STUDY OF THE DATA FOR 1898.

ALABAMA.

Only four samples were received from this State. Inasmuch as the whole of the State of Alabama is entirely south of the beet-sugar belt, it is evident that further experiment in this region would not be advisable. The growth of sugar beets, however, in Alabama for cattle food might prove very profitable. The data show a fair average size, and with the naturally fertile soil of that State a large yield per acre of most excellent cattle food could be secured.

ARKANSAS.

Six samples were received from the State of Arkansas. The remarks which have just been made in regard to the data from Alabama apply with equal force to those from Arkansas.

CALIFORNIA.

The seasonal and climatic effects upon sugar beets are well illustrated by comparing the data from California with those from the two preceding States. Although the average size of the samples from California was greater than those from Alabama and Arkansas, the content of sugar was almost double and the purity an average of ten points higher. Further experimental data are not needed to determine the suitability of the soil and climate of California for producing sugar beets of a high grade. Further work in that State should be directed toward delimiting the areas in the valleys best suited to beet culture. The results obtained both in practice and by experiment, having extended now over a period of over twenty years, must be regarded as thoroughly definitive. Aside from the important. question of water supply, it has been demonstrated beyond cavil that California presents in every respect favorable conditions for growing sugar beets equal to those of any of the States of the Union and even of any countries of the world.

COLORADO.

Fifty samples from Colorado show a fair average size and a satisfactory content of sugar. The experimental data which have now been collected for several years indicate that Colorado, wherever irrigation can be practiced, presents a fruitful field for beet culture. The content of sugar in the beets is uniformly high and the purity satisfactory.

CONNECTICUT.

The samples received from Connecticut evidently do not fully represent the possibilities of beet culture in that State, and therefore no certain judgment must be formed from the limited number of samples, viz, four, which have been examined.

DELAWARE.

Only a single sample was received from this State, and this sample. did not quite fulfill the minimum requirements of sugar beets for practical purposes. Delaware lies a little south of the belt of best beet culture, and therefore it is hardly justifiable to expect that it will soon become a profitable beet sugar producing locality.

GEORGIA.

The four samples received from Georgia were overgrown in size, having an average weight of 47 ounces. The sugar content was abnormally low, even for a Southern State. The only profitable purpose for which sugar beets could be grown in Georgia would be for cattle food.

IDAHO.

Five samples from Idaho were somewhat over the average in size. They just reached the minimum content of sugar of a profitable sugar beet, and the purity was not quite up to the average. Former experimental data, however, show that there are many localities in Idaho where excellent beets can be produced.

ILLINOIS.

It

It was stated in a preceding report (House Doc. No. 396) that the northern part of Illinois afforded many suitable places for beet culture. In the 38 samples received all parts of the State were represented. The average size of the beets was fair, but both the content of sugar and the purity were below the results obtained last year. is evident that the seasonal conditions in Illinois during 1898 were unfavorable. These data, in connection with those formerly obtained, show that a considerable degree of care must be exercised in selecting locations in the State of Illinois where profitable sugar-beet culture can be conducted.

INDIANA.

The remarks which have just been made in regard to Illinois apply with equal force to Indiana, although the soil in the northern part of Indiana, as a rule, is more favorable to sugar-beet culture than it is in Illinois. Only the northern portion of the State can be regarded as a favorable locality for successful sugar-beet culture. The 88 samples received represented all parts of the State. The average size of the beets was fair, but both the content of sugar and the purity were abnormally low. The seasonal conditions in this State, as in Illinois, were unfavorable. Only in one county, viz, Starke, did the beets show a large content of sugar coupled with a high purity.