152 



caue are given, wbicb indicate tbat the opinion cited above is not well 

 founded. The observations also "suggest tbe immense power residing 

 in a good sound eye of cane." 



Bisfcmce heMveen cane rows (pp. 510-524). — Experiments were made in 

 1889 with stubble, similar to those in 1888 with plant cane, planted in 

 rows from 3 to 8 feet apart and treated with commercial fertilizers. 

 The yield of cane, composition, and available sugar are given separately 

 for 1888 and 1889, and the results as regards yields and available sugar 

 for tbe two years are compared. To plant an acre in cane, using "two 

 stalks and a lap" for seed, will require 9^ tons of cane per acre if the 

 rows are 3 feet apart, and 3^ tons of cane if the rows are 8 feet apart. 

 Subtracting these quantities from the average yields obtained in the 

 experiment for the different widths of planting, the net product of cane 

 jjer acre over the amount used for seed ranged from 44.15 tons with 

 three-foot rows to 31.66 tons with eight foot rows. The results confirm 

 those of last year, which were very favorable to a distance between the 

 rows much less than the usual distance of 7 feet. 



Among the suggestions from these experiments is a query by the 

 author whether tbe frequent rupture of the roots by the very thorough 

 cultivation of the cane, and the more luxuriant growth of grass and 

 weeds permitted by wide rows, do not, to a large extent, explain the 

 belief of planters tbat "caue never grows well until laid by" and that 

 "cane never grows fast until it shades the ground." 



Varieties of cane (pp. 524-526).— "The station has now growing over 

 sixty varieties of cane, collected from all parts of tbe world. It has 

 received since our last report thirty-five varieties from the botanical 

 gardens of Jamaica." The results have so far been somewhat contra- 

 dictory, varieties which were at first promising not fulfilling expecta- 

 tions in later seasons, and others at first unpromising giving better 

 results as they become acclimated. ISIo foreign variety, however, has 

 been sufficiently acclimated to warrant positive statements regarding 

 its merits for Louisiana. The station is also studying the synonymy of 

 varieties and making experiments in cross-fertilization. 



Mamirial requirements (pp. 526-545).— In 1889 the station continued 

 its experiments "to find a fertilizer which will produce a maximum 

 tonnage with a maximum sugar content upon the soils of Louisiana." 

 Tbe results for that year are given and compared with those of previous 

 years. The experiments include specialuitrogen, phosphoric acid, and 

 potash experiments, and trials of cotton-seed meal and tankage alone, 

 and in combination with acid phosphate, floats, kainit, ashes, cotton 

 hulls, etc. The effects of tile drainage and of removing or turning 

 under pea-vines on stubble cane were also tested in connection with 

 the use of fertilizers. 



Summary of residts for four years (pp. 546-549).— The following are 

 some of the conclusions taught by tbe results of the last four years: 



(1) That tbe upper portion of the cane is the equal, if not the superior of the lower 

 part for seed, while the latter is vastly superior as a sugar producer. 



