34 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



case of 1!)(»4. The cliuiatic conditions for VM)'A retarded the growth but has- 

 tened maturity, while those of 1904 promoted growtli and retarded ripening. 

 The variety also exerts an influence upon the composition. It was found, for 

 instance, that the ash content in the juice of D 74 was 0.48 per cent, while D 9."* 

 .stood second with 0.41 ])er cent. Purple third with 0.40 per cent, and Striped 

 fourth with 0.34 per cent, and this was also their relati\'e position in sucrose 

 content, while as regards reducing sugars the order was the reverse. It is 

 stated that these results indicate that D 74 is the most vigorous feeder and has 

 the greatest powers of assimilation and conversion. The conditions of culti- 

 A'ation also influence composition. 



A comparison of many analyses of leading varieties at Audubon Park shows 

 that stubble cane contains from 10 to 20 per cent less ash and over 50 per 

 cent less nitrogen than plant canes, and that the deficiency of nitrogenous 

 ingredients in stubble canes falls most largely upon the reserve supply of 

 nitrogen or the amids, this being due to tlie greater nitrogen hunger of the 

 stubble canes. 



That soil and fertilization have their effect upon composition is shown by the 

 fact that canes from the lower coast of the State sometimes contain 4 times 

 the amount of chlorids foimd in canes raised al)ove New Orleans. 



Numerous analyses are reptn-ted in connection with the study of the com- 

 position of sugar-cane .iuice and the methods of extraction. According to the 

 averages of 10 stallis of plant cane cut and topped according to the methods 

 usually followed in Louisiana, the solids not sugar in the .juice increase towards 

 the upper portion of the stalk, taking a sudden jump in the last 2 or 3 joints. 

 In some cases the purity of the juice in the upper joints is less than one-half 

 that from the butt of the cane. Analyses of juices obtained l)y the mill and by 

 the diffusion battery show that the percentage of mechanical im])urities, such 

 as gums, etc., is much higher in the mill juices. The hot w.-iter used in diffu- 

 sion, on the (me hand, coagulated a larger amount of alljununoid matter which 

 was held back in the diffusion chips, but on the other effected the solution of n 

 larger amount of amids and mineral matter. 



The results of experiments upon alkaline and acid clarifications led to the 

 suggestion that for Louisiana conditions, where the juices usually contain a 

 high percentage of reducing sugar as compared with tropical countries, a care- 

 fully conducted sulphitation gives the most satisfactory results from the point 

 of economy, as well as from the favorable output of sugar. 



A schematic taliulation of yields and compositions of sugar-house products 

 is given, and the effects of fermentation upon tlie composition of sugar-cane 

 ]>roducts is discussed. 



Tobacco, W. H. Scherffius (Kciitiiclcy Sta. Bui. 12i), pp. 15, pis. i')). — This 

 bulletin di.scusses the selection of seed plants and care of seed, improved 

 methods of handling tobacco, and the eliminating of undesirable varieties. 



A hybrid obtained at the station by crossing Standup Burley with Sumatra 

 was not very promising the first year, but showed a decided imjirovement in 

 the second crop. This cross was made to develoii a cigar wrapper by intro- 

 ducing into the Standup Burley some Sumatra l)Iood. 



Experiments are in progress at the station in a specially constructed drying 

 shed to ascertain at what temperature and h'unidity Burley tobacco may be 

 cured free from house-burn. In a compartment in which the tobacco was 

 badly affected with house-burn the application of 10° of dry heat for an hour 

 or more completely stopped the trouble. In the chambers where heat was con- 

 tinually applied no house-burn developed. Where sufficient heat was applied to 

 increase the temperature from 100° to 120" F. tobacco cured with a greenish 



