232 



produce shoots from the base than plants grown from cuttings, and 

 its value in sugar contents in the first year is not so high as it is 

 when plants are produced from cuttings of the same plant in succeed- 

 ing years. It has therefore become the rule to plant seedlings largely, 

 and to grow them for several years before finally deciding what their 

 value really is, as sugar producers and croppers ; rooting out annually 

 such as prove to be entirely useless for the purpose in view. An 

 examination of their sugar contents is made at intervals during the 

 ripening period so as to ascertain their relative value when com- 

 pared with kinds of standard merit grown on the same ground . 



Although a large number (say 5,000) seedlings may be grown the 

 first season, these will by selection be reduced to some 10 or 15 

 varieties before they are introduced to the planters for extensive trial. 

 No. 95, of the Demerara set, has stood the test for five successive 

 seasons, and this is followed by Nos. 102, 78 and 74; all of which can be 

 seen growing in the Royal Botanic Gardens side by side with the Bourbon 

 and other standard varieties. All seedlings of whatever character are 

 l^ropagated for the field by cuttings, and when an improved variety is 

 found, we have to commence from a single plant to get a stock in 

 hand for the field; a very lengthy process, it is true, but one which 

 may be expedited if a close watch is kept upon the plants, and good 

 culture is given, for we estimate that from a single stool 5,000 or 

 more plants may be obtained in 24 months. 



Two canes raised in the Gardens from Barbados seeds in 1889 

 (both " purple") gave a larger sugar content than the " Bourbon " grown 

 on the same ground. These have been propagated for further trial , now 

 that their value is known. They are quite ordinary looking canes, and 

 Avere thought of little value previous to examination, and of so little 

 account were they considered that it was actually debated whether 

 they were worth the labour of making the examination. I am glad to 

 say that it was decided to make it, as it is possible these canes may 

 prove worth cultivating on a more extensive scale. 



There is no room on the Botanic Gardens to grow sufficient canes 

 for seed purposes, and I propose asking planters to assist me for nex t 

 year's sowing, by collecting and forwarding to me ripe seeds from the 

 fields under their care. 



It is proposed to distribute cane plants of the new varieties early 

 in the year 1897, and we hope to have a large stock on hand so as to 

 get them into the fields, and again into the factory, at as early a date 

 as possible. 



26th June, 1896. 



