turity, 58 per cent belong to pure albumens, and 42 per cent to the albuminoids such as the amides and albuminoid glucosides. "(17) The application of nitrate of soda has exerted a slight depression on the formation of sugar. The diminution of the percentage of sugar due to the nitrogen is more than compensated by the ener getic action of this fertilizing principle on the production of total organic substance, and it may be definitely stated that in spite of the decrease in percentage, the total weight of sugar is increased. The total sum of the carbohydrates has been almost the same in all the ten experiments irrespective of the food furnished the plant and has varied chiefly by reason of the intensity of the light. "(18) The cellulose also has shown little variation." TYPICAL FORMS OF SUGAR-BEETS. The shape of the sugar-beet has much to do with its value as a sugarproducing plant. A smooth and symmetrical exterior permits the beet to be easily harvested and washed. An irregularly shaped beet may easily carry into the cutters sand and earth, and even stones of considerable size, quickly dulling and even breaking the knives of the slicing machine. In selecting mothers, therefore, only beets of smooth and symmetrical exteriors are chosen. There is thus a tendency to establish a typical form, which varies with the variety of beet. These typical forms for the most approved varieties of beets have been carefully studied and photographed by Professors Eckenbrecher and Maercker, and a few of the most important of these types are reproduced here. In addition to the beets of normal types, there are noticed a few instances of reversion to older and less desirable forms. |