Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1842-04-26
a DrfrulturaI,
From the Norridgtwock (Maine.) Peoples Press
SUGAR BEET.

From the Norridgttcock (Mdine.) Peoples Press,
SUGAR BEET.
Mr.. EDITOR Much has been published in
Agricultural papers OF late, on the advantages a.
rising from an extensive culture ofthe Sugar Beet;
but as some of your subscribers may be uniform
ed on the subject, the writer solicits permission to
make a few remarks and quotations, which, if you
consider worthy Of notice, and a place in the Press
you have permission to lay before your patrons
if not, drop them where it is most convenient, and
it will be well.
This is a subject, it is thought that merits the
candid consideration of every agriculturist in New
England; and to evince which, is the object ofthe
writer of this communication. Many men, of
great understalaipg and information on this sub
ject, are very finn in the belief that the manufac-
ture of sugar from the beet, will eventually become
in this country, as now in France, a source of
great national and individual wealth. Some ar
sert very confidently, that the time is not far dis
tant when farmers Will be able to make their own
sugar from the beet, with as much ease as they
now do cider and applesauce, and at an expense
not exceeding half what is usually paid, in this
country, for that indispensable article
From what information the writer can obtain
on the subject, it would seem that the manufacture
OF sugar from the beet, where the business is well
understood, is far more profitable than from the
cane. From a statement drawn up by Mr.. Nou.
bert Rilleauc, of New Orleans, who is well ac-
quainted with the raising of sugar cane, and
and manufacture of sugar from it, it appears
that If It is a very good year an acre will produce
$4,000 lbs. sugar cane, which will give 1000 lbs.
brown sugar worth 6 cts, per pound, and 500 lbs.
or 40 gallons of molasses, which is worth Sc or
40 cts per gallon. The product of an acre of su.
gar cane, therefore, under favorable circumstances
will be, sugar, 900 lbs, at 6 cts. per
pound, 500 90
and 40 gallons molasscs, at 40 cts. per
gallon 1900
$1,000
Acre Of Sugar Beet MANUFACTURED into Sugar.
One acre will produce, on an average, 90 tons,
or 600 bushels sugar beet. 1t will be seen by ref.
erence to an analysis ofthe beet, Yankee Farmer
Vol, 5, page AZ, that it contains 10 per cant. of
chrystallized sugar. In France they obtain from
100 pounds of the beet, from 6 to s lbs. sugar:
say z l.2-then 20 tons the product of an acre
will yield $500 lbs. white, refined sugar, worth,
Mr. Bosom of the Yankee Farmer. SAYS IL cts,
per pound, but we will call it $500 pounds of
sugar, at 8 cents per pound, $225,00
Now deduct the amount of the product of
an acre of sugar cane, as above, 1900
Balance in favor of the planter and
manufacturer ofsugar beet on the
product of an acre, Sl4S,OO
In the above statement no calculation is made
as to the expenses of cultivation, or manufacture of
sugar. In the expenses ofmaking the sugar. there
would probable be no material difference in the
two processes. The expense of cultivating the
beet, however, would exceed that of the cane to a
considerable amount; but the happy effect the cul-
ture OF the beet has on succeeding crops. on ac-
count of its e~nriching and cleansing effects on
the soil. more than compensates the planter for
all extra expense in the cultivation. The sugar
beet is a tertilizing plant the leaves being quite
large, 1t draws more from the atmosphere. and less
from the soil, than many other plants. The leaves.
given to mich cows, it is said, will paw for har.
vesting, and the pumice or cake, that remains af.
ter the sugar is extracted, (of which there are 4
tons or more, to every 20 tons of beets, the pro-
duct of an acre. sells in France for feeding cows,
higher per ton than the price of beets. With the
ABOVE facts before him, any one can perceive that
the PLANTER OF sugar cane can never enter into suc-
cesstul competition with the sugar beet planter and
manufacturer.
The sugar, equal in every respect to the best
made from the cane, can be made from the beet.
admits not a doubt. Mr. David Lee Child. of Mas,
sachusetts, has made some thousand pounds Of SUI
gar, some of it exceedingly pure and beautiful
Specimens of beet sugar, brought from France.
have been pronounced by competent Judges, to be
a hrS rate article The rapidity with which
the business has increased in France for the last
~ years, is conclusive evidence that it is profitable
there In the days of Bonaparte the business was
In its infancy. Ia 1888 the amount of sugar made
was above $4,000 tons and the business is ANN.
ally extending and increasing. Since the com.
mencement ofthe business in France, the value of
Leai estate has risen from so to 100 per centum.
ana lime employment has been found 10 he 81 In
era'ive in France, that it mas been steadily incraas.