Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1890-07-25
Suggestions In II Regard TO the Sugar.
beet Culture.


LINCOLN, Neb., July 17.-Reports
from the sub-stations established in
the spring by the state experimental
station for the purpose of determin-
ing the effect of the varying condi-
tons of soil and climate on the
growth of and the production of su-
gar in the sugar-beet are in the main
good.
In many places, especially in the
extreme western part of the state,
beets have suffered from hot weather
and a lack of rain as rule, though
they seem to Withstand these unfa-
vorable conditions as well as corn and
better than small grain.
From some points reports tell us
that insect enemies have begun their
ravages.
As the best methods of cultivation
with us are to be determined by exper-
iment, the suggestion is made to those
having small plats, that during the dry
weather the ground be frequently Cat
least once week. hoed or stirred
Not only will this method of procedure
keep the ground free from weeds, but
it will also aid the plant to withstand
the effects of dry and hot weather.
This last effect is caused by breaking
up the little canals or channels. formed
in the soil by the passage of the moist
ure from the ground to to the air, thus
retarding the evaporation of moisture
from the soil and permitting the free
circulation of air throughout its upper
layers. Both of which actions have a
general tendency to keep the soil cool
and moist. If possible, hoe one-half
of the p at every week and the other
half but once in two or even three
weeks and carefully note the effects on
the growth.
AS there are several kinds of in
sects that attack the beet, and as they
have already been reported as having
begun operations, it Seems to be the
proper time to begin to learn some
thing q their appearance, habits
and the best means of meeting their
advances To this end the beets should
be watched very carefully from day
to day and at different times of the
day and even in the evening for any
insect, bug or worm that seems to have
any interest in them; search the leaves,
pull up the beets and search the roots
and the top-layer of the soil and
when any marauder is found send it
to the experimental station for study
and identification.
Directions for sending such speci-
mems L copy from bulletin xiv, on
"lnsects Injurious to Young Trees on
Tree-Claims, just issued.
whenever possible, insects should
be packed alive in some tight tin box
the tighter the better as air holes
are not needed-along with supply of
their appropriate food sufficient to last
them on the journey; otherwise they
generally die on the road and shrivel
up.
'Send as full an account as possible
of the habits of the insects; what part
of the plant it infests, time of the dav
when it is most active, amount of dam
age done, etc.
Packages should be marked with
the name of the sender and should be
addressed to the Entomologist of the
Agricultural Experiment Station, Lin
coin, Nebraska"
1t will aid very materially in form
ing conclusions if all people who have
planted seed this season will send,
from time to time, reports of the con-
dition of their beets to the Experiment
Station. Address:
III. IL. NICHOLSON,
Agricultural Experiment Station,