116 



Why the same species of grass should develope more silica in one 

 climate and soil than in another would appear to be a question 

 worthy of further investigation. 



The Sugar Cane is a grass, and if the crops of various countries 

 were analysed in a similar manner as these samples, it is pro- 

 bable that comparative results of great interest to planters would 

 manifest themselves, as it would appear to be evident that a hard- 

 skinned cane, or that containing the most silica would certainly be 

 able to withstand the attack of insect and vegetable parasites, far 



better than one having a soft and easily pierced skin. 



J. H. H. 

 2nd September, 1895. 



Circular Note No. 28. 



Seedling Sugar Canes. 



In my annual report I mentioned page 9, that the experiments of 

 Messrs. Jenman and Harrison of British Guiana, on the growth and 

 yield of seedling canes had been fully supported by trials carried out 

 at the sugar experiment in Louisiana, U.S.A., under Prof. Stubbs. 



Further news has now been received that seedling No. 95 has 

 again surpassed all others. Prof. Harrison showing that it has given 

 the richest juice for the fourth year in succession. He futher states 

 that third ratoons gave a yield of some 26 to 27 tons to the acre. 



The results obtained in our experimental plot also confirm the 

 fact that the seedling No. 95 is superior in yield to any of the 

 established varieties now grown, and further experiments are now 

 being undertaken which it is hoped will confirm these first tests. 



We have in the Gardens four of the best seedlings, and these are 

 being propagated with the greatest possible taste, so as to give them 

 more extended trial on estates, as it may be clearly seen that a cane 

 which will give on experimental fields a yield of some 18 to 20 per 

 cent, over all others is one which deserves very high estimation. 



J. H. HART, F.L.S. 

 6th December. 



EOTANICAL DePAKTMEKT, TrINIDAD CIRCULAR NOTE No. 29. 



Yield of Seedling Sugar Canes, dc. 



Considerable interest has been taken in the contents of Circular 

 Note No. 28 relating to the yield of new varieties of seedling canes, 



