question the favorable auspices under which they must have been grown. In addition to the special plot work on high-grade beets which was conducted under the supervision of the Geneva station, cooperative work by the Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the farmers of the State, was also carried on. From the whole number of packages of seed distributed by the station, L35 samples of beets were received for analysis, and the results obtained, without distinction of Locality, are shown in the following report of I director Jordan : i.i SI LT8 I 'i BX PER] MKNTS l\ \iw , » ORK. The number of samples reported is 135, whioh came from :i sufficient number of points in the State to make them fairly representative of the conditions prevailing. I make no reporl t<> yon <>f the production, beoause in most instances, whenever the tonnage was reported, the figures appeared t<> as t<> be unreliable because of the methods used in reaching them. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Kleinwanzlebener. 95 Beets con- Number Average per cent Coeffi- Average taining of sam- cient of weight of sugar. Per cent. ples. beet. purity. one beet. Ounces. 11-12 4 12 76.5 20 12-13 11 13 75.4 18 13-14 10 13.8 80 14 14-15 11 14.7 80. 3 17 15-16 15 15.8 84.3 14 1(5-17 11 16.5 85.3 16 17-18 13 17.6 85.2 14 18-19 3 18.5 i 85.9 13 nimorin Improved. Number Average per cent Coeffici- Average of ent of weight of samples. beet. purity. one beet. Ounces. 3 ■11.7 75 16 5 12.8 76.7 24 9 13.8 82.4 19 8 14.8 83 16 17 15.6 82 16 9 16.6 87.5 15 6 17.8 85.4 18 2 18.6 83.8 24 My chief anxiety with regard to the development of the sugar-beet industry in New York is that farmers shall not reach unwarranted conclusions concerning the profits of their side of the work. I have no reason to believe that the industry will prove more profitable to our farmers than the production of several crops which we arc now growing. I recognize, of course, the benefits of adding to our list of crops another one which will have a ready cash market. There appears to be a move all over the State for the establishment of factories at desirable centers, and promoters are already in the field who are, as a rule, urging the farmer to invest in beet sugar-factory stock. 1 am very much afraid that there will bo serious misdirection of capital, which will not only cause the farmer to lose money, bnt seriously disappoint him in regard to the benefits from growing- sugar beets. My judgment is that the matter should be discussed by those who take the lead in the matter in the most conservative way, and both fanners and business men should be severely cautioned to proceed slowly and only after extended and careful investigation. A carefully grown crop of sugar beets yielded on the experiment station farm this season at the rate of Hi; tons per acre, carrying 15.2 per cent sugar in the beet and Hi per cent in the juice. No dependence should, in my judgment, be placed upon the reports of yields of 25 and 30 tons per acre of high-grade beets in this State. Iii studying the report of Director Jordan we sec thai of the Klein- wanzlebener variety only lour samples out of the whole Dumber fell below the minimum of 12 per cent of sugar in the beets, and of the Vilinorin variety only three. This is without doubt a remarkable show- ing of excellence, in so far as the content of sugar is concerned. The caution of Director Jordan to proceed carefully in this matter, and with a due study of the factors, is perfectly in harmony with the tenor of the reports which have been issued by the Department of Agricul- 96 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. ture, on the subject of beet sugar, from time to time during the past fifteen years, and is deserving of careful consideration, both by intend- ing investors and farmers. Our reports have constantly dwelt upon the danger of misdirected enthusiasm and failure to study properly all the factors entering into any enterprise connected with the manufacture of sugar. The agricultural experiment station of Cornell University, at Ithaca, also cooperated with the Department in the experimental work in New York. Four hundred and twenty-five samples were received for analy- sis at the experiment station at Ithaca. The data obtained on analysis, arranged by counties, are given in the report of Director Roberts. In this report the percentage of sugar in the juice of the beet only is given, the mean being 16.9. Converting this number into terms of the sugar in the beet, the percentage becomes 16.1, which is one point higher than the mean percentage of sugar in the samples from New York analyzed by the Department of Agriculture. The coefficient of purity, 83.5, obtained at the Ithaca station is only a little over one point higher than that secured from the analyses by the Department of Agriculture. Director Roberts, in his report, estimates that the mean yield per acre obtained in the State of New York was 17 tons, but as his esti- mate is made upon the returns made by the farmers, many of which are evidently too high, it is not final as a source of deductions in regard to the average yield which may be obtained. It is not at all likely that an average yield of 16 tons per acre could be obtained, even by the best culture. The counties furnishing the data with the most weight are Broome, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Steuben, and Wayne. Chautau- qua County, especially, is to be regarded on account of the mean data being based upon 122 separate samples, in which the mean percentage of sugar in the juice was 16. 8, and the mean coefficient of purity, 83.5. The next highest number is furnished by Genesee County, where fche mean percentage of sugar in fche juice from 62 samples is 1<;.(>, and the coefficient of purity, 82.9. Monroe, with 59 samples, showed a mean sugar content in the juice of 1 7.2 per cent, and a mean coefficient of purity of* 83.9. Brie County, with 38 samples, gave a mean content of sugar m fche juice of 1 7.0 per cent, and a mean coefficient of purity of st;.:;. Wayne County furnished 27 samples, having a mean content Of sugar in the juice of H».7 per cent, and a mean coefficient of purity of 82.9. Broome Oounty sent 25 samples, containing L6.2 per cent of sugar in the juice, with a coefficient of purity of 81.8; and Steuben Oounty furnished 24 samples, containing 1<>._J per cent of sugar iii fche juice, with a coefficient of purity of 82.6. Following is the report <>(' Prof Roberts: The 600 pounds of sugar-beet seed sent na by bhe Department of Igrioultnre wen distributed to over 800 farmeri of the State, with directions as to preparation of the soil, planting, and cultivating. During bhe growing season, the larger part <>!' BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 97 the plats was inspected by an officer of this station and observations made as to the general conditions found. The season was a favorable one, and in nearly all cases the beets made good growth, and that the per cent of sugar was satisfactory will be shown by the table of analyses given later. It is safe to say that the citizens of New York State, both capitalists and farmers, are thoroughly awakened to the importance of the subject of the manufacture of sugar from beets. During the season one factory has been in successful operation at Rome, N. Y. Other factories are contemplated, and at the present time agents are in France negotiating for machinery to be used in a large factory to be erected the coming season. Officers of this station attended eight meetings of farmers and capitalists to give information and advice as to the advisability of locating factories in certain sections of the State. Abundance of capital is ready to be invested once the success of the industry is assured. Farmers feel that in the raising of sugar beets a new avenue is open for them, and in most parts of the State favorable for the growth of beets they are heartily favoring the new enterprise. When the various experimental plats were harvested, agents from this station per- sonally superintended the taking of the samples and the calculations of yield on 178 of the plats. To those farmers whose places we were unable to visit directions were sent as to how the samples should be taken and the yield estimated; so it is believed that this report of results is a fair statement of what can be done in New York State in the way of raising sugar beets. The necessity now seems to be the education of the farmers in the system of intensive culture necessary for the successful raising of the beets. The farmers appreciate the importance of this instruction, and are eager to learn. It is safe to predict that the manufacture of sugar from beets is to be one of New York's promi- nent industries in the near future. The following report is furnished by our chemists, summarizing the results by counties : Report of sugar-beet experiments in New York, 1897. County. Albany Broome Cattaraugus Caj uga Chautauqua Erie Genesee Hi i kimer... Jefferson ... I.i\ illusion . Monroe Montgomery Niagara . Sugar in juice. Per cent. 17.25 16. 23 16. 94 17. 34 16.83 17. 93 16.62 13.85 16.16 19.25 17.22 15. 08 17.31 Total Purity number coefficient of sam- of juice, pies ana- lyzed. 81.8 84. 5 84.3 83.5 86.3 ■ 82.9 7!». 2 81.0 85.6 83.9 79.3 83.4 1 25 15 10 122 38 62 1 3 1 59 3 7 County. Oneida Onondaga Orleans ( )s\\ ego Saratoga Schuyler Seneca Steuben Tioga Tompkins Wayne Average Sugar in juice. Per cent. 16. 16 17.40 17.20 14.45 20. 25 16.26 16.58 16. 24 18.73 17.49 16.74 Total Purity numbei coefficient of sam- of juice. ples ana- lyzed. 82.1 4 86.6 1 86. 1 3 76. 1 1 86. (i 1 79.7 2 83.2 5 82. C 21 82.7 2 83.1 8 82. 9 27 16. 89 83. 5 42.-) From the foregoing data, the conclusion is inevitable that the State of New York stands among the first in the Union in its capabilities of producing- beets with a high content of sugar and a high purity. The meager data at hand also show that a lair tonnage per acre c;in be secured. It is evident that with proper fertilization and rotation of crops the fertility of the soil can not only be maintained, hut even increased, so that it is not unreasonable to expect, under the besl con- JI. Doc. 396 7 98 BEET-S[JGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. ditions of culture, that the mean tonnage per acre produced in the State of New York will be quite equal to that of the best sugar regions of Germany. Judging by the data obtained from a single season alone, there is no sugar-beet producing country of Europe that can compete with the State of New York in the richness of its beets. If a factory, constructed on the best approved modern principles, and with every facility for converting the whole of the sugar into marketable form, could be supplied with such beets as were grown in the State of New Yoik during the season of 1897, it would be capable of placing upon the market U40 pounds of pure granulated sugar for every ton of 2,000 pound 8 of beets entering into manufacture. When, in addition to these facts, are considered the cheapness of fuel, the abundance of labor, the proximity of markets, and the importance of the dairy indus try in its relations to the refuse of the factory as a feed, it is seen that there is no place in the United States which oilers more favorable inducements for the development of the industry. ELEVATION OF REGIONS «>1 NEW YORK SUITED TO BEET CULTURE. A contour map of the State of New York, showing the elevations above tide water, is found in the filth annual report of the meteoro- logical bureau and weather service of the State for 1893. The eleva- tion in the region of the Catskills in some places readies an altitude of 3,000 feet. Immediately west of this mountainous region, and extend- in- to Binghamtou on the south and almost across the State through the south central portion, there is a large area in which the average elevation is 1,000 feet. In the southwestern portion of the State there is a considerable area the elevation of which is 1,500 feet. The region of the Adirondack* and the northeastern portion of the State lias various elevations, but as these regions are probably too far north for Successful beet culture they do not interest us here. Starting from Albany with an average elevation of 100 feet and following the course of the New York Central Railway, we pass through an area a large portion of which is below 500 feel in elevation. Prom Koine through Syracuse and as far west as Lyons the average elevation is less than 500 feet, with the exception of small areas. From Lyons to Buffalo the average elevation is above 500 and less than 1.000 feet. Immediately along the shores of Lake Ontario the average elevation is less than 500 feet. Passing to the south near Rochester, along the Genesee Valley, is a considerable area below 500 feet in elevation. All interest ingdesrript ion of the physical contour of the State is given in t lie report mentioned above as taken from the work oi Prof. Arnold Guyot. This description is as follows: The follow inn outline of the orography of \<-w York is substantially as given by Prof. Arnold Guyot. Further details are exhibited by the accompanying relief map. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 99 The mass of the State is a triangular table-land elevated 1,500 or 2,000 feet above the ocean, and may he considered the northeastern extremity of the plateau which, in this latitude, forms the Avestern half of the Appalachian system. The natural limit of this helt toward the west and north is the large depression of Lakes Erie and Ontario, and which continues down the course of the St. Lawrence River to the ocean. In the east the tahle-land is terminated hy the deep valley occupied hy Lake Champlain and the Hudson River, while southward the highlands extend without interruption into Pennsylvania. The eastern edge along the Hudson and Champlain valleys is formed hy a series of mountain chains more or less isolated from each other, and hearing the highest summits in the State. They are: The Highlands, which cross the Hudson at the limit of the coast region; the Shawan- gunk and Catskill mountains, on the western hank of the river, and the system of the Adirondacks, covering the territory between the St. Lawrence and Champlain valleys. Within this eastern wall the true mountain chains cease, but the remain- der of the plateau is indented hy numerous valleys, the bottoms of which are generally several hundred feet below the common level, and which are separated by high ridges. A remarkable feature is the deep transversal cut which forms the valley of the Mohawk and Lake Oneida, opening a channel from the low country of the Lake region to the Hudson valley, and thus dividing the main plateau into the distinct masses of the Appalachian and Adirondack systems. A subdivision of the central or Appalachian highlands is due to the deep channel of Seneca Lake, extending from the plains bordering Lake Ontario southward to the valley of the Susquehanna. The two sections of the highlands thus separated are here designated as the eastern and western plateaus, the former extending from the central lakes to the Hudson Valley, and the latter westward from the central lakes to the depression of Lake Erie. North Dakota. Only four samples were received from North Dakota, the average weight of which was 2S ounces, and the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 10.5. On account of the low content of sugar, purity coeffi- cients were not computed. No report has been received from the director of the North Dakota station in regard to any work which has been carried on by that station. The data of the lour samples received are likely to be misleading, as it is evident that North Dakota is capable of producing very much better beets than are indicated by the data in the analytical tables. North Carolina. By consulting the map it may be seen that there are many localities in North Carolina where the thermal conditions are favorable tor the growth of high grade beets. It is doubtful, however, whether upon the summits of the Allegheny Mountains, where these conditions exist, a sufficient area of suitable soil could be secured to warrant the expecta- tion of establishing successfully a beet-sugar industry in that State. Only seven samples were received from North Carolina by the Depart- ment of Agriculture. The mean weight of these samples was 23 ounces, and the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 9.1. On account of the 100 BEET- SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. low polarization of the samples, it was not deemed necessary to make a computation of the coefficient of purity. Xo analyses were made at the laboratory of the experiment station of North Carolina during the year, although the director of the station has been much interested in the work, and proposes to continue it another season. Ohio. Sixty-eight samples of beets grown in Ohio were received at the Department laboratory for analysis. The mean weight of these beets was 22 ounces, the mean content of sugar 13.8 per cent, and the mean coeffieientof purity, 79.1. Grouped by belts into northern, central, and southern, the character of the beets grown in Ohio and analyzed at the Department of Agriculture is shown in the following table: Summary of analyses of beets from Ohio, bij belts. Belts. Number of samples. Average weight. Sugar in beets. Parity coeffi- cient. 42 19 7 Ounces. 21 2:5 26 14.1 13.6 12.7 7ft 75.7 It will be seen from the above that the northern belt of the State produced the best beets, both in content of sugar and purity, and in this respect the data obtained by the Department corroborate in every particular those secured by the Ohio Experiment Station mentioned below. It is evident, from a consideration of the two sets of data, that the northern portion of Ohio offers favorable inducements, both lor the cull are of the beet from an agricultural point of view and by reason of cheapness of fuel and the facilities of transportation from the manu- facturing point of view. It is evident, however, that the central and southern parts of the State, as is the case with Indiana and Illinois, should not be exploited with the purpose of investing money in the beet sugar industry until the available localities in t lie northern regions are entirely occupied. With the cooperation of the Department of Agriculture, the agri- cultural experiment station of Ohio distributed a large quantity of seed to farmers in thai State, and from the seed bo distributed <>o7 samples of beets were forwarded to the station and analyzed. The results of the anal\ 368 by counties are given in the following table: BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 101 EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED BY THE OHIO AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Summary of results of sugar-beet investigation for Ohio, 1897. County Sr° Ashland .. Ashtabula Auglaize .. Belmont... Champaign. 4 2 9 1 1 Clark" 11 Columbiana Coshocton .. Crawford. .. Cuyahoga . . Darke Defiance Delaware .. Erie Fairfield . . . Fayette Franklin — Fulton Geauga Greene Hardin Henry Highland .. Hocking Holmes Huron Knox Lake Licking i*«gan Lorain Lucas Madison Grams. 831 679 1, 128 660 825 610 610 860 1.095 894 864 851 Per ct. 12.7 14.9 14.4 16.6 I 13.2 14.1 18.4 12.9 13.8 ' 12.9 13.3 ; 13.7 76.0 82.8 77.0 86.9 77.6 78.7 83.6 72.9 77.1 75. 5 76.9 County, 4 559 14.9 79.3 1 1,406 15.0 80.6 5 599 12.8 74.9 620 14.6 78.9 5 524 15.3 80.0 1 24 1,065 14.1 79.2 6 694 16.3 84.8 11 1,285 9.9 66.8 4 796 12.1 74.2 33 810 15.3 80.9 1 840 13.2 68.4 1 1,521 7.2 a 59. 6 680 13.6 81.0 1 303 16.0 76.1 4 642 15.9 81.9 5 789 14.9 82.7 11 562 11.9 74.9 9 779 12.8 80.0 1 520 16.0 81.2 32 889 14.3 78.5 5 711 14.3 76.8 1 Marion Medina Mercer Miami Montgomery Muskingum. Ottawa Paulding Perry Pickaway . . . Pike .... Portage Putnam Richland Rosa Sandusky ... Seneca Shelby Stark Summit Tuscarawas . Union Van Wert . . . 'Wayne "Williams "Wood "Wyandot § • - — fit OS M 6 11 3 5 13 9 1 1 1 2 19 2 31 3 10 Southern section . Middle section ... Northern section 69 146 392 Entire State. &607 Grams. 555 947 1,119 773 755 566 694 802 127 710 595 1,554 958 496 G97 812 702 607 712 684 865 1,077 1,064 787 979 777 605 892 924 834 867 Per ct. 12.4 13.9 13.2 12.6 11.8 14.4 15. 7 15.6 19.1 16.5 14.0 9.3 13.1 16.6 13.5 14.8 14.8 14.0 15.3 14.7 14.8 15.9 12.5 13.9 16.2 14.4 15.1 12.8 13.9 14.3 :;. 5 76.2 77.2 75.9 73.5 78.2 78.8 80.0 80.9 81.6 77.8 a 6 i. 7 76.5 83.4 76. 6 79.6 77.5 8,1.0 80.8 80.2 79.1 80.6 73.1 80.7 80.2 78.3 7.-.. 3 78.0 79.4 78.7 aNTot included in average of State. b Some samples were received without name and address of grower. It will be observed from the above table that the number of samples analyzed was GOT. Only 554, however, of these samples figure in the averages for the State, the others having been rejected for computing purposes by reason of certain abnormalties which they presented. The Ohio results are exceedingly encouraging from every point of view, with the exception of purity alone. The average weight of the beets was 867 grams, equivalent to 30.6 ounces. The average per cent of sugar in the expressed juices was 14 per cent, equivalent to 13.3 per cent in the beet, and the average coefficient of purity of the juices was 78.7. The most interesting grouping of the samples is shown at the cud of the table, particularly so because in the State of Ohio the most favor- able theoretical thermal conditions prevail only in the northern counties. The grouping of the total number of samples into three portions, repre- senting the northern, central, and southern sections of the State, shows in a convincing manner the effect of thermal conditions on the sugar content of the beet. The northern counties furnished 392 samples. with an average weight of 834 grams, equivalent to ii!).4 ounces, with 102 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. an average percentage of 14.3 per cent of sugar in the juice, equivalent to 13.6 per cent in the beet, with an average coefficient of purity of 79.4. The middle section furnished 14G samples, with an average weight of 924 grains, equivalent to 3i\G ounces, with a mean content of sugar of 13.9 per cent in the juice, or 13.2 per cent in tbe beet, and a mean coefficient Of purity of 78. The southern section furnished 69 samples, with an average weight of 892 grams, equivalent to 35 ounces, a mean percentage of 12.8 per cent of sugar in the juice, or 12.2 per cent in the beet, and a mean coefficient of purity of 75.3. It is seen by the above that there is marked improvement, both in the percentage of sugar and the purity of the juice, in the beets in Ohio as we advance from its southern to its northern border. The results of the work of the experiment station of Ohio have already been published as Bulletin No. 90 of that station, and interest- ing details connected with the above data can be found therein. The bulletin also contains interesting maps, showing isothermal lines and conditions of precipitation in the State. The remarks of the authors of the bulletin, namely. Mr. A. I). Selby and Mr. L. M. Bloomfield, on the general character of the results are interesting and are found below: Taken as a whole, these analyses seem to indicate that beets of good quality may be grown in most counties of the middle and northern sections of < )liio. and. further, that many portions of the southern section may be adapted to sugar-beel growing, although on the whole less promising than more northerly districts. The analyses from layette, Pickaway, h'oss, Pike, and Perry counties appear encouraging. The sugar content in h'oss County is decidedly reassuring, though the purity is slight ly below the standard. .Judging by the samples, this might have been greatly improved by more careful culture and better selection of typical specimens. The unfavorable results in Greene and Montgomery counties are not taken to indicate what may really he done in these counties. For the southern section, and particularly the \al ley districts, further trials should be made. Close planting should he practiced on rich lands. For the middle section, as a whole, good sugar beets may apparently be grown when growers have learned what to avoid in planting and culture. The low aver- ages in samples from Mercer, Hardin, and Coshocton counties may not certainly bo taken as conclusive evidence of condil ions unfavorable to sugar-beet culture. Those reported from sandy soils in Mercer County show a fair purity. The results from Belmont, Muskingum, and Tuscarawas counties point to better things in the eastern counties than previously anticipated. More trials in this region another year are certainly warranted by these analyses. anticipated from previous trials, it is the northern section which makes the most favorable showing as a whole. Samples were received from everj county of the northern section except Trumbull, Mahoning, Hancock, and Allen A. sample was received from Columbiana Count] after the tables had been completed. While tie lake shore district shows to good advantage here, the count ies situated along the summer Isothermal of 70 P. are but slightly, if at all, inferior, though repre- sented by a much larger Dumber of samples. Ottawa County gives a low purity with a high sugar content, L5.7 percent. It will i>c noted that a large number of Bample Is no! conducive t<> extremely high averages in the tables. In fact, practically all the counties of the Slate show a rat her high sugar content, ll per cent in juice when all are averaged, and 11 is to the coefficient of apparent punt \ that, we must direct our attention to discover differences. Under all the cir- cumstances an average pnnt\ of 78 and ahove may he I a ken as fairly satisfactory for tin BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 103 It is to be borne in mind, when these results are considered, that the percentages were obtained for the most part in comparatively'fresh samples, from which ou'y the leaves had been removed. Topping the beets, as for factory use, was not encour- aged, owing to the risk of water loss by evaporation. This has led, possibly, to lower percentages than where beets were topped and sent considerable distances by mail. While the actual sugar content would be but slightly, if at all, reduced by loss of water, the apparent sucrose per cent would be changed. Oklahoma. Only one sample of beets was received at the laboratory of the Department of Agriculture from Oklahoma. The average weight of the beets composing the sample was 10 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar iu the beets 11.8, and the coefficient of purity, 72.5. The director of the agricultural experiment station has submitted the fol- lowing report of the analyses of 21 samples, showing a mean percent- age of sugar in the juice of 12, and in the beet of 11.4, and a mean coefficient of purity of G5.3. The mean coefficient of purity as obtained at the experiment station of Oklahoma is phenomenally low. These data, taken in connection with the climatic conditions which prevail in that Territory, are sufficient to indicate that there is no prospect of establishing a beet-sugar industry in Oklahoma. RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN OKLAHOMA. Seed and culture directions were sent to farmers in each county, and the number of requests for seed quickly exhausted the available supply. But twenty-four reports were received and twenty-one authentic samples examined. Of the three total failures reported, one is stated as due to flood, another to drought, and the third to hail. The yield, judging from the vague and indefinite reports which I have been able to secure, varied greatly. It seems that in many cases the seed was so^Yn too far apart in the drills and that but little regard was paid the culture- directions sent out. In general, a poor stand was secured, and the majority of those reporting are not enthusiastic as to the prospects of the sugar-beet industry in Oklahoma. I inclose a tabular statement of the results of analyses of beets. The low coeffi- cient of purity of the juice is especially noticeable. Analyses of sugar beets grown in Oklahoma Territory, 1S97. County. Jlllce - i purity. Canadian . Do .... Do .... Cleveland . Custer - . . . Garlield ... Kingfisher Lincoln ... Do.... Do .... Do .... Logan rer cent. 9.3 13.0 10.1 13.0 13. 9 L2. 6 14.9 10.8 10.8 13.9 10.1 9.6 53.1 60.3 62. 7 74.3 68. 1 67.3 66.'2 73. 57.7 81.8 60. 1 County. Logan Oklahoma Pawnee Payne Do Do Do Do Pottawatomie . Average Coeffi- Sugar in juice. purity. Per cent. 9.3 58.1 14.0 78.6 12.2 1 17.7 72. 5 11.9 54.3 11.8 64. :: 11.8 63.1 8.4 52. I 12.8 81.2 12.0 (5.3 Oregon. No samples of beets were received tit the Department from the State of Oregon during the season. Previous analyses of beets received from that State have shown uniformly a high content of sugar and a 104 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. high coefficient of purity. The agricultural experiment station of Ore- gon for several years has devoted a great deal of time and attention to the study of the sugar-beet industry in that State and published valu- able reports on the subject. Mr. G. W. Shaw has prepared a resume of the work of the station and of the Department, which contains the summaries of the work done, with various comments on the data obtained. This report is given below. RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IX OREGON. In his notes on the analyses of beets for the season of 1891, Dr. H. W. Wiley, chem- ist of the United States Department of Agriculture, said : " The samples from Oregon are uniformly rich in quality, and if they truly represent the capabilities of the State there is certainly a bright future for the sugar-beet industry on that portion of the Pacific coast." This was said relative to a series of 33 analyses made at the United States Department of Agriculture, which gave the following average results: wright, 644 grams; sugar in the juice, 14.5 per cent; purity, 82.2. It was to obtain a decided answer to the question, i{ Does Oregon possess the requi- site conditions for the manufacture of sugar from beets ? H that the writer, as chemist of the Oregon Experiment Station, began a series of experiments with beets in 1891, which were continued in 1892 and again in 1897. The results of these investigations are here briefly set forth, more detailed account of which may be had by applying to the station for Bulletin Xo. 44. The sugar beet does not differ from other plants in requiring certain conditions of climate and soil to give favorable results. In foreign countries both of these ques- tions have been pretty satisfactorily settled, but in some parts of the United States the plant seems to thrive under very different conditions than obtain in foreign countries. Notably is this true concerning the rainfall, as is illustrated in the case of California and Utah, as well as in the experimental culture in Oregon, as will appear later; hence foreign countries can not be taken as representing the only conditions under which the root will thrive. However, it does there thrive and these conditions can by no means be ignored. It also thrives, and that splendidly, in our own ( 'alifornia. hence her conditions can not be disregarded in a consideration of this question. Let us examine Oregon's condition of climate and soil that, if pos- sible, we may obtain some a priori ideas on theso lines. The season for the growth of beets may ho divided into three periods— that of germinating, that of plant formation, and that of sugar storing. The following is a comparative table showing the temperature averages for Germany and certain parts of Oregon during these periods: Average temperature for periods of growth. a \ eragi temperature. P< i loci of £D>\\ 'tli. Willa.n .1 to v:illr\ . Southern ( iregon. 68. B M. 8 64 ". 84 i 63. 8 58. B Second 84 B Third Taking as a basis Dr. McMurtrie's mean Isotherm for augar beel culture at To for June, .July, :•: I August, Dr. Wiley, in Ins report npon i>eet culture, giv< a a map of ile- United States, ihowing l"<> miles on each side of this isotherm, within which area favorable results may bo looked for. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 105 It is in the rainfall of the State that we find the greatest seeming deviation from those portions of the world which are taken as typical beet-producing regions. This seeming difference should not he considered as a too serious drawback, nor would it appear so to those acquainted with all the conditions. The average amount of rain- fall does not differ much from that of the beet-growing regions of other countries, yet it is not so evenly distributed. It must be borne in mind, however, that the soils of Oregon are much different with respect to their retentiveness of moisture, and that for all our crops the necessary moisture nearly all falls during the "wet season," and for this reason we do not usually consider the monthly rainfall as bear- ing so close relation to the crops as it does in most other States, but rather are wout to consider the seasonal precipitation as the more important factor. In this respect ours is similar to the condition which obtains in our sister State, California, in which the beet industry has reached a high state of development. Champion and Pellet consider phosphoric acid as an indispensable base for the formation of sugar in the beet. They classify the order in which the plant food is indispensable as follows: (1) Phosphoric acid, (2) lime, (3) nitrogen, (4) potash. It is foreign to our purpose to discuss, at this time, the soils of Oregon to any" length, but in connection with the last statement I desire to direct attention to the fact that the soils of Oregon are well — yes, abundantly — supplied with phos- phoric acid; that they surpass those of France in lime and equal them in potash. Below are contrasted analyses of some of the French sugar-beet soils with those of the natural divisions of this State and those of California. These results, I think, speak for themselves, and need no further comment. Average comparative composition of soils. France. Oregon. Analysis of fine earth. Soinme. Nord. Eastern, ^f^f* S Califor- nia. Insoluble matter Soluble silica Potash (K 2 0) Soda (Xa 2 0) Lime (CaO) Magnesia (MgO) Manganese (Mn 3 4 ) Iron (Fe.0 3 ) Alumina (A1,0 3 ) Sulphuric acid (S0 3 ) Phosphoric acid (P 2 5 ) Carhonic acid (C0 2 ) Water and organic matter . Other matter Humus 81.80 .06 .09 .51 2.88 7.24 .09 .40 5.60 1.85 82.50 .14 .42 2.18 8.62 66.59 13.12 .43 .22 1.22 .75 .10 10.69 .04 .14 6.21 1.44 65.18 5.02 .23 .18 .83 .79 .08 16.45 .03 .21 10.77 "i.63 62.45 8.74 .34 .21 2.22 .80 .25 15.35 .01 .13 9.52 | 2.25 67.88 8.96 .64 .28 1.08 1.49 .06 15.02 4.40 Measured, then, by the foreign conditions as to temperature and the California conditions as to rainfall, and with a soil amply supplied with all the elements necessary to produce abundant crops, Oregon would certainly seem favored with all the requisites for success in beet culture. The analyses made at the station during the season of 1891-92 may be Bnmmarii ed as follows: County averages for 1891, County. No. Sugar. Purity co- efficient. County. No. Sugar. Parity co- efficient. 39 7 1 9 12. 30 14. 55 13.74 12. 99 74. 12 77. 30 79. 42 73.45 79. 95 j 79.91 1 1 15.98 14 7" Polk .. 3 1 f>. 84 11 13.98 1 10. 73 7n 89 7> 7!t 3 18. 93 16 14.32 5 1 Vaiuhill . Average 14. 13 78. OH 106 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. An examination of the results reveals that the analyses had a wide range, viz: From 6.77 per cent to 22.44 per cent sugar in the juice. 01' the 95 anal\ sea made, 8 fell helow 10 per cent; 76 showed over 12 per cent, and 37 over 14 per cent sugar. An average of 81 analyses for the Willamette Valley shows 13.76 per cent sugar and a purity coefficient of 77.89; the average beet weighing a little o^ er 1^ pounds, while an average of 10 analyses of beets from southern Oregon showed 13.38 per cent sugar with a little larger beet. But this does not really show the capabilities of this sec- tion of the State, as will appear later, for there were quite a number of immature beets included in this average. Experiments of 1892. — For the investigations of 1892 the following varieties were used, Desprez's Early Rose, Vilmorin's Improved, Kleinwanzlebener, and White Imperial, all of which are favorite kinds, the first being much used in California. Unfortunately the seed was delayed in reaching us, so it could not be distributed to the farmers as early as it should have been to secure the best results. Had the seed reached us in due time, it could have been put into the ground in April, for at that time there was favorable weather for seeding, but by the time the seed had been dis- tributed cold weather set in and continued till May, after which the weather became very dry, rendering the conditions for a fair trial very unfavorable. The rainfall for the season was below the normal and reports all read "very dry." " extraordinarily dry,'" "weather very unfavorable." In fact, nearly all the beets in the eastern portion of the State failed to mature, and in many instances the seed failed to germinate. So far as the season's climate is concerned, then, the experi- ments were greatly handicapped and we were "in pursuit of knowledge under difficulties." The cultivation for this season was the same as for the previous year, except that the rows were placed 20 inches apart. Owing to the disturbed condition of the experiment, the results are doubtless poorer than would have been the case had the season been one of more nearly normal conditions. Still, the results confirm the conclusions of the previous year, that Oregon 9868 ihe conditions necessary for the production of excellent beets for the pur- ple of beet-sugar manufacture. Expressed by counties the averages are as follows: Averages for 1892 by counties, County Benton — < iat k.iinas Douglas .. Jackson .. Lane Lincoln . . . Linn . .. Marion . . . Number of analyses. Purity co- t<»r 1892. efficient. 12.80 86.50 16 m 87. s:< If). 2(1 81.15 If., (id 81 71 L5.20 84. 05 16 20 88 00 i7. in 78. 74 i:j. ho 74. CO County. I'olk Onion Washington Va.nliill .... Josephine. - , Wasco Malheur Number A.verage of analyses. 5 for 1892. 14.60 7 19.80 10 16 60 5 18.70 2 15 7" 1 21 L0 1 20. 20 Purity co- efficient. 78. :w 87. ;t:{ 78 7'-' 82. 88 8fl 00 90. 50 84.90 The average of all analyses for the State was 15.7 per cent sugar in the juice, with a purity coefficient of 78.08, against L3.75 per cent and a puritj of 77.57 for t be previous season. Ont of the 65 analyses made, only 11 indicated less than l- percent sugar in t he juice, and 41 samples Indicated over M per cent, the extremes being 9.4 per cent and 23.8 per cent. The ■> \ erage foi t he diil'eront natural di\ isions of t he State w ere as follows: /'<•/ f, ni . Willamette Valley, 1 1 samples 1 1.7 in Oregon, 11 samples L9.2 Southern ( taregon, L0 samples L5.1 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 107 While from 1893 to 1897 no definitely outlined experiments have been conducted, yet the station has furnished more or less seed to various parties who have sent the beets to be analyzed. In other cases beet seed has been furnished by other parties, and analyses have been made in all cases when beets were forwarded to the station. The average of the results of 23 analyses made since 1892 shows 15.05 per cent sugar in the juice and a purity coefficient of 89.8. Average of all results. — Let us now collect the results to 1897 which have been thus separately set forth. In the same table I beg to include the averages from analyses made at Washington, D. C, by the United States Department of Agriculture. These last-mentioned results really indicate a little too high, probably about 10 per cent, on account of the time that necessarily elapsed between harvesting and analyzing, which would result in a loss of water. Expressed by counties the averages are as follows : Average of all analyses for each county. County. Number of anal- yses. Average of analyses made at station. Purity coefficient. Number of anal- yses. Average for United States De- partment of Agricul- ture. Purity co- efficient. 42 12. 57 8 15.62 1 1 3. 74 79.63 78.76 79.42 5 14.34 3 ! 15.36 3 | 15.30 5 14.56 1 1 17.74 1 18.94 6 14. 24 82.8 84.2 81.7 18 82.6 14. 10 77.98 81.00 80.19 84.3 4 17. 93 18 14. 42 83.9 85.4 6 14.13 4 15.17 16 14.54 30 18. 61 2 15. 29 7 12. 87 2 15.70 1 21.10 1 20. 20 73. 43 74. 60 74.10 85.10 80. 98 82.76 81.21 90.50 83.44 1 14.15 2 14.15 1 12.10 2 14. 35 3 12.49 1 79.4 81.1 Polk 79.8 81.8 80.7 Yamhill 1 1 1 13. 55 15.12 72.2 80.9 16.90 76.80 1 Averaged with Benton County. If we omit from the average those beets which were immature or overgrown, the averages for the State will be: Sugar. Purity co- efficient. Season of 1 891 , 14.3 15.9 15.0 78 2 Season of 1892 81.4 Since 1 892 84.8 15. 81.5 I hiring the season just ended, 1897-98, the experiments were continued, but were limited for the most part to those portions of the State which seemed to offer not only the best conditions for growing beets, but also presented other favorable economic conditions, for unless the requisites for the manufacture of sugar can be had as well as the beets, it is useless to expend labor in an attempt to show that we can grow good beets. In these experiments the conditions were not particularly favorable — indeed, were adverse, inasmuch as the ground was entirely prepared in 108 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. the spring and the seed was late. The results obtained in the localities selected are given "below : County. Washington.. Clackamas . . . Union Jackson Miscellaneous Weight. Sugar. Grama. Per cent. 395 is. a 508 13.8 477 17.5 4:;7 15.6 512 14.1 Purity co- efficient. Per cent. 85.9 83.4 81.0 85.8 Pennsylvania. Fifty-nine samples of beets grown in Pennsylvania were received at the Department of Agriculture laboratory for analysis. The mean weight of the beets in the samples was IS ounces, the mean content of sugar in the beet 13.8 per cent, and the mean coefficient of purity, 79.5. The size and sugar content of the samples received from the whole Stale were satisfactory, but the coefficient of purity falls a little below the minimum standard. The samples received may be divided, for the purposes of study, into two sets, namely, those from counties lying in and north and west of the favorable thermal belt, and second, the counties lying south and east of that belt. Collected by counties, the samples divided accord- ing tothe above classification show the following data: Counties of Pennsylvania above and below isothermal line 70°. County. Number ol samples. A\ erage weight Sugar in the beets. Coeffi- cient of purity. AbOV6 70°. L3 3 •J 7 2 ] 1 •J OiiiiCi -s. 18 25 18 18 10 10 Per cent. 13.8 13 '.» 13. 15.8 15 I is 1 i). 6 it; 8 77.0 7.". 8 Ilk 77.4 Erie Mercer Pol let 8] l 1 /;■ l etc . . 31 21 14.8 78.9 22 1 •-• 3 12 •J 4 31 18.2 >i I 15.7 13.9 7!). 8 79.0 lorli 80 "J Av> 28 15 12.7 79.8 It will be seen that the 31 samples coming from the count ies lying in and to the north and west ol* the favorable thermal bell have an aver- age weight Of 21 ounces, a mean contenl of sugar in the beet of L4.8 per cent, and a mean coefficient of purity of 78.9. The 28 Samples com- ing from counties lying south and east, of the favorable thermal belt nave a mean weight of L5 ounces, a sugar content in the beet of L2.7 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 109 per cent, and a mean purity of 79.8. With the exception of the coeffi- cient of purity, the influence of the more favorable thermal conditions is easily distinguished. Of the counties in Pennsylvania furnishing the most data may be mentioned Allegheny, with 13 samples, having an average weight of 18 ounces, a mean content of sugar in the beet of 13.8 per cent, and a mean purity of 77. Cumberland County, in the southern part of the State, sent 22 samples, having a mean weight of 12 ounces, a mean content of sugar in the beet of 12 per cent, and a mean purity of 79.0. Erie County sent 7 samples, having a mean weight of 28 ounces, a mean content of sugar in the beet of 15.8 per cent, and a mean purity of 82.5. The samples from Erie County are decidedly the most favorable, and this is to be expected, since Erie County has conditions of soil and climate which are entirely analogous to those pervading the ^ T ew York area from Albany to Buffalo. Attention has been called before to the mountainous character of a large part of the State of Pennsylvania, even where favorable thermal conditions prevail. It is evident, however, that in the northern and western portions of the State, where suitable soil can be found, the culture of the sugar beet may be introduced under the most favorable conditions, and with every prospect of success. EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED BY THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. The agricultural experiment station of Pennsylvania cooperated with the Department of Agriculture in the investigation of the beet-sugar work, and has published the results of its work in Bulletin No. 40 of that station. For details of the analytical work and of the observa- tions made by the director of the station the reader is referred to the bulletin mentioned. In discussing the analyses Director Armsby says: Of the 69 samples reported upon in the above table, 55 (or 80 per cent) showed over 12 per cent of sugar in the beet. Thirty-four samples (or 49 per cent) showed a coefficient of purity of over 80. Thirty-two out of the total number (or 10 percent) showed over 12 per cent of sugar and also a purity coefficient of over 80. In view of the fact that practically all of the beets were raised by farmers who had had no experience in the culture of this plant for sugar, the results must bo regarded as decidedly favorable so far as the quality of the beets is concerned. In 40 cases out of the whole number we have data regarding the average weight of the beets. Of these 40 samples, 14 (or 35 per cent) weighed between 0.80 and 1.35 pounds, 18 (or 45 per cent) were below 0.80 pound in weight, and 8 (or 20 per cent) were above 1.35 pounds. It thus appears that, as a rule, the si/.e of the beets was rather small. Thirty-four of the experimenters reported the yield of beets. In most oases the yield was calculated from that of a comparatively small ana, and in many cases t here is evidence that the results maybe considerably in error. Taking them as they stand, however, 10 (or 29 per cent) reported a yield of over 15 tons per acre, 2 (or 6 per cent) a yield of between 10 and 12 tons per acre, and 17 (or 60 per cent) a yield below 10 tons per acre. It thus appears that while, as stated above, tin- general quality of the beets was good, the yield was rather small. 110 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. As stated above, 32 of the samples showed more 1 - than 12 per cent of sugar with B purity coefficient of more than 80. Of these 32 experiments, 7 (or 22 per cent) reported a yield of over 10 tons per acre, 4 (or 13 per cent) a yield of between 8 and 10 tons per acre, 7 (or 22 per cent) a yield of less than 8 tons per acre, while 14 (or 44 per cent) did not report the yield. These figures confirm those given ahove in showing that the yield was, as a whole, rather small. Rhode Island. Only 2 samples were received from Khode Island, and no deductions of any value can be made from such limited data. The average weight of the beets composing the samples was 21 ounces, the mean percent- age of sugar therein 11.9, and the mean purity 74.2. These data of course are far from encouraging, but there are reasons for supposing that the climate of Rhode Island is favorable to the production of a much richer beet. The available area for cultivation in beets in Rhode Island is small, and it may not be worth while to prosecute the experi- mental work. Nevertheless, it is suggested that it might be profitable for the agricultural experiment station of Rhode Island to study the subject to a greater extent. South Carolina. Thirteen samples were received at the Department of Agriculture from South Carolina. The mean weight of the samples was 1 7 ounces, the percentage of sugar in the beet !).!>, and the mean purity 71). 9. These data, taken into consideration with the latitude and thermal con- ditions, indicate that there is no prospect of South Carolina becoming a sugar- producing State. SOUTH Dakota. Only 5 samples of beets grown in South Dakota were received at the Department for analysis. The mean weight of the beets compos- ing these samples was 1 7 ounces, the mean content of sugar in the beet L5.1, and the mean purity coefficient 83.2, These data arc favorable, but too meager for the basis of any definite conclusions. EXPERIMENTS r. v THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION OF SOUTB DAKOTA. Extensive investigations in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture were carried on by the South Dakota station during the past season. The whole number of samples analyzed at the South Dakota station was 337. For convenience of classification they are grouped according to the different regions in t lie State, and by counties in I lie regions as is shown in tlie following table: BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Ill Averages by counties and regions. [From report of Jas. H. Shepard, Chemist of Experiment Station.] Region and county. BIG STONE LAKE REGION. Roberts County Grant County.. Region averages UPPER SIOUX RIVER REGION. Codington County . Deuel County Kingsbury County . Moody County Lake County Brookings County . Minnehaha County Region averages LOWER SIOUX RIVER REGION. Lincoln County Turner County Hutchinson County Bonhorume County. Clay County Yankton County Union County Region averages CENTRAL JAMES RIVER REGION. Miner County... .Sanborn County. Davison County McCook County. Region averages UPPER JAMES RIVER REGION. Marshall County... Brown County .' McPherson County Edmunds County .. Day County Clark County Spink County Beadle County Faulk County H yde County Hand County Xumber of samples. Region averages UPPER MISSOURI RIVER RE- GION. Campbell County . Walworth County. Potter County Sully CO"iity Hughes County .... Region averages . CENTRAL MISSOURI RIV GION. Jerauld County Buffalo County Brule County Aurora County Douglas County Charles Mix. County. Region averages . Tons per Per cent acre. stand. 24.6 16.4 20.5 4 15.7 4 8.5 14 23.1 5 14.1 4 16.6 26 19.8 2A 20.2 1*5.9 16.4 18.2 19.5 17.5 30.5 19.7 19.3 12.3 16.6 17.2 12.5 8.3 13.4 11.0 44.0 17. 2 14.7 16.8 23.9 Average Sugar in Purity co- Ash in weight. beets. efficient, the juice. Grams. . 387 397 Per cent. 15.3 13.9 392 14.6 473 423 359 431 424 455 423 12.9 14.5 14.0 14.2 13.8 13.4 15.2 14.0 402 15.0 84.8 437 14.5 85.1 333 19.5 88.4 449 15.4 87.2 470 14.7 86.2 498 14.6 86.0 388 15.2 88.5 78 21.3 77 360 15.2 427 525 399 290 B79 375 394 394 17.7 14.9 15.9 14.3 14.8 87.8 85. 86 85. 8 0.85 .90 .87 .60 1.00 1.15 1.09 1.17 1.12 1.20 .99 1.15 1.03 .81 20.2 77 425 15.6 86.6 1.06 21.5 47 329 14.5 84.6 2.06 14.2 64 373 15.5 87.4 .92 30.1 81 470 14.8 86.4 .91 22.5 75 423 15.0 89.0 1.03 22.1 67 399 14.9 86.9 1.23 90 61 322 364 13.7 13.3 85.6 81.7 .76 15.1 1.06 26.3 100 314 18.3 85.3 .73 17.7 75 349 15.1 84.3 1.18 14.5 69 367 13.9 88.3 .91 22.8 75 351 13.9 87. 2 1.08 19.1 75 362 15.5 89. 1 1.09 33.6 77 475 14.5 86.8 1.06 12.8 96 304 18.0 89.5 1. 28 14.3 50 488 14.6 84.7 1.00 11.8 90 259 16.8 81.4 1.27 89.2 84.8 88 86.7 - 15.5 15. :; 16. 1 16.2 16.8 16 i 14. S 86 - 82. I 86. 7 83. 2 1.20 1.11 1. L2 1. 12 1.09 1.13 1.28 1. 17 1.88 1. 10 . 99 l , 26 16.9 1 L9 112 BEET-^UGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Arcra'jcs by counties and regions — Continued. Region and county. Xuniber of samples. Tung per acre. Per cent stand. Average weight. Sugar in Purity co- efficient. Ash in the juice. WHITE RIVER REGION. 1 1 1 4.V 33.0 Grams. 421 44f) Per cent. 14.9 14.3 16. 4 83.1 80.8 .90 100 1.07 263 l 8! Region averages 15LACK HILLS REGION. Meade County Pennington County Custer County Fall River County.. 39.0 100 37G 15. 2 82.0 1.06 10 ! 10. 1 7.') 401 16.8 82.1 1.19 9.5 7!) 330 16.4 32 7 1.48 1 10.0 80 67 14.8 78.0 .47 4 15.4 90 325 15.9 83.7 1.38 Region averages. BUTTE REGION. 12.8 81 281 16.0 1. 12" Harding County Butte County . . . 35 343 471 20.7 16.5 1.30 1.18 ss.S r.7 407 18.6 | 87.7 | 1.24 State averages 21.9 383 15.5 1 85.6 | 1.09 From an inspection of the above data it is seen that the results of the experiments conducted by the station are quite encouraging. The mean average weight of the beets analyzed was a little below the normal, 383 grams, equivalent to 13.5 ounces. The mean content of sugar in the beets was 15.5 per cent, and the mean purity coefficient $5A\. The data lor yield per acre are probably unreliable, as many reports of tonnage are given which are evidently erroneous, as, for instance, in Presho County, where a yield of 45 tons per acre is reported, and in Pratt County, 33 tons per acre, a quantity of beets which is not to be expected under the most favorable circumstances of growth. In so far as producing a crop of beets rich in sugar is concerned, the conditions in South Dakota seem to be extremely favorable. Attention, however, should be called to former Statements that the fanners of this State will have tocontem with the great difficulty of an early and sudden coining of winter. Il therefore, the industry should scenic a hold, this will be the most impor- tant point in the agricultural part of the work to be considered, naineh the harvesting ami preserving of the crop lor manufacturing purposes. The high purity coefficients which obtain in South Dakota are especial! encouraging. There is no other state which has equaled South Dakoti in the purity of the juices of the beets. There is abundant reasoi found in the data published above to encourage the agricultural exper^ imeiit station of the State to Continue its work of in vest igat ion, am t«> attract the favorable at tent inn of intending Investors. I i \ AS. The northwestern portion of Texas reaches an altitude where th( thermal conditions become more favorable to beet production. 1 1 is not to be expected that the southern and western portions of the Stat will ever be seriously considered for this purpose. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 113 Eleven samples were received from Texas at the Department of Agriculture laboratory, having an average weight of 22 ounces, a mean content of sugar in the beets of 12.0 per cent, and a mean purity of 7G.5. All the counties represented were in the northern and western portions of the State except McLennan, which is in the center. There is reason to believe that on the high plateaus in the northwestern portion of the State, where irrigation is possible, the culture of the sugar beet might be introduced with considerable prospects of success. A few analyses were made by the agricultural experiment station of Texas, and these are given below: OF THE WORK DONE BY THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION TEXAS. OF All of the seeds that we received for distribution in this State during the past season came to hand too late for proper planting in a State so far south as Texas. For this reason the dry season prevented a fair growth of the beets at an important period in their development, and the crops waited for the fall rains to develop size. These fall rains were accompanied by a small per cent of sunshine, resulting in a low sugar content. These conclusions are based upon the fact that where beets were planted late and irrigated, the sugar content was higher than when samples were grown by late fall rains and then sent us for analysis. Of course the extreme west- ern portion of the State produced beets of high sugar content. Results of experiments in Texas. Name and address of persons from whom beets were re- ceived. E. B. Edgell, Clarendon, Don- ley County, Tex. D. W. Buckston, Silverton, Briscoe County, Tex. Do Do Do R. L. Goble, Garrett, Ellis County. Tex. L. 11. Carpenter, Silverton, Briscoe County, Tex. Do Do Do F. E. Davis, Dublin, Erath County, Tex. C. W. Griffin, Toyahvale, Reeves County, Tex. Do Section of State. Panhandle tl do do do do Black Land Belt c( Panhandle tl do do do Central North rj Pecos Region □ ....do Labora- tory number. Brix. 1 16.8 1 1"). 5 2 3 4 (*) 17.0 14.0 13.2 13. 5 1 15.2 2 3 4 t 1 13.5 11.0 11.3 12. 55 1 tl 16.5 15.0 2 21.1 Sucrose. J '™2^~ Weight. efficient 11.88 9.69 11.02 6.89 7.98 7.79 6.27 4.89 5.04 5.46 7.07 9.69 9.5 15. 08 70.68 02. 5 64.82 49.19 60.91 57.7 41.8 36.9 45.7 48.34 50. U4 58. 7 o::. 3 Lbs. ozs. 1 10 2 4 H 4 beets, 1 sample. t Red. Tennessee. Seventeen samples of beets were received at the laboratory of the Department of Agriculture from Tennessee, of which eighl were from the agricultural experiment station at Knowiile. The mean weight of the beets received was 11 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar 10. s, and the mean purity 71.9. The mountainous regions of Tennessee are probably favorably situated in regard to thermal conditions lor the H. Doc. 390 8 114 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. growing- of beets, but the contour of the country will prevent any exten- sive planting of this crop. Middle and western Tennessee are evi- dently too warm for successful beet culture. Virginia. Thirty-four samples grown in the State of Virginia were received at the Department of Agriculture for examination. The mean weight of the beets composing these samples was HI ounces, the mean content of sugar in the beets 1 1.6 per cent, and the mean purity 76.2. Virginia lies almost entirely south of the region where thermal con- ditions are most favorable to beet culture. It is only in the seacoast counties, where the temperature is moderated by the sea breezes, and in the mountainous counties, where the altitude is great enough to lower the temperature, that good results can be expected. A great deal of interest lias been manifested in the State in regard to the build- ing of factories, but it is evident that intending investors as well as farmers should stop to consider the matter very seriously before inventing their money and their labor in this enterprise. A few analyses received from Virginia show favorable results, as for instance, the sample from Carroll County, weighing 15 ounces, and containing 15.4 per cent of sugar in the beet. There is little in the data, however, to encourage the belief that Virginia is a favorable region for beet growing. Investigations were also made by the agricultural experiment sta- tion of Virginia, but only to a very limited extent. The data obtained on analysis, together with the observations of the official in charge of the investigations, are found in the following report: INVESTIGATIONS BY THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION or VIRGINIA. Before stating the results of the analyses made at this station I think it best to make some comments upon the work attempted this season. In the first place, it was quite late before we concluded to undertake the distribution of see. is and then by the time they reached as from the Department of Agriculture the season was so fat advanced that a considerable number of persons to whom the seeds were distributed tailed to plant them. This, of course, distnrhed the experiment to a Considerable extent. Another disturbing (actor was t lie extreme drought \\ huh pre\ ailed during the latter part of die season over this stale in general, which result! d in manj o ksea in practically destroying the crop. A.s r consequence, our results are nol what we could wish. After much correspondence with those to whom seed was distributed! wc concluded to analyze only samples representing fairly well the tidewater and limestone Bectious of the state. The results of t Uese analyses follow: Sample No. L. from W.J. Phillips, Aeoomac County, \ a. Weight of whole beet, 372 grams. Percent of sugar, L6.ll. Sample No. L'. I'r Henry Jones, Suffolk, Nanseinond County, Va. Weight of whole beet, 1,325 grams. Percent of sugar, 1.17. Sample No. 3. From L. T. Barnes, Boulevard, New Kent County, \ a. Weight of whole I ret. 581 grains. P< r cent of sugar, 1 1.64. ■ i »le No. i. From T. A. idler, Atkms, Smyth County; \ a. Weight of whole, beet, 160 grams. Per cent of sugar, 9.61. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 115 Sample No. 5. From experiment station. Weight of , svhole beet, 584 grams. Per cent of sugar, 13.63. The first three samples represent the eastern section of the State and the last two the limestone section. We endeavored to secure sixteen samples covering more perfectly the geologic areas of the State, but from the causes above mentioned we failed to procure proper samples. Dr. McBryde desires me to say that if the Department wishes us to aid in the con- duct of this work the coming year we will be pleased to do so, and that the work will be taken in hand in proper season and the growing experiments arranged on a much better plan, so as to secure reliable samples from the different sections of the State. Experiments in the growth of beets in Virginia during 1897 were also made by the State board of agriculture, and are described on page 206 of the annual report of the board for the year 1897. One hundred and eight samples were analyzed during September and October. It is stated in this report that these samples varied in saccharine strength from 8.5 to 17.1 per cent; thirty-five of them were below 12 per cent, and seventy-three showed a saccharine value of from 12 to 17.1 per cent, with a coefficient of purity of from 79 to 88.5, or a saccharine average of 14.7 per cent, and an average purity coefficient of S3, which is equivalent to 250 pounds of raw sugar per ton of beets. The data obtained by the State board of agriculture are more favor- able than those secured by the Department of Agriculture or by the experiment station at Blacksburg. It is hardly probable, however, that the map which accompanies the report of the State board of agri- culture will be regarded a? a final judgment in regard to the localities in Virginia suitable to the growth of beets of the different qualities noted. A much larger series of experiments, extending over a greater number of years, will be necessary to definitely determine that point. Washington. Thirty-four samples of beets grown in the State of Washington were received at the Department of Agriculture for analysis. The mean weight of the beets received was 27 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar 13.7, and the mean purity coefficient SO. 7. The agricultural experiment station of the State of Washington for many years has conducted careful studies in regard to the possibilities of producing sugar in that State. During the past year 60 samples of beets grown in Washington were analyzed at t lie laboratory of the agricultural experiment station. The mean weight of the beets analyzed was 23 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beets L3.6, and the mean coefficient of purity 75.7. Of the whole number 68 per cent contained over 12 per cent of sugar, and 78 per cent weighed more than 1() ounces. The reports of the director and chemist of the station are given below. 116 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Summary of analyses of beets from Washington. piled from report of experiment station.] Nam- pics. Net weight beets. Sugar in beets. Coeffi- cient of purity. County. Num- x t Sn ,,. 1r Coetti- £S; >•-"- ''«'»• pq rit T . Clarke 7 20 2 8 4 3 Ounces. 29 25 17 22 33 ' 27 25 Peret 14.:; 12.0 15.8 12.3 12. 5 13. 5 11.8 77.7 73.7 79.2 70. y 72. 9 75.6 80.4 King Ounces. 10 15 1 :.4 46 26 Perct. 12.1 71.4 Pierce Lincoln Kitsap Skagit San Juan Whatcom Clallam Whitman Klickitat Averages, etc. 14.3 77.4 14.2 76.3 12.4 74.5 60 23 13.6 75.7 RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN WASHINGTON'. I have the honor to report as follows : The appointment was made so late in the summer that it served only the purpose of providing for the free transportation of beets to this point for analysis, conse- quently the report must necessarily deal with facts of an earlier date ehietly, if it is to be of any value as an indication of the adaptability of the soil and climate of the State of Washington to the culture of sugar beets. Permit me to say that we regarded our experimentation as practically complete before the beginning of this year. In consequence of this fact it had been announced early in the season thai no distribution of seed would be made. At a later period some seed was obtained from the Department of Agriculture. The planting season in Washington begins vers early considering the latitude, and the seed was received too late for general use. Seed was, however, supplied to those requesting it, and in the main these requests were from localities not so well adapted to the culture of sugar beets, so that the results of this year's planting can in no way be taken as representative. The Washington State Experiment Station began the investigation of this prob- lem through its chemical department in the spring of 1894, and conducted it with the greatest thoroughness through that and the two succeeding seasons, making more than 3,000 analyses. Beets were raised in both small and large plats. The results were 80 uniform as to demonstrate; the peculiar adaptability of this region to the culture of sugar beets. These results are given in Bulletins 15 and I'd of the State experiment station. I submit herewith the report of Professor Fulmer, of the department of chemistry, relative to t he results of this \ car. 1 might mention t lie fact that Professor Fulmer was for some time chemist of a beet-sugar factory in Nebraska, and is particularly well fitted for dealing with this subject. The results thus far obtained in the state; show a percentage of sugar oi' about 15, and a purity of nearly 84. Pullman, Wash., January a, 1898* Dear Sir: In compliance with your request 1 hand you herewith a tabulated statemenl of the analyses made in the station laboratory of beets grown from seed furnished by the United states Department of Agriculture. The data presented are far from being complete. The very important item of u variety of seed '* is ent irely omit ted, because in almost all cases the variety indicated by the grower of the beetl was not, at all in harmony wi t h the characteristics exhibited by the Samples. Poi example, beets with pink skins were often marked " Klein wanzlebener," which is a pine white variety. It is quite clear to my mind that the lack of harmony bet ween the character of the beets and the names they bore was due to the seed sent out by the Government being a mixed seed. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 117 Parties sending in beets for analysis failed in most cases to send any data concern- ing the time of planting, thinning, and harvesting; character of soil; amount of cultivation, etc. On account of this great lack of reliable data, the meager results obtained are of little value. I wish to direct your attention to the fact that this kind of experimental work with sugar beets in our State is at this time a useless expenditure of time and energy. During the past four years this station has made over 3,000 analyses of sugar beets grown in all parts of the State, and under all conditions of temperature and rainfall. The details of these analyses, and of the field experiments, have been published in full in Bulletins 15 and 20. The raising of high-grade beets in this Slate his been fully demonstrated to be a practical success, and we believe any further experimen- tation with small plats is wholly unnecessary. The uniformly excellent results that we have obtained in the past are in striking contrast to the very poor outcome of this year's test. We believe the low sugar content and purity exhibited by the beets this year is due to several causes: (1) The seed from Washington was received altogether too late in the spring for distribution in time for early planting. In most sections of the State the seed should be planted not later than the middle of April. (2) Nearly all of the samples were grown in sections of the State that have not heretofore shown any special adaptability to sugar-beet culture. (3) We believe the seed was of poor quality. In support of this assertion I wish to call your attention to the samples that were raised at Crescent, in Lincoln County. Heretofore this section has always produced high-grade beets. The samples sent in by William Adam, P. Carstens, and the first two of W. B. Warren were grown from Government seed, and gave a very low sugar content and purity. The samples of Wollweber, and the last three of Warren, were grown from seed raised at Crescent last year, and gave most excellent results. These facts and the very general poor quality of samples leads me to regard the seed furnished as an inferior quality. The inclosed results do not do justice to our State, and I wish to protest against their publication as an index of the character of beets that can be raised here. Yours, very respectfully, Eltox Fulmer, Chemist Experiment Station. Director E. A. Bryan, Pullman, Wash. In regard to the report of the chemist, attention should he called to the fact that he is evidently mistaken in regard to the quality of the seed sent by the Department of Agriculture. This seed was, of course, Dot of the direct production from high-grade mother beets, hut was the ordinary commercial seed which was imported by the Oxnard Com- pany for distribution among their beet growers. It was the same seed which was sent to Michigan and to New York, which produced in those States the excellent results which have been recorded in previous portions of this report. In over 2,200 analyses of beets which were made in this laboratory dining the past season, only about 25 samples were received which had a piuk skin, and in most cases these were marked with different names. It i* possible, however, that a few seeds of this kind may have been mixed in with the large lot of commercial seeds which were imported into this country. The Department of Agriculture neither purchased nor packed the seeds which were dis- 118 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. tributed, bo that the possible admixture of other varieties can not be positively denied. With the exception of the excessive rainfall on some of the coast areas, it has been demonstrated that the State of Washington is well Baited to the growth of beets of a high grade. An extended report on the possibilities of Oregon and Washington for beet production was made in Bulletin No. 5 of this Division, the investigations, which were published in 188"), having been made in the autumn of 1884. A descrip- tion of the topographical features and climate of western Washington is given on pages 103-104 of that bulletin. The conclusions which I derived from a study of the conditions at the time are given on page 105 in the following words: '• In view of the preceding description I am inclined to believe that in Washington Territory and Oregon, soil and climate are very favorable to the growth of a sugar heel of high saccharine strength. "The mildness of the winter is, though to a less degree than in California, favorable to the season of manufacture. With a wise and careful encouragement of the industry I have no hesitation in saying that the prospects for the development of an indigenous sugar industry in the extreme northwestern part of our country are decidedly bright. It is a field worthy the attention both of experimenters and capitalists." Investigations which have been made subsequent to this period have abundantly verified the predictions given above. The chemist of the station, in the results of his work for 1S97, says that the data are not so favorable as were obtained in preceding investigations, but, as he says, the beets analyzed came from parts of the State less favorable to beet culture than did those samples which had previously been examined. The data obtained by analyses of beets received at the Department from Oregon are decidedly favorable. The average size of the beets, 27 ounces, shows the possibilities of a large yield, while both the con- tent of sugar and the purity coefficient are favorable to the production of large quantities of sugar from the beets produced. The thermal conditions which prevail in Washington are noticed in another place. The coast region is cooler than the mean temperature of 69 for the siinuner months, but, as has been remarked before in more than one place, t his is not unfavorable to the product ion of high-grade beets; on the contrary, rather promotive of it. The mild autumns, especially in the western part of the state, afford ample opportunity for the complete harvest and care of the beets. In considering the data which have been obtained through a long series of years, therefore, it is safe to Say that there are extensive areas in the State of Washington which invite the careful consideration of intending Investors in the beet- sngar industry. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 119 Wisconsin. Forty-two samples of beets were received at the laboratory of the Department from Wisconsin, of which number 3L were grown in Dane County, representing the beets grown by the agricultural experiment station. It is evident, that the mean results of the samples from Wis- consin are influenced in a marked degree by those obtained from the agricultural experiment statiou. These mean results therefore repre- sent a higher quality of beets than would have been grown in the promiscuous manner already referred to. The mean weight of the beets grown in Wisconsin was 15 ounces, the mean content of sugar therein was 15.8 per cent, and the mean purity 83.3. The small mean size of the beets is due chiefly to the 31 samples received from the agricultural experiment station, of which the average weight was only 11 ounces. With the exception of 1 sample from Outagamie County, which weighed only 8 ounces, the other samples were of good size. Especially is this true of the 3 samples received from Racine County, the mean weight of which was 34 ounces, the mean content of sugar 15.4 per cent, and the mean purity 82.0. The data obtained by our analyses are encouraging, but, on account of the small number of samples, not convincing. Therefore the fol- lowing report of the results of the analyses made at the agricultural expeiiment station will show more conclusively the influence of the character of the soil and climate of Wisconsin on the quality of sugar beets. EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED BY THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION OF WISCONSIN. Three classes of experiments were conducted by the agricultural experiment station of Wisconsin during the year 1897. xVn elaborate report of these experiments has already been printed as Bulletin No. 64 of that station. The following interesting summaries represent the principal data obtained: The three methods were the following: First method. — A general distribution of seed was made promiscu- ously to farmers in the State who desired to experiment. In all, 13,766 packages were distributed. Each package contained directions for planting and cultivating the beet. One thousand six hundred and sixty-three samples of beets grown under these auspices were received at the station for analysis. The quality of the bee~ts, together with the analyses of beets grown in 1890, 1891, 1892, and 1897, with a summary for the four years, is shown in the table on page 1^0. 120 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IX THE UNITED STATES. Results of analysis of sugar beets grown on Wisconsin farms during 1890-1892 and 1897. — Averages by counties. County. Adams Ashland Barron Bayfield Brown Buffalo Burnett Calumet Chippewa .. . Clark Columbia — Crawford . ... Dane 1> Door Donglaa Dunn K;iti Claire. .. Fond (lu Lao. Forest Grant < rreen < rreen Lake. . Iowa Iron .Jackson Jotierson Juneau Kenosha Kewaunee . . . La < Irosse Lafayette Langlade Lincoln Manitowoc . . Marathon ... Mai incite . . . Marquette . . . M ilwaukee . . Monroe (lento Oneida Outagamie. - . Ozaukee Pepin Pierce Polk Portage Price Racine Richland .. Rock St. Croix... Sauk Sau yet Shaw alio . . Slid,. Taj loi 1890-1892. = - P.ct. 11.99 12.74 r.a. 76.1 77.0 10.75 13.48 74.9 77.4 1897. Summary tor four years. - — - 4. e 16.67 12.72 14. 15 12. 28 10.09 12. 98 11.77 14.59 82.6 77.5 81.4 74.7 72.0 76.7 7.i. '_' 80.0 12.49 11.70 12.13 9.64 10.24 12.84 11.31 11.32 79.8 76.0 74.1 72. 5 69.3 77.5 78.1 74.9 7.79 13.96 13.(14 12.71 13.58 12.58 12.27 12.91 17.43 12.61 12.67 8.77 65.6 79.0 76.0 78.1 77.1 76.1 77.li 81.4 85.9 80.4 76.5 64.5 15.51 12. 32 13 76 11.48 13. 14 14.71 11.09 12.02 14.27 11.31 12.96 12. 55 9.67 10.60 11.71 13.61 83. i 76.2 80.7 75.4 75. 1 70. a 76. 7 71.7 7 1 5 76. 3 74. 3 78. 9 Tons. 9.3 17.7 17.9 15.9 14.7 23. 6 10.9 15.5 15.3 14.4 20.7 21.4 11.5 14.0 11.0 6.0 13.2 15.2 •J 7. 8 17.5 25.3 21.8 35.1 15.2 26. 4 24.1 l ;. l 16.4 16.1 28.5 12. 3 13.5 75. 2 23. 6 70.0 20.7 79.1 11.9 12.5 10.5 12. 11.4 19.9 23.8 26. 1 16.9 L6 - 8.8 5 15 1 101 8 2 48 34 61 30 2 44 47 15 8 26 63 38 1 26 4 13 1 1 64 13 9 13 74 tt.z. P. ct. 13. 67 11.42 12.94 10.96 13. 12 12.96 12.92 12.61 12.18 11.97 12.68 12. 00 13. 51 12. 86 15.11 13.92 12.07 10.70 12. 04 11.31 12.21 10.16 12. 06 10.40 9.96 11.57 13. 55 12. 34 14.31 13.38 12.75 10.47 11.51 13.09 13. 42 11.99 13.23 13.19 14.17 12.36 15.48 13.78 13. 06 14.00 11 82 12.58 ll.oo 13. 12 10.43 13.7.'. 10.61 13.97 12. II P.ct. 75. 5 74.2 74.3 73. 5 75.5 75.3 7.".. 72.4 74. 2 74. 9 71.8 72.3 71.3 71.0 77 I 78.8 73.7 73.8 71.2 70. 2 71.2 65. 5 72.9 70.2 64.7 77.4 72.8 72. 9 74.2 75. 4 80. 6 66. 3 70.8 75.9 74.9 72. 3 76.6 77.7 77.7 73. 1 79 8 75. 4 77. 7 73.7 7.;. 2 72. 6 73 2 67. 2 7.V 8 88. 7 /'. n* 10.2 3.0 12.0 16.5 14.0 11.2 18.0 11.8 11.7 11.7 13.4 9.7 12.7 12.5 10.0 16.7 12.6 11.0 16.6 15.0 13.0 14.0 11.5 12.0 15.5 10.6 15.0 6.2 L5.0 14.2 12.5 9.4 11.0 4.5 8 i - - - r. 15.0 11. 1 23. 5 15.0 17.3 8.8 11.0 ll :; 15.8 15 i 13. 8 13.0 12.96 LO >7 75.0 78. 70. fl 15 1 I I 8 '5 105 17 2 56 47 68 49 6 - 60 18 8 39 73 5 10 14 8 1 65 36 15 14 104 70 10 16 10 53 29 15 20 40 4 77 ..-> 9 12 6 41 7 21 24 26 ::l 1 25 $ z — ^ P.ct. 13.11 11 42 12. 00 10.96 13.03 13.24 12.02 13.19 12 23 12. 19 12 53 10. 76 13.37 12.62 15.02 13.92 12.86 10. 84 12.07 hi. 47 11.74 11.77 12.01 11.20 9. 96 11.51 12.63 14.19 13.44 12.72 11.19 11.59 14.39 13.22 12. 10 12.92 l ;. 10 14.57 12.34 14.56 12.77 13.81 12.66 11.7(1 12.01 10.43 13 87. 18 64 11. OS 10.69 13.19 75.9 74.2 74.7 73.5 7:>. 5 76.4 7.V 73.8 77.. 2 75. 6 72. 72. 1 72.6 73.0 77.7 78.8 75.6 74.1 71.7 71.3 70.5 72. 7 73.2 74.3 64.7 77. 2 76.8 71. 1 74.5 7.".. 8 79. 70.6 72. 1 76. 8 73.0 r.~>. 7 77.7 70. 4 74.3 80. 2 7:.. 5 75. 3 7C. 6 7:;. 2 73.0 73.6 67. 2 76. 8 72.8 74.5 72. 2 73.8 Tons. 9.8 3.0 14.1 16.5 14.3 13.0 18.0 12.1 15.1 11.6 14.2 13.1 13. 2 13.8 13.0 16.7 12.2 11.5 15.1 10.5 13.0 15.0 11.5 15. 5 10.6 16.5 13.2 15. 7 16.8 13.0 16.0 12.0 10.9 14.8 12.9 10.9 8.0 IS 4 11.8 15.1 "iG.h 13.0 17.7 15.0 17 B 0. l 11.0 13.9 14.4 14.0 15.8 14 8 21). 1 lo l 1 5 •"■ 11.0 ll will be noticed thai the table includes (lie analyses of 527 samples collected daring the years L890-91-02, together with the 1,663 collected in 1 897, or a totalof 2,190 samples. In the discussion of the analytical data Mr. P. W. WON, who has compiled the report, makes the follow- ing interest ing obsen at i«>n- .- Sixty-eighl of Ihe counties of the State are represented in the sugar-beet analyse! made during tin- pasl sea&on. Brown county Leads with L01 samples of beets, BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 121 Kewaunee •being second with 74 samples. Ten counties furnished 50 or more sam- ples each. The highest average for the sugar in the juice, 11 samples analyzed, was obtained for Oconto County, namely, 15.48 per cent with a purity coefficient of 79.6, followed by Door County, which gave 15.11 per cent sugar in the juice, purity 77.4, as the average of 15 samples. The average sugar content of the juice of the beets was above 12 per cent in case of 49 counties, above 13 per cent in case of 26 counties, and above 14 per cent in case of 8 counties. Adaptability of different parts of the State to sugar-beet culture. — A close study of the results given in the preceding tables will be of interest, and is necessary in order to properly understand the situation of the question of sugar-beet culture in our State. The table indicates what an investigation continued through four growing seasons has revealed as to the adaptability of the soil in different parts of the State to the culture of this crop. In case of a few counties, especially the extreme northern ones, the number of analyses made is not sufficiently large to warrant our drawing definite conclusions as to the quality of beets there grown, but in the large majority of counties the number of analyses is ample to be considered a true representation of what beets grown in the respective counties will show when raised by fanners who have no special knowledge of the requirements of the sugar beet as to culture, soil, etc. If the averages of the sugar contents for the various counties, as given in the last table, be marked on a Wisconsin map, and the counties whose averages come, say, above 13 and above 14 per cent of sugar in the juice be shaded, it will at once be noticed that the counties producing the richest beets are those lying east and south- east of the Wisconsin River, and those in the northwestern corner of the State along the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, from Buffalo County and north. The Lake Shore region is shown to be peculiarly well adapted to the culture of sugar beets; all counties producing beets with an average content of sugar in the juice above 14 per cent in the past season's analyses border on Lake Michigan or are adjacent to counties bordering on this lake. Mr. Woll is also of the opinion that those soils of the State which have been derived from limestone are best suited to the growth of sugar beets. He makes the following comment in regard to the sugar content of the beets : Sugar content of beets. — The table shows that the average per cents of sugar in the juice for the years given were as follows: 1890-1892, 12.76 per cent; 1897, 12.67 per cent, or an average of 12.70 per cent for the years 1890-1897, tho last figure being the mean of nearly 2,200 analyses. The usual minimum standard for beets adapted to factory purposes is 12 per cent sugar in the beet. Since beets contain about 95 per cent of juice, this will correspond to £f = 12.63 per cent of sugar in the juice. Our average therefore exceeds this minimum figure by a small fraction of 1 per cent. The influence of the character of the soil upon the weight, sugar con- tent, and purity of the beets is summarized by Mr. Woll in the following statements: In the sections of our State where exclusive grain raising has given way to diver- sified farming, dairying, stock raising, or market gardening, the land is usually in a good state of fertility, and a sufficient amount of barnyard manure is produced every year so that no artificial fertilizers need be purchased. But where grain rais- ing is still continued as the sole reliance of the farmers, there is no hope for Bugar- beet culture until the system of farming is changed, and the manure produced by the stock kept is carefully saved and applied, or commercial fertilizers are purchased for the beet fields. 122 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Second method. — The second line of investigations conducted by the experiment station consisted in the establishment of substations in dif- ferent parts of the State. As was mentioned in a previous part of this report, this is by far the most hopeful manner of conducting an agri- cultural survey of the State for the purpose of determining its suita- bility for the growth of sugar beets. In all, .'i°> farmers who took charge of this substation work made complete reports to the central station. The average expense per acre reported by 32 of these was $28.73. One report, showing an expense of 804.34 per acre, was excluded from the average. The average yield per acre, as reported from the 33 stations, was 29,850 pounds, or 14.0 tons of 2,000 pounds each per acre. This yield includes only 27 returns, since G of the substations failed to return the yield per acre. The lowest yield per acre reported was (I tons, and the highest 24. s tons. The average result of the analyses of the sam- ples from the different substations is shown in the following table: Average lor 23 substations in southern half of State C-'>o and 31 samples, re- spectively) A\ erage for L3 substations in noil hern half of State (17 ami 15 samples, re- spectively) Average for ::ti substations (47 and 4u May 7, and plowed again L2 inches deep on May HO. About four-tilths of it BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 123 was subsoiled to a depth of 6 inches. The agricultural analytical data obtained from this field are given in the following table: Yield of beets and of sugar per acre, main field. Name of seed. Kleinwanzlebener, Xeb Desprez. Men Klein wanzlebener, Apew . . . Klein wan zlebener, Hoerning. Vilmorin Improved Tilmorin Kleinwauzlebener. . Vilmorin French Kleinwanzbbener, Floto* ... Desprez White, Xo. 2* Desprez White, Xo. 2 B * Wernich'a Kleinw., Floto*... Demesmay * Klein wau zlebener. Neb. (2) * . Averages, etc Eastern balf. Yield Yield of beets of beets from per plat. acre, Pounds 3,422 2,826 3, 053 2,875 2, 221 2, 473 2,485 2, 258 2,081 2,108 2,111 1,321 30, 121 Pounds. 24, 010 22, 060 21, 450 20, 160 15,610 17, 380 17, 460 15, 860 14, 620 14,810 14, 840 15, 510 20, 760 Sugar in the beet. Per cl. 12.72 11.71 10. 1)6 15.04 14.68 10.65 11.26 14.24 10.95 15.05 15.65 14.23 15.83 Sugar per acre. Western half. Yield of beets from plat. Pounds 3. 059 2.543 2, 352 3,038 2,291 1,850 1,966 2.259 1.602 2, 228 2. 320 2, 207 3,287 18,043 l 13.22 385 Pounds. 2, 874 3, 1 22 2,301 1,299 1,308 2. 728 2. 701 1,472 1, 42!) 1,408 1, 236 799 355 Yield of beets per acre. Pounds. 25, 030 30. 230 32. 120 20, 210 15, 030 23, 770 23. 540 12. 820 12. 4C0 12. 270 10, 760 11,600 10, 300 23,032 18,472 Sugar in the beet. Per ct. 15.80 13. 71 15.17 17.06 14. 28 14.98 13. 58 14.05 14. 38 11.71 13.62 10.28 10.75 Sugar per acre. Pounds. 3.959 4.144 4,873 3,448 2.141 3,561 3,196 1,801 1,790 1,436 1.467 1. 192 1.058 14. 18 i 2, 620 * Not included in average for western balf. The cost of cultivating this field is given as follows: Cost of growing an acre of sugar beets. — A careful account was kept throughout the season of the lahor done on the 3-acre beet field; valuing labor as previously given, we have the following summary: Plowing and preparing the land $12. 42 Planting 1.70 Cultivating, hoeing, thinning and transplanting 51. 63 Harvesting and placing in cellar 31.60 Total 97.35 This sum, $97.35, or $32.45 per acre, does not include the cost of seed or rent of land. It is nearly $4 higher than the corresponding figure obtained as the average for 28 substations; the greater cost with us is easily accounted for by the weedy condition of the western half of the field, as well as by the fact that the harvesting of our beets was a comparatively slow and difficult job, since the diil'erent lots and varieties had to be harvested and kept separately. In addition to the work summarized above the station took part in the growth of high-grade beets on special plats under the supervision of the Department. The results of these experiments are given in another place. Wyoming. Thirty-four samples, of beets grown in Wyoming were received at the Department of Agriculture for analysis. The mean weight of the beets received was 11) ounces, the mean content of sugar in the beet 17.1' per cent, and the mean purity 82.3. These data are exceptionally fine, and show that, in so far as the production of a crop is concerned. Wyoming will be able to compete with any State in the Onion. The thermal conditions which prevail in the State arc 4 extremely irregular, the low valleys having warm and the high plateaus cool summers. It 124 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. is evident that only on the plateaus, where the land is reasonably level, and where irrigation can be practiced, will it be possible to grow, with absolute certainty, a crop of beets of high saccharine strength. Among the counties of Wyoming the two which furnish the most data are Converse and Big Horn. Converse County lies in the southeastern part of the State and Big Horn in the northwestern. In the beets from Converse County the average weight was 2G ounces, the mean content of sugar 17.8 per cent, and the mean coefficient of purity, 82.2. Big Horn County furnished six samples, of which the average weight was 1*0 ounces, the mean content of sugar 18.7 per cent, and the mean coefficient of purity 82.2. When these analyses were made, showing such fine results, we wrote at once to the parties to see if we could not get a quantity of the beets for mothers in producing beet seed. The reply was made that they had all been frozen, and therefore no samples could be furnished. This reply to our inquiry indicates the chief difficulty to be encountered in Wyoming in introducing the beet industry, namely, the sudden advent of cold weather and the severity of the early winters in that locality. Id Big Horn County some of the altitudes are 10,000 feet, and the whole county lias a very great elevation. In the southeastern portion of the State the altitude generally reaches 7,000 feet. It is evident, therefore, that these high elevations give cool summers and favor the early advent of winter. Another point to be considered is the mountainous character of the state, which, of course, precludes the possibility of culture over exten- sive areas. In low valleys protected by mountain ranges, if from 15,000 to 25,000 acres of land in a body could be secured, it seems proba- ble that the industry of beet growing might be introduced with every probability of success. The temperature conditions, however, of Octo ber and November should be most carefully considered, as it would doubtless be necessary, even in the most favored valleys of Wyoming, to have the beets securely protected by the middle or end of November. This short harvesting season can not help but add a great deal to the cost of production, and hence must be taken into consideration. In that part of the country also the question of the supply of water is a very important factor, and must not be lost sight of, as not only will water be required for the growing of crops, but also in immense qnantit ics for manufacture. 'Die data at hand only permit us to study the composition of the beet itself, and surely Wyoming is to be congratulated on having produced, judged from the limited Dumber of samples supplied, an excellent quality of beets. \ I RM< '\ i . Only 8 samples of beets from Vermont were received at the Depart in -lit of Agriculture, and these were of very high quality. The mean weight of the samples received was 22 Ounces, the mean content of sugar iii the bed II. 'J per cent , and the mean coellicient of purity, 84.1. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 125 At the agricultural experiment station of Vermont 32 samples were received. The average weight of the beets received at the experiment station was 17 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 16.3. and the mean purity 84.2. In reporting the results of the experiments the director of the station makes the following observations : RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN VERMONT. One hundred persons guaranteed at the outset of the season to grow the crop and ship us samples. We had returns from twenty-seven. The remaining seventy-three, however, were not so much at fault as was the Weather Bureau. The weather throughout the State during the months of May, June, and July and the first part of August was execrable, there being several times the normal rainfall. In almost every case of not sending samples the report was that the crop was drowned out. It strikes me as somewhat doubtful whether the results obtained in the twenty- seven cases reported are truly representative of what might be expected umler normal conditions of weather. The percentages of sugar certainly run quite high. I find that several of the growers sent their samples to Washington. I should be gratified, if it were possible, to receive the statement of the analyses, as we may wish to make some use of the sugar-beet data ourselves, which, as I under- stand, we are at liberty to do. The majority of those who made a failure of the work this year expressed their desire to try again next year. Of 32 beets analyzed at the agricultural experiment station of Ver- mont the number containing from 12 to 14 per cent of "sugar was 2; the number containing from 12 to 14 per cent of sugar and weighing 1G ounces or over was 1; the number containing more than 14 per cent of sugar was 28; the number containing more than 14 per cent of sugar and weighing 16 ounces or more was 12. It is seen from the above data that the only limitations upon the growing of beets in Vermont are the extent of the area suitable to the culture of the beets and the length of the growing season. It is evi- dent, in so far as growth is concerned, that such a season as that of 1897 is capable of producing beets of the highest grade, but the growing season includes properly the season of harvest and preservation of the beets. The high northern latitude of Vermont and the early and severe winters must be taken into consideration in this particular. Vermont is also a mountainous country, and the areas of level land are not proportionately so great as in most of the States which have been considered for beet growing. Where bodies of from 15,000 to 25,000 acres of level and fertile land can be found with the autumnal condi- tions favorable for the harvest and preservation of the beets, tkere is no reason to doubt the possibility of successfully establishing the beet sugar industry. INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON THE QUALITY OF SUGAR BEETS. The influence of temperature and other climatic conditions upon the growth of beets is discussed under the head of special experiments in growing beets from high-grade seeds. It will be interesting, however. to compare the deductions from that discussion with those from data 126 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IX THE UNITED STATES. obtained from certain parts of the country where favorable conditions exist for making this comparison. The States of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois are situated in a peculiarly favorable manner for a study of this kind. Each of these States has a portion of its area in the theoretical thermal belt and a large portion of its area outside of that belt. In each of these States, therefore, the data received from the various counties were classified into three portions, namely, the northern, the central, ami the southern belts. The following is a tabulation of the data from each one of these sections in the three States: Relation of latitude to development of sugar content. Northern belt. Central belt. Southern belt. Average weight of beets. Sugar in beets. rarity coeffi- cient. Average weight of beets. Sugar in beeta. Purity coeffi- cient. Average \v< i^lit ol Sujiar in beets. Purity coeffi- cient. Ohio Indiana Illinois. Ounci s. 29. 4 18.0 220 Perct. 13.6 13.3 13.2 79.4 81.9 7«J. :i Ounces. 32.6 18.5 20.0 Per rt. 13.2 11'. '.) 11.5 78.0 80.7 7.-.. 4 Ounct s. 35.0 14. J 19.0 Perct. VI. -1 10.7 11.1 75.3 78.0 74.7 Tiie data in the above table have a peculiar value in establishing, by experimental results, the validity of the scheme employed in the construction of the theoretical thermal belt suitable to the growing of beets. In every one of the States mentioned there is a gradual deteri- oration in the quality of the beet, both as respects its sugar content and its purity, in passing from the northern to the southern belt of the State. It may be said that the difference between the two extreme areas is not very great, and that for this reason it would be advis- able to establish factories indiscriminately in one or the other of the belts, according to more or less favorable local conditions, aside from the sugar content of the beet. The fallacy of this statement, however, will be evident to anyone who studies carefully the conditions of manu- facture. An increase of 1 per cent in the sugar content of the beet means an increase of I'D pounds per ton in the amount of sugar manu- factured, without any corresponding increase in the expeuse of manufac- ture. In other words, the cost of extracting the sugar from a ton of beets which would yield ISO pounds would be just as great as that attending a ton of beets which would yield 200 pounds of sugar. But the additional value of the 20 pounds Of sugar manufactured might in many instances determine whether the business would he con- ducted at ;i profit or a loss. The above assumption is true on the Supposition thai the coefficient of purity remains the same in each case. When we consider in addition to the loss of the sugar, the deprecia- tion in the purity of tin' juice, the discrepancy between the sections becomes all the greater, ^nt only is the loss nttending the lower sugar content <>i tie- beel to be considered, bul also tin' additional loss BEET SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 127 which is coupled with the lower purity. Iu other words, a ton of beets with a coefficient of purity of 80, which would yield 200 pounds of sugar by the ordinary processes of manufacture, would yield very much less than this if the purity coefficient should fall to 76, and would yield very much more if it should rise to 85. The data obtained in the above table afford convincing proof of the fact that it is not safe to push the manufacture of beet sugar too far south of the theoretical thermal belt, unless the depreciation in the sugar content and purity of the beet is compensated for by some remarkable local factors, in the way of cheapness of manufacture, which will make good the loss due to the low content of sugar and the low purity of the juice. These figures, obtained in this miscellaneous way. are fully corroborated by the care- ful experimental data obtained in the culture of high-grade beets at the six stations which are mentioned in another place. From exactly the same seeds, planted in exactly the same way and cultivated in the same manner, exceptionally high grade beets of fine sugar content and high purity were obtained from the Xew York station, good beets were grown at the Wisconsin station, fairly good beets at the Iowa station, beets with a fairly good content of sugar but diminutive in size on account of the drought at the Indiana station, beets of good size and very low content of sugar at the Kentucky station, beets of only mini- mum content of sugar and very small size at the Tennessee station. These results are such as should be studied carefully by intending investors who desire to place their money where the certainty of return is the greatest. With such magnificent areas open to cultivation as are found iu the States of New York, northwestern Pennsylvania, northern Ohio, northern Indiana, and southern Michigan, it would not be wise for meu of capital to select localities which the figures at hand indicate are less favoiable to the production of high-grade beets. The data which have been obtained from New York and from Michigan indicate that with the best principles of culture, with good fertilization and skilled oversight, beets can be grown over wide areas fully equal in sugar-pro- ducing power to those which are grown by the skilled farmers of Ger- many. On the other hand, it is quite certain that if the area of culture be pushed to the south, so as to fall entirely without the limits of the thermal belt, the same fertility of soil, the same fertilization, and the same care in culture will produce beets less rich in sugar, with a lower purity, and yielding less sugar per ton than those grown in the locali- ties first mentioned. As to how far the successful growth of the sugar-beet industry can be pushed north of the limit of (J9°, it may be said that the only con- dition to be considered in this matter is the possibility of producing and ripening a crop and harvesting it before the rigors of winter set in. The culture of the sugar beet may be very successfully practiced in localities where the mean summer temperature falls even as low as 04°, 128 BEET-SUGAB INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. provided the latitude is far enough uortli to get sufficient sunshine to mature the beets before the frosts of autumn. If the autumn be mild and merge gradually into winter, the limit of successful culture will be found where the freezing weather of winter cuts short the time required for the harvesting and siloing of the crop of beets. In the light of the data at present available, therefore, the southern limit of the sugar-beet belt may be regarded as the isotherm of 71° for the three summer months, occasionally pushing 50, 75, or even more miles south of this line, where exceptional conditions of soil and manufacturing facilities are presented. The facts of the case, however, warrant the statement that the safer plan will be not to push south of the isotherm of 71° so long as equally favorable conditions of soil and manufacture arc 1 obtainable north of this line of demarcation. It is deemed wise to dwell particularly upon this subject, because of the fact that so many people living south of the isotherm of 71° are vitally interested in this matter and so eager to have the industry established in the neighbor- hoods in which they live. The conclusions which have been drawn are not meant to discourage experimental work in areas widely remote from those mentioned. It is only just, however, to call attention to the fact that investments of large amounts of capital which result disastrously do more to deter the successful establishment of an industry than a much larger number of successful investments favor it. For instance, in I he State of Wisconsin we have an illustration of the financial failure of an attempt to manufacture beet sugar, and as a result of this fail- ure it will be difficult to induce capital to look for investment in Wisconsin in the sugar-beet industry, although the conditions in that State are exceedingly favorable to success. Had it not been for the failure of the factory projected at Menominee Palls, it is quite certain that other capital would be invested in the Slate at the present time, and instead of the industry being in a stagnant condition it would be advancing on the road toward success. It is extremely important that no mistakes be made from a financial point of view, and that every precaution to avoid these mistakes be observed. When subsequent; experimentation shall have demonstrated that there are areas outside, and especially south of the theoretical belt, equally as well suited to the growth of beets sufficiently rich in sugar as those which have been mentioned, it will be time enough to ask capital to seek investment in t hose localities. BUGAB BEETS AS OATTLB POOD. Thousands Of tanners in various parts of the country are growing beets in an experimental way and have no opportunity to dispose oil their product t«> sugar factories. These fanners may, nevertheless, find the giowing of small quantities of sugar 1m els profitable by using the product for cattle t<>o]« to carry both ewes and lambs through in good shape until the grass comes, and, of course, thereby prevent the loss which he would otherwise have to stand of the many ewes and lambs which would die on the range. When the lambing season is over and we see how the sheep come through I shall be glad to write you fully. Mr. Crawford is anxious to make a contract tor all our next year's pulp, and I have no doubt that the feeding of sheep on pulp in this valley will become quite an industry. Yours, truly, A. S. Goetz, General Manager* Mr. H. W. WlLBY, Division of Chemistry, Washington, D. C. It is evident from the above that these practical experiments in feed- ing, although not controlled by actual chemical analyses, have been eminently successful, and it is not at all unlikely that within a few years our beet factories will be able to contract in advance for all the pulp which they can possibly produce. To illustrate more clearly the value of the pulp and its value for feeding purposes, the following extracts, taken from standard European authorities, are published: DIFFUSION PULPS <>K EXHAUSTED COSSETTES. The following table contains an average of analyses made by Messrs. Vivien, Lucas, Duvin, Durot, and Duponl as a commission of experts iii France: Fresh pulp. Per <•' at. . 92 e 52 .00 1.40 Dr3 material Per cent. H. 48 .v.i. 76 18.15 Pal .88 12.83 100. Oo LO.y] 100.00 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 131 FEEDING EXPERIMENTS WITH BEET PULP. Extensive tests in feeding pulps have been made at the Francieres sugar house of M. Gallois. The following animals were used: (1) Beef cattle, (2) oxen, (3) milch cows, (4) sheep, (5) ewes. Before beginning the tests, these animals were all gradually accustomed to the change from their customary ration to that of diffusion pulp. (a) Beef cattle. — Twelve beeves each received every day, in three meals, 52.26 kilograms (115 lbs.) of diffusion pulps, mixed with 3 kilo- grams of linseed oil cake and 3 kilograms (6.6 lbs.) of chopped alfalfa. Tbeir weight increased an average of 1.004 kilos (2.214 lbs.) per day. If we consider the value of the meat as 0.95 franc ($0.19), that of the oil cake 0.25 franc ($0.05), and that of the alfalfa 0.08 franc ($0,016) per kilogram (2.2 lbs.), we find that the feeding value of the diffusion pulp was 6.58 francs (81.316) per 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs.). (b) Oxen. — Four oxen each received the following ration per day: 57.5 kilograms (126.8 lbs.) of diffusion pulp mixed with 5 kilograms (12 lbs.) of alfalfa and 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of linseed-oil cake. These cat- tle decreased somewhat in weight in the first fifteen days, and did less than the usual amount of vvork, but in the second fifteen days they had entirely recovered. The trial continued two and a half months. In making a calculation analagous to that above, the value of the diffu- sion pulp was 4.78 francs (80.956) per 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs.). (c) Milch cores. — The test with milch cows lasted thirty days. Two cows were employed — one Flemish and the other Dutch. Before the tests the cattle were fed on dry alfalfa with a small quantity of beet pulps produced by the hydraulic press method. The cows were each given, per day, 45 kilograms (99.2 lbs.) of diffusion pulp with 2 kilo- grams (4.4 lbs.) of alfalfa. The tests demonstrated that the diffusion pulp is more advantageous as regards lactation than in the production of liesh. Cows fed on diffusion pulps. Date. Cream per 100 cc. of milk. Cow No. 1. Covr No. 2. April 27 8.00 7.50 7.50 7. 5U 7 00 May 1 8 00 Mav 12 May 19 8 00 From these tests it was shown that the milk of the cows fed from diffusion pulp contained an average of 7.68 per cent of cream. The butter produced from this milk did not have the peculiar disagreeable odor which is present in that from cows fed on press pulps. 132 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. (d) Sheep. — In this test twenty merino sheep were fed on diffusion pulp. The following table shows the result of this test and the rations fed per animal: Weight: Kilos. April4 948 =2,085.6 pounds. April26 1,008 =2,217.6 pounds. Total increase 60 = 132.0 pounds. Increase per sheep per day 0.137= .3 pounds. Average rations per head : Pulp 5.4 = 11.88 pounds. Linseed-oilcake .2 = . 44 pounds. Chopped alfalfa .5 = 1.10 pounds. It was not necessary to make other additions to the diffusion pulp, since the sheep ate it with avidity. With the aid of these figures we may calculate the value of the pulp as follows: The sheep gained per day 0.137 kilogram (.3 lb.) in meat, which at 1 franc ($0.20) per kilo (2.2 lbs.) equals 0.137 franc ($0,027). They con- sumed a ration, exclusive of the pulp, costing 0.09 franc, therefore the value of the 5.4 kilos (11.9 lbs.) of diffusion pulp was 0.047 ($0.01), or 8.70 francs ($1.74) per 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs.). Experiments made with ores. — The ewes were obtained from a Hock from which the lambs had just been separated. In feeding the ewes, to which a somewhat larger ration was given, the value of the pulp was found to be G.03 francs ($1,206) per 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs.). Taking all of these elements into account, the experts estimated defi- nitely the value of 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs.) of diffusion pulp to be 5.65 francs (81.11). They also demonstrated that diffusion pulps keep perfectly. Not taking into account questions of transportation, etc., the value of diffusion pulp was estimated at 0.10 francs (81.22) per 1,000 kilo- grams (2,205 lbs.). Basing a conclusion upon the chemical analysis of the pulp, a value of 6.44 francs ($1,288) was obtained, as compared with the (J. 10 francs (81.22) per 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs.) given by experiments. EXPERIMENTS I'.Y .\NI><>! \K!> a m > M/.ACNAI. (Sucrerie Beige, Vol. L2, No. 7.) In tests in feeding diffusion pulp to milch COWS this pulp was given in a ration, first of 27 kilograms {rt ( .).r> lbs.) ami later 55 kilograms (121.3 \\)s.j per day, and produced immediately an increase of approximately .'52 per cent in the yield of milk, it, appeared, however, to be without influence OB the richness of the milk in casein and mineral matter, but produced an increase io the yield of butter of L2, I percent, and in that of the Bugar of 24.63 percent over the previous proportions of these constituents, it, however, gave the milk a less agreeable taste and a BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 133 certain predisposition to an acid fermentation. The butter, therefore, would probably not be of excellent quality. Analyses of diffusion pulps before ensilage* Constituents. Maercker. Kiihn. Water Per cent. 89.77 10.23 .58 .05 2.39 .89 6.32 Per cent. 88.9 11. 1 Ash .9 Fat .1 2.5 .9 6.7 Diffusion pulps after having been stored in the silos.' Constituents. Maercker. Kiilin. Water , Dry matter . Ash , Fat Crude fiber Crude protein Nitrogen-free extract Per cent. 88.52 11.48 1.09 .11 2.80 1.07 6.41 Per cent. 87, 12 3 1. 7.3 Sachs' Revue Universelle des Progres de la Fabrication du Sucre, 1, 428. Analysis of diffusion pulps, by Pellet. Constituents. Pressed pulp. Dry ma- terial. Water Nitrogenous matter Digestible carbohydrates . . Indigestible carbohydrates Fat Soluble mineral matter Insoluble mineral matter . . Per cent. 88.06 .84 7.30 2.46 .06 .43 Dry matter 100. 00 11.94 Per cent. ""7.04 61.14 20.60 .50 3.60 7.12 100. 00 Maercker (Sucrerie Beige, vol. 11, page 4G4) determined that siloed pulps, in addition to losing water, also lost a considerable portion of their dry matter. This is shown in the following statement of the analysis of pulps which were siloed for live months, in which time they lost the following percentages: Thirty-seven and eight- tenths of nitrogen free extract, 25.5 of nitrog- enous matter and 29.G of the liber which they contained: The pulps gained, on the contrary, in fat, owing to the lactic and butyric fermen- tations. The losses were due to decomposition, and not to entrainment in the moisture lost. 134 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Analyses of diffusion pulp, by Vivien.* Constituents. Digestible proteids (nitrogen X 6.25) Indigestible proteids (amid nitrogen X 9) Nitrate of potassium Digestible carbohydrates Cellulose and indigestible carbohydrates . Fat Sugar Assimilable mineral matter Indigestible mineral matter Water Pressed Dry ma- pulp. terial Per cent. Per cent 0.64 7.73 .04 .43 .05 .60 4.07 49.15 1.92 23. It .05 .60 .54 6. 52 .35 4.23 .61 7.37 91. 72 100. 00 100. 00 Analyses of diffusion pulp, by Pellet." Constituents. Pressed pulp. Dry ma- terial. Water Organic matter Soluble inorganic matter Insoluble inorganic matter Acidity (expressed as acetic acid) # . Total nitrogen Insoluble nitrogen (at the boiling point of water) Per cent. 9.95 .57 Per cent. 89.50 5.13 5.40 100. 00 1.01 .147 .111 100. 00 9. 00 1.33 * Sachs' Ilevue TTniverselle des Progrea de la Fabrication da Bucre, 1, 429. The pulps diminished in weight in the silos, the d illusion pulps losing G per cent per month. At the same time there was a diminution in the weight of the dry matter, approximately 1 per cent of the diffusion palp. It is evident from the above data that the value of the pulp from beet- sugar factories, especially in thickly settled countries and in those regions where the dairy interests are prominent, will prove of no incon- siderable advantage in the successful introduction of the beet sugar industry and its rapid advancement. Beet pulps form a wholesome and nutritions, though a somewhat poorly balanced ration. Tlieii chief nutriment is found in the carbohydrates, composing the marcoi the beel and including the unextracted sugar, and in the proteid nitrog- enous matters, and a large percentage of these is easily digested. While beet pulp is not suitable for the entire food of the animal, it can be made a principal part thereof, varying its proportions with tin nature of the effect desired to be produced. Experience has shown that it is especially relished by dairy cattle, produces an abundani supply of milk, and where properly preserved and fed, it can be use* in great abundance Without imparting to the milk, butter, (»!• cheese any unpleasant flavor. SUMMARY. OP DATi COLLECTED IN PREVIOUS YEARS. In order to present data covering as wide a held as possible, and including the experiments of several seasons, the following table has BEET- SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 135 been compiled from the reports of the Division of Chemistry and from the bulletins of the various State experiment stations: Analyses of sugar beets grown in various States. [A compilation of the analytical data obtained at the various State experiment stations for the years 1888 to 1897, inclusive, and at the United States Department of Agriculture for the years 1884 to 1897, inclusive.] Analyses by the United States De- partment of Agriculture. Analyses by the State experi- ment stations. State. Tear. Num- ber of sam - pies. Aver- age weight. Sugar in beet. Purity coeffi- cient. Num- ber of sam- ples. Aver- age weight. Sugar in beet. Purity coeffi- cient. 1893 1891 1897 Ounces. Per ct. 5.9 66.7 Ounces. Per ct. 2 7 51 23 7.7 9.3 56.9 70.4 1 i57 a 8.1 61.8 9 29 9.0 67.4 157 8.1 61.8 1891 1892 1897 Arkansas 2 3 2 40 12 18 6.4 9.4 11.3 58.8 64.7 71.5 7 22 9.1 65.0 . 1884 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 71 19 13.7 85.3 5 14 18 "\9 17 10.7 12.1 10.7 613. 614.0 M4.0 615.0 6 15.0 614.0 77.7 13 48 14 14.7 11.1 14.7 84.6 75.8 77.6 73.0 i 26 16.8 88 21 13.6 85.3 37 18 11.2 75.1 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1897 9.9 10.2 11.0 *13. 5 *13. 8 37 73 4 16 "*25" 29 51 170 18 174 20 26 18 17 20 . 12.5 13.1 14.8 13.2 13.6 76.1 76. 1 81.7 74.9 76.7 83.0 79.3 80.6 12 ., 14.3 79.7 442 2 5 20 14 27 13.9 78.4 142 | 25 11.5 82. 1 1890 Connecticut 9.7 10.8 76.1 77.3 ... 7 23 10.5 77.0 1891 1890 L891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 2 12 11.1 64.9 "^= Idaho 1 1 2 2 4 15 34 78 8.0 12.7 14.7 10.2 68.3 74. 9 79.1 76.2 192 342 13.7 I.",. 2 14.2 15.2 76 1 .......... 79.9 60 41 77. 3 7 21 15.5 79.4 87.6 13 30 13.8 77.6 o:;5 14.6 80 2 * The sign * indicates that the number given is 0.95 x per cent of sugar reported since it was doubt- ful whether the per cent of sugar was expressed m terms of the weight of the juice or t hat of the beet, though probably the former. a Analyses of Kleinwan/.lehener only show: 32 samples, BUgW 11.8, purity 73. 6. 6 From report made on the total en p by the Chino valley licet Sugar Company. 136 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Analyses of sugar beets grown in various States — Continued. Analyses by the United States De- partment of Agriculture. Analyses by the State experi- ment stations. Stat. . Year. Num- ber of sam- ples. Aver- age weight. Sugar in beet. Purity coetii- cient. Num- ber of sam- ples. Aver- age weight. Sugar in beet. Purity coeffi- cient. 1890 1891 1892 1897 8 36 59 32 Ounces. 31 32 15 Perct 10.3 11.7 10.9 72.1 76.4 75. 2 75.5 Ounces. Per ct. 17 13.1 312 20 11.9 76.4 135 21 11.6 75.4 312 5 10 26 131 95 49 84 205 20 a 20 12 12 25 18 11.9 76.4 1838 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1897 12.2 li.9 9.1 12.0 11.1 11.8 11.8 12.0 56 77 57 4 23 27 14 10 10.7 11.6 11.2 10.7 72.7 76.9 72.5 73.1 "*"78.*8 76.8 79.3 78.8 103 14 13. 1 78.9 80.7 297 1 19 11.9 75.9 76.9 605 17 11.7 79.2 1891 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1897 27 11.6 4 12 34 503 404 563 150 642 17 34 33 16 21 19 19 19 11.9 9.9 10.7 12.1 11.6 11.9 11.5 12.4 76.5 64.9 30 321 30 7 22 30 24 17 11.8 11.8 10.9 12.8 74.5 75.7 76.2 75.8 71.4 74.0 72.9 76.1 74.9 130 18 13.3 73.7 76.6 518 26 | 12. 1 75.2 2,312 7 10 183 115 22 158 19 12.0 75.0 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1897 31 19 21 21 17 8.9 7.9 9.6 10.2 10.1 11.9 69.7 22 36 22 1 41 32 33 25 ""27' 8.3 10.7 11.1 14.3 11.4 69. 3 68.2 74.2 72.8 73.8 '"i'o'.k 73.4 71.8 77.0 122 29 10.0 71.4 501 19 10. 4 73.4 1891 1892 1897 3 4 6 34 13 it; 9.1 8.9 11.9 63.7 77.2 71.5 13 19 10.3 72. 2 68.3 79. 3 08. 5 7'.». 1 1893 1890 L891 L897 3 83 2 29 12 15 it; 19 8.9 12.2 7.4 11.4 5 10 L2.9 79. 7 114 lti 11.9 79. 1 5 10 12.2 79. 7 1880 L890 L891 10 8 6 ""if 17 18.2 13.4 13.4 <; it; 12.0 677.1 ;- 1 6 10 12.0 82.8 22 t; 17 a 18 12.8 13.0 77.6 L890 L891 L892 1898 1897 ■ 80 71 450 31 B2 lit 15 22 12. « 1 1 1 13. 3 11.7 - 1 78. i' H3.4 82. 1 HI. 1 229 18.8 27 16 4 84.0 •J'-' 14.2 81.1 700 15.5 84.7 relghl <>i 71 uunpli h Purity of i»ut 1 sample, <• A hi 11I' 2 samples. BEET SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 137 Analyses of sugar beets groicn in various States — Continued. State. Analyses by the United States De- partment of Agriculture. Analyses by the State ment stations. axperi- Tear. Num- ber of sam- ples. Aver- age weight. Sugar in beet. Purity coeffi- cient. Num- ber of sam- ples. Aver- age weight. Sugar in beet. Purity coeffi- cient. 1890 1891 1892 1893 1897 107 41 22 7 49 Ounces. 30 29 29 60 24 Per ct. 11.8 12.4 12.2 10.8 11.0 75.2 75.7 78.1 70.8 79.2 55 467 180 Ounces. "a 23* 17 Per ct. *12.3 *13.0 14.3 76.5 79.7 85.5 143 17 13.1 81.8 226 29 11.7 76.3 845 19 13.2 81.1 1890 1891 1892 1897 2 67 13 324 21 20 33 20 8.4 10.4 8.1 11.7 66.7 62.4 63.4 73.5 5 59 17 28 13.4 9.3 67.3 304 26 10.6 71.0 40G 35 6 2 4 20 25 22 15 20 11.4 13.2 10.9 14.3 14.4 71.6 76.8 72.8 75.0 77.8 368 26 10.4 70.4 1891 1892 1893 1897 70 23 14.7 77.0 47 24 13.1 76.3 70 23 14.7 77.0 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1895 1897 9 159 462 218 98 (c) 637 106 46 17 fc23 17 12.7 10.3 *12. 3 12.8 9.8 11.3 12.1 11.7 54.5 269 62 27 8 20 35 21 17 11.8 11.7 14.2 10.1 71.9 75.3 79.3 69.7 73.9 77.9 72.4 77.0 76.9 13 29 12.9 76.9 75.0 379 23 12.0 73.1 1,689 22 11.9 73.7 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 18 81 11 13 17.2 15.9 88.0 83.4 222 221 "51 25 18 20 12.5 14.8 13.6 76.9 80.8 80.8 176 13.1 (Z77.8 21 18 18.3 81.4 10 19 18.9 120 1 14 19 16.5 11.6 83.7 680 21 13.6 78.7 New Hampshire 1891 1891 1893 1897 80. New Jersey 1 17 7.3 70.8 8 11.7 76.2 31 16 14.2 81.4 32 16 14.0 81.1 8 11.7 76 2 New Mexico 1891 1892 1897 17 29 3 28 19 13 13.8 15.3 17. 2 74.8 83.2 82.0 3 219 ""26" *17. 1 :!.-_' 49 •»•> u q 80.2 222 •-'() 13.3 * The sign * indicates that the number given is 0.95x per cent of sugar reported Bince ii waa doubt- ful whether the per cent of sugar was expressed in terms of the weight of t lie juice or that ol the beet though probably the former. a Average weight of 2"J9 samples. 6 Average weight of 88 samples. c Analyses reported by the Standard Cattle Company. d Averages for 1893 to 1896, inclusive. 138 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Analyses of sugar beets grown in various States — Continued. Analyses by the United States De- partment of Agriculture. Analyses by the State experi- ment stations. State. Year. Num- ber of sam- ples. Aver- age weight. Sugar in beet. Purity coeffi- cient. Num- ber of sam- ples. Aver- age weight. Sugar in beet. Turity coefti- cieut. 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1897 Ounces. Per ct. 6 Ounces. Per ct. 9.9 10 4 8 15 32 22 12.1 11.6 15.4 78.0 76.8 85.9 29 562 38 a 16 12.9 15.9 225 21 15.0 82.4 83.2 247 21 14.8 82.2 591 20 15 7 «M 0. 1892 1893 1897 4 4 9.0 4.1 9.1 73.4 52.1 75.3 7 23 11 16 9.1 74.6 1890 1891 1892 1893 1897 24 11 11 2 4 25 23 24 27 28 13.4 11.8 12.9 14. U 10.5 71.2 73.2 76.5 80.7 81.2 129 29 13.8 10. 9 73. 9 52 15 66 102 68 25 12.8 73.9 138 29 11.1 73. 9 1890 1891 1892 1897 Ohio 26 31 17 22 98 11.3 14.2 13.8 76.0 73.5 80.2 79.1 24 9.8 554 31 13.3 7- T 251 23 13.1 77.9 57S 31 13.2 78.7 1891 1897 1 1 48 10 6.4 11.8 53.3 72.5 21 lit 65. 3 2 29 9.1 62.9 21 11.4 6.'). 3 1890 1891 1 892 1893 1894 1895 L896 2 12 20 :;t 19 15.1 12.7 14.2 73.4 81. 1 80.2 37 98 65 22 27 11.2 12. ti 14.4 78.4 82. 7 23 14.3 49 30 13.2 8.0 13.3 10.8 ll.d 13.8 80.6 73. 8 t:.. s 78. 9 79. ". 223 24 13.1 81.8 L890 L891 1892 L897 7 8 1 59 27 2 2 13 is 85 2 19 21 12.8 LI. 9 78.4 74.2 Rhode Uland L897 i-'.n 1897 -^— 3 15 „ IT. 28 5.8 4.9 5.9 r.i.7 18 17 13 17 9.9 79. 9 89 22 5.7 54.7 ,i a reragi ireighl of L87 samp] b Average vrelght of 2 samples. i Avorugos lor 1893 to 1896, im -hum o. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 139 Analyses of sugar beets grown in various States — Continued. Analyses by the United States De- partment of Agriculture. Analyses by the State ment stations. experi- State. Year. X um- ber of sam- ples. Aver- age weight. Sugar in beet. Purity coeffi- cient. Xuni- ber of sam- ples. Aver- age weight. Sugar in beet. Purity coeffi- cient. 1889 1890 1891 1892 1897 Ounces. Per ct. 17 58 1,264 680 337 Ounces. 19 14 Per ct. 9.1 14.2 11.9 14.2 15.5 21 202 67 5 20 22 20 17 13.1 12.5 13.1 15.1 78.6 75.3 75. 5 83.2 74.7 73.3 80.7 85.6 295 21 12.7 75.7 2,356 22 13.1 77.3 1891 1892 1894 1897 5 1 20 10 8.8 9.4 65.8 72.4 22 8 22 4 9.5 12.0 75.1 17 11 10.8 71.9 23 13 10.3 70.6 30 17 10.2 75.1 1890 1891 1897 Texas 2 10 11 38 23 22 10.0 10.3 12.6 69.3 69.1 76.5 14 34 8.0 56.3 23 24 11.4 72. 7 « 34 8.0 56.3 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 Utah n 43 "27 15.3 oll.O "12.5 all. 6 ol2.7 ol3.5 a 13. 9 86.1 ;; 80 82.2 79.5 :::::::::::::::: 80.2 81.5 i 81.8 35 20 14.3 81.1 35 20 14.3 81.1 64 27 13.4 83.5 1897 1890 1891 1892 1893 1897 8 22 14.2 84.1 32 u 16.3 84.2 20 72 13 14 34 15 21 12 16 21 10.8 11.1 12.0 13.3 11.6 74.0 70. 79. 6 83.9 76.2 '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. :::::::: 5 621 11.6 153 19 11.4 76.8 5 " 21 11.6 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1 11 31 183 16 18 18 28 15.2 14.5 14.5 12.3 84.2 83.9 76. S 74.0 "i*666 521 211 60 25 17 ti 23 *13.5 16.2 13.4 13.6 82.6 87 9 80.9 34 27 13.7 80.7 ;■ ; 260 26 12.8 75.7 2. 458 22 14.1 83 4 1892 1897 12 14 14 19 11.3 15.4 68.5 80.4 :::::::: :::::::: 26 17 13.5 74. It * The sign * indicates that the number given is 0.95X per cent of sugar reported since it was doubt ful whether the per cent of sugar was expressed in terms of the weight of the juice or that of the beet, though probably the former. a Report made on total crop by Utah Sugar Company, 1891-1896. b Average weight (net) estimated from average gross weight. HO BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Analyses of sugar beets grown in various States — Ccmtiuued. Analyses by The United States De- i Analyses by the State experi- partment of Agriculture. ' ment stations. State. Year X um- ber of sam- ples. Aver- age weight. Sugar in beet. Purity coeffi- cient. Num- ber of sam- ples. Aver- age weight. Sugar iu beet. Purity coeffi- cient. 1890 1891 1892 1897 10 4:52 21 42 Ounces. 21 26 22 15 Per ct. 12.8 11.1 12.7 15.8 81.3 75.8 77.8 83.3 94 373 61 1, 663 Ounces. 35 32 26 Per ct. 11.7 11.9 15.2 12.1 76.3 76.2 81.6 74.1 505 5 18 6 48 34 25 11.4 76.6 2, 191 32 12.1 74.7 1890 1891 1892 1893 1897 20 12 8 19 19 15.1 13.5 15.2 15.9 17.2 78.8 78.1 85.2 80.5 82.3 55 71 33 11 14 15.4 15.9 16.2 77.8 78.7 80.9 111 18 15.8 80.8 159 13 15.8 78.8 NOTES OX PRECEDING TABLE. Iii a few instances analyses reported to the stations by sugar compa- nies or organizations designed for the promotion of the sugar industry have been included. It is noticeable that in many States but few analyses have been made. In view of this fact, it is well to be cautious in accepting the results of these few analyses as being representative of the beets grown in the State. The reports from the State of California are especially incomplete. Most of the analyses reported are from data obtained in the laboratory of the Chino Valley Beet Sugar Company. In view of the fact that Cali- fornia has several very large and very successful factories, we do not regard the data included here of great value in judging of the State as a producer of high-grade sugar beets. We have data of factory averages obtained in California representing in some cases more than 101), 000 tons of beets, showing that the State produces beets of very high sugar content. Factory averages have been reported this year higher than 1.") per cent of sugar in the beets. It will be noticed that in most instances the results obtained by the Department of Agri- culture corroborate those obtained in the stations. A notable exception to this is in the tabulation of the results obtained with beets grown in the State of Washington. The Department of Agriculture, however, has only made ;il>e plots is 1 inch=zl2 feet. I think it is important that the soil of the plots he prepared in accordance with the directions contained in Bulletin No. 52, a copy of which I transmit herewith. The plowing and subsoiling should loosen the ground to a depth of not less than 16, and, better, to a depth of 18 inches, and the surface of the soil, after plowing and subsoiling, should be reduced to perfect tilth. I am now awaiting the remainder of the high-grade seeds, which I expect in a few days. There will be two varieties of the high-grade seeds, one to be planted in Plot A and the other in Blot B. All the seeds sent you will be plainly marked, so that no mistake can be made. The quantity of seed required for plots A and B will be about 5 ounces. I think it best that the interior plots A and B at least should be planted by hand. The number of seeds in the 5 ounces being know n, they should be planted in groups at intervals of 9 inches; that is, in such a way as to secure one good, vig- orous plant at about every !) inches in the row after thinning. Five ounces of seed will contain approximately 5,000 seeds, and in the two plots A and B there will he 888 hills, which gives approximately nearly 6 seeds to a hill. In this case the planting would be accomplished as follows : Six seeds placed in the row at distances of 1 inch apart followed by an interval of 3 inches, then again 6 seeds at intervals of 1 inch, and so on. This grouping is shown in the following line: 9 in. 9 in. Of course the spacing will vary according to the number of seeds to be planted. If there be anything in connection with the diagram that you do not understand please let me know. Respectfully, II. W. Wiley, Chief of Division. The high-grade seeds furnished for planting the above plots were as follows: (1) The Viliiiorin Improved, grown at the experiment station of the United States Department of Agriculture al Schuyler, Nebr., in L893. This station was abolished in tin- autumn of that year by Secretary MortOIl, and the principal part of all the high-grade seeds on hand was sold to the Oxnard Beel Sugar Company, of G rand Island. Nebr. A small portion of each variety was retained, however, in the hope that at some day the experiments might be reestablished. When sub jected to a germination test, however, of all the varieties which had been preserved, only the Yilmorin Improved showed nn impaired vitality. All the other varieties grown at Schuyler showed a vitality too low to warrant planting. (2) Original Klein wan/lebmier, grown by Kiihn\ ( Jo,, Naarden, near Amsterdam, Holland. These seeds were from specially analyzed mothers, showing the very highest qualities for seed production. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 143 (3) High-grade commercial seed, grown by F. Demesmay, Cysoing, France. These seeds were not grown from specially analyzed mothers, but represented the high-grade commercial seeds produced at that place. These three varieties were furnished for planting in Section B. There were also sent at the same time some of the high grade commer- cial Kleinwanzlebener and Vilmorin's La Plus liiche for planting sec- tions OCCC and DD, as indicated in the diagram. These seeds were sent to the various stations specified above on the 24th of April, 1897. The high-grade seeds which were to be used in planting Section A had not yet been received, and were not forwarded at that time. The seeds ordered from Europe did not arrive until May 15, and were sent at once to the several stations on that day. In addition, seeds were received from August Rolker & Sons, representing Dippe Brothers, at Xew York, and from Martin GrashofT, of Quedlinburg. These seeds were also sent for planting the margins of the plot indicated above. In the general instructions given to the directors of the stations it will be noticed that all the details of the work were lett to be decided by them at the proper time, as any directions for time of planting, etc., would be but futile. Each one of the directors undertook to do the work strictly in accordance with the instructions provided in so far as the preparation of the land, planting, cultivation, and harvesting of the samples were concerned. The Chemist of the Department visited three of the stations during the season and conferred personally with the directors in regard to the progress of their work. The other direc- tors were communicated with only by letter. In the analytical work samples were selected according to instruc- tions and sent to the Department of Agriculture, and others were ana- lyzed in the laboratories of the collaborating experiment stations. On May G, the high-grade seeds not yet having arrived from Europe, I sent to each of the stations for planting Section A some high-grade seeds grown by Martin Grashoff, of Quedlinburg, obtained from Mr. Jellinek, an agent of the grower in this country. I suggested that Section A be planted with this seed, and then if the other seed expected from Germany came in time the plants could be dug out and the section replanted. The name of the seeds sent for planting Section A was White Improved Imperial Elite, which were produced by a cross of another variety with the Kleinwanzlebener. Directions for planting the seeds according to the plot were furnished each director. The additional quantity of high-grade sugar-beet seed ordered from Dippe Brothers, Quedlinburg, Germany, was received and distributed to the stations on the 17th of May. In most cases the beets in Section A which were previously planted were not dug out, but the new seeds were planted in other localities. The conditions of growth varied greatly in the different localities during the season. At the New York station the spring was backward and cold, and the planting and first development of the beets were 144 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. delayed. The subsequent conditions were favorable to good growth. The beets received no backset, and readied a fair maturity by the 1st of October. The autumn was mild and cool, and dry enough to pre- vent second growth, so that the beets could be left in the ground with perfect security until late in November. At the Indiana station less favorable conditions obtained. A poor stand of the beets was secured in many instances where a perfect stand was secured at the New York station. The early leaves were badly eaten by an insect, and this prevented the early rapid develop- ment of the plant. Subsequently a period of extreme drought set in, lasting for nearly two months — during July and August. The result of all these unfavorable conditions was practically a complete failure of the crop, so that even in the case of the beets which were secured there were evidences of arrested development. The general result of the experiment was exceedingly discouraging. At the Wisconsin station the field which was selected for the growth of the beets was not particularly well suited to the purpose. It bad not been under previous cultivation for many years, and a portion of it, as is seen in the report of the director, suffered severely from various causes. The special plots which were cultivated in the high-grade seeds gave fairly good results, as will be seen farther on, and the beets produced were of good size, fair shape, and line quality. At the Iowa station fairly good seasonal conditions prevailed, and the character of the beets produced on the specially prepared plots was satisfactory. At the Kentucky station the beets obtained a good start, and grew well for the greater part of the season. They were slightly retarded by dry weather at one period of their growth, but on the whole reached a fair stage of maturity without untoward accidents. The beets which were harvested in September and October showed a higher content of sugar than those that were left later in the ground, and this is probably due to the second growth, which was produced by the warm climate of thai locality. The sugar content was exceedingly low, and the dala Secured from the station show conclusively that Kentucky is not in the list of possibilities as a sugar producing State in so far as beets are concerned. The data from Tennessee are extremely meager, and no definite con- clusions can be drawn from those at hand. In the study of the data received, it will be convenient to begin with the most southern station, namely, Tennessee, and then continue with the Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and New York stations in tin- oider named. I'l S'NESSl B. The results obtained at the Tennessee station were extremely unsatis- factory. On account of the poor quality of the beets, only one sample whs Kent for analysis, which was harvested on the 25th of September. These beets w ere so small as to bardlj deserve t he name, and no attempt BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 145 was made to determine the purity of the juice. It is evident, from an inspection of the table which follows, that there was nothing in the result of the experiment to justify a further examination of the beets produced. The cause of failure in Tennessee has been reported by the secretary of the station in the letter given below, and therefore no further expla- nation need be made here of the failure to attain even fairly satisfactory results. The Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Tennessee, Enoxville, February 15, 1897. Dear Sir: A reference to plat sent you May 26, 1897, will explain the following: Sugar beets grown from seed sown May 19, 20, 1897, were lifted when properly ripe, tops removed and put into separate piles on the ground close by, and covered with earth. In this condition the various lots remained until taken up to be weighed on 13th of this month. Roots found in good order, and are now being fee 1 to our cows. The weights of the several lots were as follows : Plat. Variety and from whence received. Area. Weight. Vilmorin's Improved "White, from P. Henderson & Co., New York. Kleinwanzlebener Elite, Dippe Brothers, from Depart- ment. Sq.ft. 880 589 1,568 1,642 448 64 96 288 224 Pounds. 175 54 280 High grade Kleinwanzlebener. from Department Memte Ober Wurst, Quedlinburg, Dippe Brothers, from Department. Original Kleinwauzelebener (Holland), from Department Vilmorin's Improved (Schuyler, Nebr.), from Department. 369 64 5 Subdivision B (2ro , ws). Subdivision B (3 rows) . 16.5 12 56 Subdivision E (trian- gle). White Improved Imperial Elite (Grashoff), from De- partment. 124.5 5,796 1,115.5 8,715 pounds per acre. A miserably poor yield. — Soil prepared in best manner; germination good; when first leaves were formed an excellent stand. A few days after an incursion of flea beetles destroyed almost every plant in an irregular strip across the whole plat; this was done between the hours of 11 a. m. and 3 p. in., in one day. Cultivation was well and thoroughly done, but the planting was much too late. A plat of Vilmorin's Improved White grown near the farm building, the seed for which was planted April 1, gave us a very heavy yield. These were planted for table use and for stock feed- ing, and were purposely grown to make feed stuff, not for sugar. Very respectfully, yours, Chas. F. Vanderford, Secretary. Dr. H. W. Wiley, Chief Division of Chemistry, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. The details of the analytical data are found in the accompanying table of data. Kentucky. Special care was taken by the director of the station at Lexington to secure satisfactory results. During the early part of the season the beets grew exceptionally well and presented a fine appearance. The H. Doc. 396 10 146 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATER. quantity produced was fairly good, although the beets were some- what irregular in size, some of them being quite large and others quite small. The sugar content of the beets and the purity of the juice were both extremely low. The first series of samples was analyzed on the 28*h of September, and a second set of samples from two of the varieties was analyzed at a later date. The original Kleinwanzlebener (Holland) seed was represented by thirty-seven beets in this second sample, the average size of which was small and the sugar content medium. The White Improved Imperial Elite was represented iu the second sample by forty-eight beets, also extremely small, and with a low content of sugar. The final harvest of the beets resulted in securing three barrels of beets of fine size and shape, but when these beets were perforated for analysis it was found that the content of sugar was low, falling, in some cases, as low as 2 per cent. The sugar content in general was so small that it was not deemed worth while to report it, as the beets were utterly worthless for seed pro- duction. The depressing influence of climate on the character of the beets is illustrated in a most striking manner by a comparison of the results obtained from beets grown in Kentucky and in Geneva, X. Y., from the same seeds, and under as uearly as possible identical conditions of culture. Indiana. The unfortunate seasonal conditions which obtained at the experi- ment station at Lafayette have already been mentioned. The result of the prolonged drought during the growing season was a diminution of the weight of the beets to such an extent that for practical purposes they were useless. For this reason the data obtained are of little value. On account of the inferior character of the beets, no attempt was made to select any of them for mothers for the subsequent produc- tion of seed. The analytical data connected with the special plot work in Indiana are found in the tables following. [OWA. Only one set of samples ..as received from the plots grown in Iowa, the sample of the Demesmay having been harvested on the -5th of September and all the other samples On the l.'lthol' November. The average size of the beets received was small, the percentage of sugar only lair, ami the purity QOl up to the minimum standard. The seasonal influences at Ames were therefore evidently inferior in sugar producing qualities to those which obtained in New Fork. The final harvest Of beets was not forwarded to the Department lor the purpose of selecting mothers by reason of a misunderstanding whereby the different varieties were mixed in such a way that the separation of them was impract icahle. A general Statement in regard to the Special BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 147 plot work done at Ames is contained in the following letter from Director Curtiss: Ames. Iowa. January 25, 1898. Dear Sir: Replying to your inquiry concerning the test of high grade sugar-beet seed furnished by your Department, will say that we have forwarded you two sam- ples of the Vilmorin's Elite from the plats grown according to your instructions, and have lately had your report of the last sample. The beets from these plats were analyzed by Dr. Weeins. of oar chemistry section, with the following results: V «** S ^ ar - cedent Per cent. Vilmorin's £lite 16. 07 84. 30 Demesmay 14.30 78.38 Improved' Imperial Elite 13. 31 76. 14 Kleinwanzlebener 16.91 90.76 These samples and the one forwarded to you gave substantially the same results and svere harvested November 11. The first sample sent you was taken earlier and was probably immature. The past season was quite backward here, and the beet crop correspondingly late in maturing. Owing to a change in our field-experiment department during the past year, the beets from these plats were, through a misun- derstanding, thrown together instead of being kept separate after the analyses were made, and we will not be able to distinguish between varieties in testing these beets and carrying on future work along this line. We very much regret that this mistake has occurred, as we would like to continue the work of developing high-grade beets for seed production. We will be glad to cooperate with you again during the coming season if you can furui»h us more seed. Very truly, yours, C. F. Curtiss. Dr. H. W. Wiley. Washington, D. C. The analytical data derived from the analyses of beets sent from tlie Iowa station to this laboratory are of little value. Only one set of sam- ples was received, namely, of the Demesmay variety, harvested on the 25th of September, and of the three varieties harvested on the 13th of November. With the exception of the Vilmorin Elite, which was received on the 22d of >ovember, the analytical data are not satisfac- tory. In the case of the variety just mentioned the sugar content and the purity were satisfactory, but the beets were very much under size. It is evident that the data obtained in the past season do not fairly represent the capabilities of Iowa, either for the production of good commercial beets or for the growth of beets for seed-producing pur- poses. The analytical data obtained on analysis of the samples received at the Department are found in the table given farther on. Wisconsin. Complete details of experiments with high-grade beet seeds, grown under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, are found in the 148 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Wisconsin report, contained in Bulletin Xo. 64 of that station. These details are bo valuable as to warrant their reproduction in full: EXPERIMENTS WITH HIGH-GRADE SUGAR-BEET SEED. These experiments were, as already stand, conducted under the auspices of the United states Department of Agriculture. In a letter received in the early part of April last, the chief chemist of the Department. Dr. H. W. Wiley, requested this Btation to cooperate with the Department in growing a number of varieties of beets from high-grade Beed furnished by them, giving the beets tin- best of conditions in respect to Btibsoiling, preparation of the seed bed, and cultivation. Some of the it were produced by the highest possible scientific culture from specially analyzed beets, which were stated to average 19 per cent of sugar. Accord- ing to the directions received, the Government plat was surrounded on all side*; by our regular beet 6eld and was located in the southeastern quarter of our main field. The different kinds of seed received and planted by hand on May 22 were as follows: Plai J. — Dippe brothers, Vilmorin Elite R I, from Dippe Brothers, Quedliuburg, Germany. Plat />'.— 1. Original Kleinwanzlebener, grown by Kiihn, Xaarden, Holland. 2. Vilmorin Improved, grown at United States Sugar Beet Station at Schuyler, Nebr. :;. Demesmay sugar-beet Beed, grown by F. Deinesmay, (Jysoing (Nord), France. Plat C. — High-grade Commercial Kleinwanzlebener. Plat I>. — High-grade Commercial Vilmorin's Improved "La Plus kiche." White Improved Imperial £lite, grown by Martin Grashon?, Qnedlinburg, Germany. Dippe Brothers, Kleinwanzlebener Elite W I, from Dippe Bros., Qnedlinburg, Germany. The plats were arranged, as sd by Dr. Wiley, in the following manner: Flats A and B, each 21 by 24 feet, were placed in the middle and were surrounded by a border, CC, 67 feet long and i'.- feet wide; the plats D 1 and D- were placed at tin- east and west end- <>f the (' plat, being 21 by 10 feet. South and north of the whole plat three rows were run 110 feet long, in which were planted the varieties given in the preceding statement. White Imperial being planted in the south three and Kleinwanzlebener Elite in the north three rows. The rows were 18 inches apart. The effort was to have one good vigorous beet plant at about <\ cry '.' inches in the row after thinning. The germinations of the seed planted in this experiment, as well as of that planted in our other trials, were determined by Professor (-oft. ami are given on p;ige> 300- 301 of our Fourteenth Annual Report. It will lie Been that the germinative power of the different kinds of seed was \ er\ good, with the possible exception of the Schuyler, Nebr., seed, which was old, and the Dippe Brothers' Vilmorin Slits Beed. The average germination of the seed was lt>7 percent, ranging from 115 to 231 per cent, the Latter result being obtained with the White Improved Imperial filite. Tin- fust samples of the beets raised on the Government plat were taken Septem- 1 : another sample was taken September 27, and after thai time e\ ery fourteen days until the beets were harvested, on Novein i >er 5. In sampling the beets four weredngoi each kind. Twoof these were forwarded to Washington, D C, to the Department of Agriculture, and the ot her two retained for analysis in our own Laboratory . I he results of the analyses made by the writer are given in the following table. nples were taken south of the A and B plats and the C iamples north of these plats. In the same manner the i» and D samples were taken from the plats ... Ol t lie relit lal plats. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Main field, Government plat. 149 Date of sam- pling. Per cent root of whole plant. Weight of beets. Analysis of juice. Variety. Specific gravity. Sugar. Purity coefficient Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 11 Oct. 25 Nov. 5 70 70 78 80 Pounds. 0.21 .40 .40 .58 .83 1. 0755 1. 0934 1. 0834 1. 0858 1. 0740 Per cent. 14.44 17.92 17.04 16. 35 14.35 79.1 80.5 85.0 79.4 80.1 .48 16.02 80.8 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 11 Oct. 25 Nov. 5 Yilmorin La Plus Riche, D x 73 73 72 82 .34 .80 .98 .95 1.20 1. 0882 1. 0923 1. 0895 1. 0860 1. 0^82 16.96 17.58 17.93 16.40 16.53 80.4 79.9 83 8 79.5 78.3 .85 .37 55 .50 .50 1.13 17.08 80.4 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 11 Oct. 25 Nov. 5 1. 0825 1. 0898 1. 0870 1.0810 1.0845 High-grade Kleinwanzlebener, C^ 73 70 59 78 16.45 17.21 16.15 14.35 16.90 83.0 80.0 77.5 73.6 83.5 .«61 16. 21 79.5 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 11 Oct. 25 Nov. 5 70 76 80 91 1.0725 1.0810 1. 0848 1. 0857 1. 0800 Vilmorin Improved. Nebr., B .75 .45 1.13 .75 .71 15.06 16.70 17.01 15.86 15.71 85.7 85.7 83.6 77.2 81.5 .76 16.07 82.7 Sept. 20 Sept, 27 Oct. 11 Oct. 25 Nov. 5 '~~68~ 67 73 73 Original Kleinwanzlebener, Holland, B . .45 .20 .40 .30 .35 1. 0860 1. 0946 I. 0935 1. 0P80 1. 0920 16.63 18.57 17.95 17.34 18.65 80.7 82.4 80.6 74.5 81.8 .37 17.83 80.0 Sept. 20 Sept 27 Oct. 11 Oct. 25 Nov. 5 64 68 71 71 .70 .90 .93 .50 .95 1.0695 1. 08H6 1.0917 1. 1070 1.0812 14.57 17.11 18.17 21.45 16.42 86.3 85.2 83.0 85.2 84.0 .80 17.54 84.7 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 11 Oct. 25 Nov. 5 67 72 73 78 1.03 1.15 1.23 1.35 1.0735 1. 0800 1. 0868 1.0917 16. 13 16.90 17.56 18.88 90.6 83.0 84.4 86.3 1.19 17. 37 86. 1 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 11 Oct. 25 Nov. 5 High-grade Kleinwanzlebener, C 2 72 65 75 82 1.05 .70 .70 1.30 1. 0850 1. 0842 1.0885 1. 0940 17.94 16. 70 17. 57 19. 18 87.9 82.6 83.0 85.7 .94 17.85 84.8 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 11 Oct 25 Nov. 5 76 81 78 89 .80 .93 1.10 .93 1.0655 1.0695 1.0678 1.0798 1. 0690 13.49 L2.85 15. C J."> 13.66 82.8 79.8 77.9 83.0 81.4 .92 13.84 81.0 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 11 Oct 25 Nov. 6 Dippe Vilmorin, A 63 73 73 82 .62 1.00 1.10 1.03 .75 1.0790 1.0852 1.0895 1.0920 16.05 16.86 17.49 18.34 Hi. 91 84.3 82. 5 81.7 83.6 85 1 .90 17.13 83.4 150 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. We notice that the per cent of sugar in the juice but rarely came over 18 in case ot the different varieties, the average figures ranging from 13.84 per cent 'Demesinay) to 17.85 per cent (High-grade Commercial Kleinwanzlebener, C«) ; the purity of the beet juice was good, viz, lowest 79.5 (High-grade Commercial Kleinwanzlebener, C), highest 86.1 (Vilmorin La Plus Riche, D : ). The average results of the analyses of these beets obtained by the Department of Agriculture and in this laboratory are gh r en below : Determinations made by — Number of analyses. Polariscope method. Ale. ex- traction method. Purity co- efficient. 38 (31*) 38 (31*) 16.27 16.09 84.7 15.13 82.0 * Number of determinations of purity of juice. While the agreement is as good a \ could be expected between the results obtained by the polariscope method, the purity coefficient differs rather more than allowable in duplicate samples. The two sets of analyses differ in this way, that the Department of Agriculture samples were always analyzed at least several days after our analyses were made, since the latter were always finished within twenty-four hours from the time of sampling. In single instances, variations occurred between the Department of Agriculture and our analyses of 3 per cent of sugar in the juice and of over 7 per cent purity, owing to differences in the stage of maturity of the beets analyzed; it is evident that no absolutely correct idea of the sugar content of the beets in a cer- tain plat or field can be obtained by pulling and analyzing two single beet roots, even if these do appear to be at about average stage of maturity. The yield of beets from the plat, obtained at harvesting, November 5, and the calculated yield of beets and of sugar per acre, are shown in the following table: Yield of beets and of sugar, Government plat. Name of variety. Imperial Klito Vilmorin La Plua Riche II igh-grade Commercial Kleinwanzlebener Dippe Brothers Kleinwanzlebener Elite ... Dippe Brothers Vilmorin Elite Demesmay Vilmorin. Schuyler, Nebr Original Kleinwanzlebener, Holland kges, etc >i, '• Yield of beets. Average w eight Of beets. Sugar in Sngar From plat. Per acre, the beet. per acre. I'll a nits. ] 'mi nils. ]'l)lllllls. /'<■;• cut. Pounds. 272. 8 •J I, -Jill 0.45 13.63 3, 300 1, 167.3 28, 290 .64 15.70 4,441 1,170.0 80, 660 . 56 16.05 4, 920 811.7 34,880 . 66 i: 4,'. »'.»."> :t:i6. o 29, (i!ti) .:.- 16.06 4.(572 234. 4 81,520 .61 L2.98 4. 092 76.7 80, 940 .59 14.92 4,616 26.0 15, 730 .27 17.72 :j, 605. 2H, 10U 15.04 4, 228 The average yield of beeti per acre obtained was over il tone, or aboul 5 tons more than the yield obtained from either half of the main Beld. The average calculated yield of sngar per acre was 1,228 pounds, the lowest yield being obtained In case of Original Kleinwanzlebener, Holland (2,788 pounds), which variety plainly sintered mosl from the drought, and the highest in ease of 1 >i |>]"' s Kleinwanzlebener Klito ( 1,995 pounds). ANALYSES HADE AT THE LABORATORY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Samples of beets from the high-grade plots were sent from time to time to the laboratory <>f 1 1 1 * * Department of Agriculture for analysis, and finally all the remaining beets of proper size were forwarded for BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 151 examination. The following table contains the analyses of the samples received from the various stations of the three separate harvests of beets, ranging from the last of September to the last of October, together with the analyses of all the samples of the high-grade beets harvested in the middle of ^November : Table showing analyses of beets of high grade from experiment stations of Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin , and New York. KNOX COUNTY, TENN. [Experiment Station, Knoxville.] Variety. White Improved Imperial Elite Kleinwanzlebener Elite .. Original Kleinwanzleben- er (Dippe Brothers) Original Kleinwanzleben- er (Holland) High grade Kleinwanz- lebener Vilmorin's "La Plus Riche'' Vilmorin's Improved Demesmay Time of planting. 1897. May 24 do ... May 18 ...do ... ...do ... .do .do .do Tinw of harvest- Date received. 1897. Sept. 25 ...do ... ..do ...do ...do ...do ...do ...do 1897. Sept. 27 ...do ... .do... .do... .do.. .do... .do ... .do... Num- ber of beets. Average weight. Ounces. 4 7 3 1 Sugar in the beets. Per ct. 11.5 10.7 12.5 12.5 12.0 10.6 13.2 13.5 FAYETTE COUNTY, KY. [Experiment Station, Lexington.] 285 1897. Original Kleinwanzleben- er (Holland) 1897. Sept. 27 Oct. 14 Sept. 27 1897. Sept. 29 Oct. 18 Sept. 29 "'in' 21 7 19 18 17 7 13.3 15.8 10.9 9.5 10.9 11.1 72.5 834 870 do 286 Vilmorin's Improved | 68.5 287 65.0 293 White Improved Impe- 1 ....do .. ....do ... 68. 1 785-832 do Oct. 14 48 TIPPECANOE COUNTY, IND. [Experiment Station, Lafayette.] 1897. May 5 do . ...do . Original Kleinwanzleben- er (Holland) ....do ...do Kleinwanzlebener Elite (Dippe Brothers) do*. ....do Demesmay do ....do Vilmorin's 1 rapro \ ed Elite (Dippe Brothers).. May 1 do do do do . Vilmorin's Improved (Schuyler, Nebr.) May do do . Vilmorin's Improved do . May 19 ...do ...do .May ...do ...do 1897. Sept. 24 Oct. 8 Nov. 22 Sept. 24 Oct. 8 Nov. 22 Sept. 24 Oct. 8 Nov. 22 Sept. 24 Oct. 8 Nov. 22 Sept. 24 Nov. 22 Oct. 8 1897. Sept. 27 Oct. 10 Nov. 24 Sept. 26 Oct. 10 Nov. 24 Sept. 26 Oct. 10 Nov. 24 Sept. 26 Oct. 10 Nov. 24 Sept. 26 Nov. 24 Oct. 10 16.5 14.3 19.1 14.4 14.7 18.:» 12.6 12. 5 14.3 13.9 14.6 16.5 14.5 15. 4 16.1 152 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Table showing analyses of beets of high grade from experiment stations of Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, loica, Wisconsin, and New York — Continued. STORT COUNTY, IOWA. [Experiment Station, Ames.] Serial No. Variety. Time of planting. Time of harvest- ing. Date received. Num- ber of beets. Average weight. Sugar in the beets. Purity coeffi- eient. 249 2078 2088 •nay Whit.- Improved Imperial Elite Vilmorin'fl Improved Yilinorin's Elite Original Kleinwanzlebe- ner 1897. May 29 ....do ... do ... 1897. Sept. 25 Nov. 13 ....do ... 1897. Sept. 28 Nov. 22 ....do . 3 2 2 2 o Oune* 8. ll 13 19 12 20 Per ct. 13.9 16.7 13.0 17.3 12.8 79.1 72 a ''O'J'.t ...do .. ...do . ... do . 82 6 2100 do ... ....do ... do ... 72 4 DANE COUNTY, WIS. [Experiment Station, Madison.] 217 Dippe'a Kleinwanzlebener 1897. May 22 ....do ... 1897. 1897. Sept. 29 Oct 12 Oct. 27 Nov. 17 2 3 2 12 10 11 9 16 15.0 18.5 19.5 15.3 80.5 882 87 3 1 165 do ...do .. 1912 . do ....do ... Nov. 3 83.1 14 15.9 15.4 18.9 18.9 18.7 83 3 Original Xleinwanzleben- May 22 Sept. 29 Oct 12 Oct. 27 Nov. 17 2 2 2 11 222 5 8 7 6 881 87 a 146'.) ... .do do ...do .. 1913 ....do... Nov. 2 6 18.4 82 o Kleinwanzlebener .. do Ma\ 22 Sept 29 Oct, 12 Oct. 27 Sept. 29 Oct. 12 <>< t. 29 2 9 5 2 2 2 a 2 a 188 13 9 13 9 6 6 15 14.6 16.3 17.;; L3.8 15.5 18. 5 17.3 85 -77 82 a 1468 .. do ....do ... M. 1 226 do ...do B6 a 878 do do . ....do ... 86.2 14<54 do . 1918 do ....do ... Nov. 3 Nov. 17 85. 1 14.7 17.2 85. 1 White Improved Imperial Elite May 22 Sept. 29 Oct 12 Oct :'7 Nov. 17 218 - 2 a 12 9 8 5 18 14.0 17 1 is b 15.4 88 do ] 16 1 do ...do ... J!M 1 .. do ... ... dc Nov. 8 12. 4 15.5 - Dippe'i Yilmoiin Elite — Mav 22 ....do ... Sept 29 Oct 12 Oct 27 Nov. 17 219 a a 2 11.', 14 lo 18 14 14.8 L8.5 17.7 .-: •_■ 1 166 do .. ....do ... 88 D 1917 do . do Nov. a 86 7 14.0 17.7 86.7 v llmorin'a I m p r <> v ed SeliUN lor, need .... do Mav 32 Sept. 29 Oct L2 Oct 27 Not. it 221 a 2 24 Lfl IS 12 12 16.8 la a 15.8 146] ....do .. 82. 1 1916 do do Nov. 2 12.4 15.6 82.7 in Bearing the ayeragi ■, mob analyala la rained In proportion to the weigh! of th<' aamplo. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 153 Table showing analyses of beets of high grade from experiment stations of Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and New York — Continued. DANE COUNTY, WIS— Continued. Serial No. Variety. Time of planting. Time of harvest- ing. Date received. Num- ber of beets. Average weight. Sugar in the beets. Purity coeffi- cient. 223 Vilmorin's "La Plus Riche" do 1897. May 22 do ... 1897. 1897. Sept. 29 Oct. 12 Oct. 27 Sept. 29 Oct. 12 Oct. 27 Nov. 17 2 2 2 2 2 2 236 Ounces. 18 16 12 13 8 10 15 Per ct. 14.9 17.9 17.6 14.3 19.2 19.0 17.7 83.4 871 88.2 1462 do ....do ... 85.2 224 ...do do ... 86.2 875 ...do ....do ... 1467 do ... do ... :::::::::: Nov. 3 85.4 1915 do ....do ... 86.7 15 17.7 86.8 Mav 22 ....do... Sept. 29 Oct. 12 Nov. 17 220 2 2 91 12 12 13 13.4 15.0 13 6 84.8 1470 do 83.5 1914 do ....do ... Nov. 2 81.0 13 13.6 81.1 ONTARIO COUNTY, N. Y. [Experiment station, Geneva.] 227 1409 White Improved Imperial Elite do do 1897. ....do ... 1897. Sept. 27 Oct. 14 /Oct. 29 I Oct. 30 1897. Sept. 28 Oct. 15 1 4 4 174 14 16 18 12.6 14.8 15.3 80.6 82.0 /"-;--- 18 20 17 16 16 20 15.2 15. 1 15.6 16.8 16.6 18.3 81 3 228 Vilmorin's "La Plus Riche" May 19 Sept. 27 Sept. 28 ....do... Oct. 15 ....do... 4 4 4 4 207 85 5 231 1403 1410 do 87 2 do do ... Oct. 14 . ..do ... 84 2 do do .. .... do ....do ... /Oct, 29 \Oct. 30 (*) J 20 18.1 85 6 Vilmorin's Improved (Schuyler, Nebr.) do do May 15 do ... do . Sept. 27 Oct. 14 /Oct. 29 \Oct. 30 Sept. 28 Oct. 15 229 1406 5 4 32 20 16 18 14.2 15.2 15.7 84.2 87.8 (*) / 18 15.5 85 6 Vilmorin's Improved do May 19 do ... Sept. 27 Oct. 14 Sept. 28 Oct. 15 234 1404 4 4 15 15 13.6 14.0 82.2 81 4 15 14.1 81 8 May 19 Sept. 27 Oct. 14 /Oct. 29 \Oct. 30 Sept 28 Oct. 15 230 4 4 107 18 16 18 13.3 12.3 .15.9 82.8 70. 2 (*> 1401 do ....do ... Averages t J is 15. 7 SI 1 Vilmorin's Improved Elite (Dippe Brothers) do Mav 19 Sepl. 27 Oct. 14 fOct 20 \()ct. 30 Sept. 28 Oct. 15 232 1407 4 4 64 1!) ]ti 19 15.2 If,. T IS. 1 86.0 84 9 do do . (*) Averages t J 19 17.9 85 5 * Not included in averaging the purity coefficients. Un figuring the averages, each analysis is valued represents. proportion to the weight of the sample it 154 Table BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. toning analyses of beets of high grade from experiment stations of Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, H'isconsin, and New York — Continued. ONTARIO COUNTY. N. Y— Continued. Serial Variety. Time of planting. Time of harvest- ing. Date received. Nnm- berof beets. A verag<< weight. Sugar in the beets Purity coeffi- cient. 233 1402 High-grade Commercial Kli imvanzlebener do May 19 1897. Sept. 27 Oct. 14 /Oct. 29 \Oct. 30 1897. Sept. 28 Oct. 15 \ 4 4 224 Ounces. 20 15 18 Per ct. 15.1 15.2 17.8 86.4 83.2 .do ....do ... (*) ' 18 17.7 85. g Original Kleinwanzlebe- ner (Holland) do . do ilav 19 ....do ... do ... Sept. 27 Oct. 14 Sept. 28 Oct. 15 235 1405 4 4 7 18 13 18 16.2 16.4 19.2 86.7 84.7 (*) 17 17.7 85.8 Kleinwanzlebener Elite ( 1 ) i ppe Brothers) .. do May 19 ....do .. Oct. 14 (Oct. 29 \Oct. 30 Oct. 15 \ 1408 4 ■u 16 20 17.3 18.7 84.6 ' 20 1 1H.7 *Not included in averaging the purity coefficients. tin figuring the averages, each analysis is valued in proportion to the weight of the sample it ate. Discussion of above data. — No further discussion of the analytical data contained in the above table is necessary, except in the case of the samples received from Wisconsin and ISTew York. These samples were exceptionally fine. By an unfortunate misunderstanding all the beets received (rem Wisconsin were reduced to pulp for the purpose of getting an average sample for analysis. The selection for mother beets was, therefore, confined to the samples from Xew York. WISCONSIN. Almost uniformly good results were obtained in these experiments. The ( Original Kleinwanzlebener (Holland) seed produced beets, however, too small for all practical purposes, although the BQgar content and purity were high. The largest beets and those of the highest purity were produced by the Vilmorin La Pins Riche seed. The Demesmay seed which were used were only the commercial article, and were not grown from specially analyzed mothers. It is not surprising, therefore, to see that they produced a crop which was the poorest of all in sugar content. The particular analyses of the most importance are those which were made on the beets received November 17, and harvested on the 3d of November. These practically represent the beets at their full maturity, as it is not probable that they would improve in quality in the climate of Madison after the 1st of November. The analyses also represent the greatest number of beets, and therefore are the most reliable. The largest number of beets <>f proper size and shape were produced by the Vilmorin La Plus Kiche seed, and the BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 155 smallest by the Original Kleinwanzlebener. The beets grown from the Schuyler seed are of particular interest because they represent the link of union between the experiments which were discontinued by the Department in 1893 and reinaugurated in 1897. The average size of the beets produced by the Schuyler seed is somewhat small, but the content of sugar and the purity are satisfactory. Upon the whole, the effect of high-grade. seed and high culture are most distinctly marked. It is only necessary to compare the results obtained in the experiments with these high-grade seeds with those secured in the State at large to show the possibilities of beet production in Wisconsin. With such data before the investigator, it is evident that he must be convinced of the fact that it is possible, with proper conditions of seed and culture, to produce a grade of beets of the highest quality in Wisconsin. New York. Most satisfactory results were obtained from the experimental work in the State of New York at Geneva. Two sets of samples were received from the station, representing intervals of about two weeks in harvesting, the first set of samples having been harvested on the 27th of September and the second on the 14th of October. It will be noticed that a marked improvement was secured by postponing the harvest for two weeks, showing that as a rule it is not to be expected that the season for manufacturing in New York should begin before the middle of October. The above table includes also the final har- vest, which was made much later in the season, viz, October 29-30, and shows even a greater improvement. The beets from the final har- vest were all sent to Washington, and were carefully selected for seed production. The data obtained in this selection are given as the third in the series of analyses. The samples which were grown at the New York station were from seeds of two different qualities: First, commer- cial seeds, as represented by the Demesinay White Imperial and high- grade commercial Kleinwanzlebener; and, second, seeds grown directly from high-grade mothers, represented by the Vilmorin La Plus liiche, theVilmoriu Improved (Schuyler), and the Original Kleinwanzlebener. The average size of the beets selected for analysis was not quite 20 ounces; the sugar content in most cases was. high, and the purity extremely satisfactory. After leaving the beets unharvested until the end of October they were found to have increased their content of sugar very markedly, as will be shown in the table of analyses for the selection of mothers. The encouraging data obtained at the New York station suggests that if the Department should reestablish its experi- ment stations for the production of high-grade seeds one of them should be placed in this locality. In the analysis of the beets to be selected as mothers lor producing seeds no attempt was made to determine the coefficient of purity, as the amount of pulp removed was only sufficient to determine the 156 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. percentage of sugar directly therein. It is evident, however, that the purity coefficients of all the different varieties would not have been diminished by perfect maturity, so that they may be regarded as fully equal to the average in each case. In fact, it would be fair to assume that the averages of the final harvest of the most mature beets were slightly above those taken for the average of the three analytical periods of the season. In the discussion of the data obtained by the analysis it must be remembered that the averages in all cases are made upon the total weight of the material entering into the analysis. Not only is this true of each individual sample, but also of the average analyses of the samples. It is evident that this is the one exact method of obtaining average results, and it is only the averages obtained by such a method that have a convincing value. DATA OF EACH VARIETY. The White Improved Imperial Elite, grown from commercial seeds gave beets of fair commercial quality. An average weight of 18 ounces, with a content of L5.2 per cent of sugar in the beets and a coefficient of purity of 81..'), would insure a large yield in a well-built and well- operated factory. From the complete harvest, 17t beets were found of the required size, shape, and sugar content to warrant saving for the production of seed. It is evident, however, that this seed would he only of a medium grade commercial quality, and not suited to the improvement of the beet. Vilmorin La J'lns h'iche. — This plot gave excellent results throughout The average size of the beets was the largest of any of the plots grown. The purity coefficients were exceptionally high, and the sugar contents most satisfactory. Two hundred and seven beets grown on this plot, having an average weight of 20 ounces and a- mean content of sugar of 18.3 per cent, were selected for seed production. It is evident that the coefficient of purity of this selection must have been at least 86. These mothers will therefore produce seeds of the highest quality, which can subsequently be planted, growing beets for the production of seeds of exceptional properties. Vilmorin Improved^ Schuyler s excellent. The beets pro- duced from these seeds in another year will doubtless develop some exceptionally high-grade mothers, and thus the strain will be continued. This plot represents the sole surviving result of the three years' experi- ments ;it Schuyler, commenced in L890, Thirty-two beets, with an average weight of is ounces and an average con ten 1 of sugar of L5.7 per cent were out aside for B6ed production. It is seen, from an BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 157 inspection of the table, that the coefficient of purity of this lot was 87 or more. It therefore represents the highest grade of purity of any of the lots. Yilmorin Improved. — This is a commercial seed, used for planting around the central plots, and has produced a crop of only fair commer- cial value. Demesmay. — This is also a commercial seed, obtained directly from the growers in the north of France, and, as will be seen from an inspec- tion of the table, produced a crop of excellent commercial value. Yilmorin Improved Ulite, grown by Dippe Brothers. — This seed repre- sents the improvement in the strain of the Yilmorin beet when cultivated according to the highest scientific principles in Germany. Sixty four beets grown on this plot, having an average weight of 19 ounces, were selected for mothers. The mean content of sugar in these beets was 18.1. It is evident, also, that the purity was at least 80 per cent. This harvest, therefore, represents a very high grade quality of mothers for continuing the improvement. High grade Commercial Kleinwanzlebencr. — This variety of seed rep- resents the highest grade of commercial seeds ottered to the market. The results of culture show that the tendency of this seed to produce rich beets is extremely well marked. Two hundred and twenty-four beets grown on this plot, with an average weight of 18 ounces, were selected as mothers. The mean content of sugar in these beets was 17.8 per cent, and the purity, as seen by the table, is evidently high. These high-grade commercial seeds, therefore, produce a strain of beets almost as valuable for sugar production as the specially high grade seeds from analyzed mothers. Original Kleinwanzlebencr (Holland.) — This variety of seed represents the Kleinwanzlebencr type as cultivated to the highest degree in Hol- land. The tendency in that country seems to be to the production of a beet of small size and exceptionally high sugar content. Only a few of these high-grade seeds were planted, and this, together with their small size, accounts for the fact that only seven were selected. The mean weight of the seven was 18 ounces, the mean content of sugar therein L9.2, and the coefficient of purity evidently 86 or over. This variety produced the highest content of sugar of any cultivated, but od account of the small size is less to be recommended for genera] culti- vation in this country than some of the other varieties. Kleimvanzlebener Elite. — This variety represents the specially-selected seeds grown by Dippe Brothers, at Quedlinburg. The beets grow to a fine size, are of good shape, and have excellent qualities to recommend them to the manufacturer. Two hundred and eleven of these beets, having an average weight of 20 ounces, were selected as mothers. The mean content of sugar in these beets was IS. 7 per cent, and the coeffi- cient of purity, as will be seen by the table, good. i;>8 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. CLASSIFICATION OF THE BEETS OF EACH VARIETY. It will be interesting to study the distribution of the beets of each variety according to sugar content. This can be done by means of the following table: Xumber of beets having contents of sugar from — Maximum polariza- tions of individual beets. Minimum polarisa- Variety. If) to 16 per cent. 16 to 17 17 to 18 percent percent. 18 per cent and above. tions of individual beets. White Improved Imperial Elite Vilmorin La Pins lticlie Vilmorin Improved, Schuyler Seed. . Demesmay Vilmorin Improved Elite (Dippe 65 7 4 11 1 19 6 20 16 8 14 4 30 1 15 23 32 5 5 5 64 9 •Jt 4 94 3 40 47 107 50 165 Per cent. 19.6 IS. 8 22. U 21.6 22.0 2-2.-2 22.0 J'cr cent 11.6 13.4 12.4 9.6 10.6 High Grade Commercial Klein- 13.6 Kleinwanzlebener ( Holland) 18.4 14.6 PRESERVATION OF THE ."MOTHER BEETS. The spaces in the beets caused by the removal of the diagonal core for analysis were filled with cotton saturated with formaldehyd. The beets thus prepared were placed in silos, where they will remain until March. GROWTH OF SEED FROM THE .MOTHERS ABOVE DESCRIBED. Since the pollen of the beet is easily transported, it is necessary that each variety of seed be grown in plots entirely removed from any danger of fertilization from other localities. In order to secure this, one of the varieties preserved will be planted, through the courtesy of Mr. William Saunders, superintendent of the garden and grounds, in the Department garden at Washington and arrangements have been made with the following experiment stations to grow one variety each ol the remaining beets, viz: Maryland; Ithaca and Geneva, N. V.: Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa. As soon as practicable in the spring t he silos will be opened and the beets forwarded to the stations above named (br transplanting. The beets of each variety of different degrees of strength should be planted as far removed as possible from the other classes. For instance, the beets in the grade of 20 per cent of sugar should be planted far enough from Other grades of the same variety to prevent intermixing of the pollen. In this way the strain of excellence can be best preserved. The beets which have been saved for mothers are to be divided into Cla88e8 representing different degrees of saccharine strength, and each of these classes planted separately to produce high grade seed for fnt arc M NECE88m OF SEED i»i \ i I OPMENT. It is highly important for the rapid and safe progress ol' the beet- ir industry ill this country that attention should be paid to the pro- duction of high grade Beeds. We have in the I nited States such great differences in soils and climatic conditions as to render it evident that BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 159 a single station for the production of seeds would not be sufficient. Beets of different qualities should be developed in different localities. Tbe character of beets best suited to the fields of Xew York and Wis- consin, for instance, would not be the ideal plant for the semiarid regions of Xebraska. On the other hand, it is evident that beets grown in an arid region, as, for instance, Chino and other valleys of California, without irrigation and with scarcely any rainfall, should have a longer tap root than those grown in localities where rainfall is abundant or irrigation is practiced. It seems plain, therefore, that three, if not four, stations should be established, and in order that this work may be conducted under uniform methods these stations should be established and maintained by the Department of Agriculture. One of these stations should be located in an area of average rain- fall and ordinary meteorological conditions as presented, for instance, by the States of New York and Michigan. The second station should be established in a locality where a defi- cient rainfall is to be expected, and where the vicissitudes attending meteorological changes are the greatest, as, for instance, in South Dakota or Nebraska. The third station should be established in a region where irrigation is practiced, as, for instance, in Colorado, New Mexico, or Utah. A fourth station should be devoted to the development of a beet best suited to arid regions where irrigation is not practiced, as, for instance, in the coast valleys of California. It is only by a careful, systematic, and scientific development of beets suited to these different localities that we can expect to promote in the most favorable manner the development of the beet sugar iudustry in the United States. It is evident that the continuation of the experi- ments which have been conducted by the Department of Agriculture for so many years in the analysis of beets and in the delimitation of areas suited to beet culture should now be supplemented by a more rigid scientific attempt to develop beets of characteristics best suited to the four typical localities which have been specified above. The maintenance of a small experiment station entirely competent to accom- plish this work in each of the localities mentioned would not require a very great outlay of money and would result in the greatest possible good to the industry. STATISTICS OF AMERICAN BEET-SUG-AR PRODUCTION. The information contained in the following table has been obtained through the courtesy of the beet-sugar factories: Statistics of the production of beet suyar in the United Slates for the year 1897. Number of factories in operation 9 Number of acres of beets harvested 41, -~'2 Approximate average priee paid for beets $4. 10 Approximate average percent of sugar in the beets 14.49 Total pounds of granulated sugar made.. .• BO, 080, 170 Total pounds of raw sugar made 431,200 Granulated sugar obtained per cent beets 11.56 Raw sugar obtained per cent beets Total sugar obtained per ton (2,000 pounds) of beets pounds.. 'S32. 4 160 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Statistics of individual factor esfor the year 1S97. Name of factory and location. Z m ■— - Acres. 4,808 9,678 700 4, 282 2, H00 1,029 1.600 3. 000 10, 375 •6 S *x 9 > 00 S S pq 5 u a : — ■_ ■- = 'u 1,j = ~ — » > ad _ - — H •— o la f 8 : ~ s ~* K - & ° s .-: r H 8 it Alameda Sugar Co., Alvarado. Cal Chino Valley Beet Sugar Co., Chino. Cal First New York Beet Sugar Co.. Rome, XV — Oxnard Beet Sugar Co., Grand Island, .Nebr ... Los Alamitoa Sugar C<>:, Los Alaimtos, Cal — Norfolk Beet Sugar Co., Norfolk, Nebr Pecos Valley Beet Sugar Co., Eddy, N. Mex — Utah Beet Sugar Co., Lehi, Utah.. Western Beet Sugar Co., Watson ville, Cal Ton*. 48, 773 97, 197 4, 325 38, 607 20. 542 30, 113 5, 7(i0 110, 878 $4.00 (a) 5.00 (d) 4.16 (d) 4.00 4.25 4.00 Days. 90 151 45 (d) 105 (d) 38 56 104 Per c<. 14. 2d 15.10 (6) 12. 90 15.73 13.60 14. 00 13.20 15.00 Pound*. 10, 198, 648 24, 3u;{, 122 c 765, 700 6. 798. 300 6. OlT.i'OO 7.941.400 1 . 020. 000 3, 670, 600 776, 000 Total 41,272 380,635 90,491,670 I per ton for 12 per cent beets, and 25 cents per ton for each per cent above 12. The Chino fac- tory employed a saecharate process. //Red beets, 5J to 12 per cent sugar; white beets. 13 to 17 per ceut sugar. Average analysis not reported. <• 131,200 pounds raw sugar arc included. t/Xot reported. REMARKS ON THE BEET-SUGAE STATISTICS FOR 1897. The past season was not very favorable to the production of beets in several localities in California and in New .Mexico and Utah. Insntli cient rain in California at the time of planting resulted in a sinallei acreage being planted to beets and in a small yield of roots per acre. The great shortage in the crop reduced the quantity of sugar produced in California below that of the previous year, notwithstanding the fact that the new factory at Los Alamitos was operated and that at Chino increased its output. The first New York beet-sugar factory was somewhat unfortunate in the varieties of beets selected. The red beets contained very little sugar, and undoubtedly decreased the output below what it should have been under favorable conditions. The white beets were of sat isfactory sugar content. As maybe noted by an examination of this report of the experiments made in the State of New York during the pasl sea- son, thai State is capable of producing beets of very great richness. The shortage in the output of sugar is to some extent due to a decreased acreage at Lehi. Utah, and al Watsonville, Cal., these two factories having a larger crop in L896 than they could work to ad van- In 1896 the factory at Watsonville produced nearly 20,000 short ton- .)! sugar from approximately 1.50,000 tons of beets, mid the past year 14,888 shoii tons from 1 10,878 tons of beets. The total produc- tion for the country shows an increase of approximately 5,000 tons in 1S!>7 over thai of 1896. The increase in the output of sugar next sea son. should moie favorable conditions prevail in California, will be very e, siuoe eight new factories, having a daily capacity of approxi- mately 6,700 tons of beets, will be in operation. The output is reported in the tables in pounds of granulated sugar, since but one factory marketed raw sugar. The quantity ol raw sugar produced does not materially modify the statistics of the production. index; A. Page. Agricultural surveys, importance 21 plans proposed 21 Analyses of sugar beets, cautions regarding study 41 Arid regions, meteorological conditions 35 Arizona, analyses of beets 43 discussion of data 56 experiment station report 56 Arkansas, analyses of beets 43 discussion of data 60 B. Beet pulps. (See Sugar-beet pulps.) seed, source and quality 117 sugar industry, conditions to be considered 23 statistics 160 zone 25 Beets. (See Sugar beets.) Bibliography of Department publications relative to beet sugar 12 Bloomfield, L. M., report 102 ('. California, analyses of beets 43 discussion of data 60 Cattle food, use of sugar beets 128 Climatology 21 Colorado, analyses of beets 43 discussion of data 61 experiment station report 63 Connecticut, meteorological conditions 29 Cossettes, exhausted. (See Sugar-beet pulps.) Curtiss, C. F., report 72 1). Data obtained in the Department of Agriculture 40 Delaware, meteorological conditions 28 i:. Experimental work, comments, in early bulletins of Division of Chemistry 17 Experiments in 1897, correspondence 16 plan _ 17 feeding beet pulps 131 161 162 INDEX. F. Page. Forbes, R. II.. report 56 Fulmer, Elton, report 116 G. Goetz. A. s.. letter relative to beet pulps 130 H. Beadden, W. P.. report 63 Huston, II. A., report 70 I." Idaho, analyses of beets 44 discussion of data ill experiment station report 65 Illinois, analyses of beets 44 data from the experiment station 68 discussion of data 68 meteorological conditions 32 summary of analyses (58 Indiana, analyses of beets 11 beets for seed production 146 discussion of data 69 experiment station report 70 meteorological conditions .'-I' Iowa, analyses of beets 45 beets for «eed production 1 10 discussion of data 72 meteorological conditions 33 Isothermal lines 21 .1. Jordan, \V. II., report ;»l K. Kansas, analyses <>i beets 46 discussion of data 71 summary of analyses by t ho experiment stat ion 75 Kentucky, analyses of beets. 48 beets for seed production 1 15 discussion of data 76 a M. Map of t lie thermal Kelt, discussion 23,24 Maryland, analyses of beets W discussion of data 77 eastern shore, meteorological conditions 27 ichusetts, meteorological conditions 29 Meteorological conditions 27 Miohigan, analyses of beets -16 disCUSSion of data 78 meteorological conditions >52 resum< of the experiment station report 78 INDEX. 163 Page. Minnesota, analyses of beets 47 discussion of data 81 meteorological conditions 33 report of the experiment station 82 summary of data from the experiment station 82 Missouri, analyses of beets 47 discussion of data 83 summary of data from the experiment station 84 Model for describing sugar beets 38 Montana, analyses of beets 49 discussion of data 85 summary of data from the experiment station 85 N. Nebraska, analyses of beets 49 discussion of data 86 meteorological conditions 35 report of the experiment station 86 Nevada, analyses of beets 50 discussion of data 87 report of the experiment station 88 New Hampshire, meteorological conditions 29 New Jersey, analyses of beets. 50 discussion of data 88 experiments in Monmouth County 89 meteorological conditions 28 New Mexico, discussion of data 90 report of the experiment station 90 New York, analyses of beets 50 discussion of data 93 meteorological conditions 30 orography 98 regions suited to beet culture 98 report of the Cornell University experiment station 96 report of the State experiment station 94 re'sumc' of analytical data 94 North Carolina, analyses of beets 51 discussion of data 99 meteorological conditions ..'. 27 North Dakota, analyses of beets 51 discussion of data 99 meteorological conditions 34 O. Ohio, analyses of beets 51 discussion of data 100 meteorological conditions 31 report of the experiment station 102 summary of analyses 100 by the experiment station 101 Oklahoma, analyses of beets 52 discussion of data 103 report of the experiment station 103 Oregon, report of tho experiment station L04 164 INDEX. P. Tage. Pennsylvania, analyses of beets 52 discussion of data 108 meteorological conditions 31 summary of analyses 108 Pulps. {See Sugar-beet pulps.) R. Rainfall, annual 25 table of averages 25 Kbode Island, analyses of beets 52 discussion of data 110 Roberts, I. P., report 96" 8. Seed development 158 growth from selected seed 158 production, investigations Ill plan of experiments 141 stations, location 159 Seiby, A. I)., report 102 Shaw, G. W., report 104 Sbepard, .J. II., abstracts from report Ill South Carolina, analyses of beets 52 discussion of data 110 South Dakota, analyses of beets 5:5 discussion of data IK 1 meteorological conditions :>1 summary of analyses Ill 8ta1 istics of beet-sugar production bi<> Sugar-beet belt, as mapped by Dr. Antisell Il* pulps, analyses 131 before and after siloing I-":; composition 129 and feeding tests 130 feeding experiments in New Mexico 130 USe lor cattle food 11". 1 beets as cattle food 12> compared with ol her root orops 12!» cant ions in using the analytical data 1 1 cost of cult i vat ion in Wisconsin L28 directions for taking samples :;7 topping 38 from high-grade seed, analyses by the Department .. . L50 discussion of data 151. 156 influence of temperature on t he quality 125 summary of analyses 135 susceptibility to climatic conditions 21 t:ii» lc of analyses by the Department 18 yield in Wisconsin 123 T. Tennessee, analyses of beets 5:; beets for seed production ill analysis ol beets 58 INDEX. 165 Page. Texas, discussion of data 112 report of the experiment station 113 Thermal belt 23 U. Utah, analyses of beets 53 V. Vermont, analyses of beets 53 discussion of data 124 meteorological conditions 29 report of the experiment station 125 Virginia, analyses of beets 53 discussion of data 114 repo.t of the experiment station 114 Vredenburgh, James B., experiments 89 W. Washington, analyses of beets 54 discussion of data 115 report of the experiment station 116 AVest Virginia, analyses of beets 54 meteorological conditions 27 Wisconsin, analyses of beets 54 beets for seed production 146 cost of cultivation 123 discussion of data 119 experiments at substations 122 with high-grade seed 148 influence of the Menominee Falls failure 128 investigations by the experiment station 119 meteorological conditions 32 table of analytical data 120 yield of beets _ ; 123 Woll, F. W., report 120 Wyoming, analyses of beets 55 discussion of data 123 o