Beet root sugar in the raw state contains an essential oil, the taste and smell of which are disagreeable.  Thus the treacle of beet root cannot be used in a direct way, whereas the treacle of cane sugar is of an agreeable flavor, for the essential oil which it contains is aromatic, and has some resemblance in taste to vanilla.  But beet root sugar, when it is completely refined, differs in no sensible degree from refined cane sugar.  In appearance it is quite equal to cane sugar, and the process of refining it is more easy than for the latter.  Samples made in Belgium were exhibited at a late meeting of the Dublin Society.  It was of the finest appearance, of strong sweetening quality, and in color resembling the species of sugar known as crushed lump.  The most singular part of the matter is, that it was manufactured in the space of forty-five minutes—­the entire time occupied from the taking of the root out of the ground and putting it into the machine, to the production of the perfect article.  It was said that it could be produced for 3d. per lb.  An acre of ground is calculated to yield 50 tons of Silesian beet, which, in France and Belgium, give three tons of sugar, worth about L50; the refuse being applied in those countries to feeding cattle.  But from the superior fitness of the Irish soil, as shown by experience to be the case, it is confidently affirmed by persons competent to form an opinion, that 8 per cent. of sugar could be obtained there on the raw bulk.

The following figures are given as illustrative of the expense of the cultivation of one acre of beet-root in Ireland:—­

Two ploughings and harrowing L1 1 0
Expense of manure and carting 5 0 0
Hoeing and seed 0 6 0
Drilling and sowing 0 5 0
Rent 2 0 0
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L8 12 0

An average produce of 20 tons, at L15 per ton, would leave a profit of L6 8s. per acre, leaving the land in a state fit for the reception, at little expense, of a crop of wheat, barley, or oats for the next year, and of hay for the year ensuing; a consideration of no small importance to the farmer.  The following estimates, recently given, are not by any means exaggerated:—­

61,607 tons of beet, at 10s.  L30,803 10 0
Cost of manufacture, at 11s. per ton. 33,883 17 0
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64,687 7 0
Produce 7 per cent of sugar, at 28s. per cwt. 136,767 10 0
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Estimated profit L72,080 3 0