64 



planting, great saving might result. In the series of experiments 

 begmi in 1886-87, and continued in 1888, the '' part of the stalk best 

 for seed *' and '' growth from stubble '" have been tested. 



Stalks of cane kept for plant in g (pp. 199-203). — '' The stalks were 

 cut up into short pieces, beginning Avith the green, immature top and 

 ending with the butts. Two eyes were left upon each cutting, and 

 each stalk was selected so as to give eleven cuttings. Seventy-five of 

 these cuttings, containing 150 eyes, were devoted to each experiment.'" 

 There were thus eleven experiments, one for each of the parts into 

 Avhich the stalks were cut. Observations for each experiment in- 

 cluded the number of stalks from the 150 eyes planted ; development 

 at different dates during growth; yield of stalks; results of chemical 

 analyses, including degree Baume, total solids, sucrose, glucose, 

 co-efRcient of purity and glucose ratio of juice; and total calcu- 

 lated yield per acre of stalks and of available sugar, etc. 



The results obtained in 1887 from the quantity planted that year 

 are given, and followed by results obtained in 1888 from the stubble 

 of the cane of the previous year. 



Amorig the conclusions are, that in 1887 " the up})er joints germi- 

 nated more rapidly than the lower ones, and that many sprouts from 

 the green, immature tops died during drought, but that the upper, 

 mature joints were fully equal, if not superior, to the lower joints for 

 seed." 



In 18.88, barring the whole joints, the upper part of the cane gave slightly bet- 

 ter results in stand, in tonnage, and in sugar, confirming the results of the 

 previous years. It is therefore again asserted that could a practical way be 

 established for utilizing as seed the upper thirds of ;;11 the cane and grinding the 

 remainder, an immense gain would yearly accrue to our industry. 



Numher of stalkx of rane to plant — Plant rs. stnlible cane for seed 

 (pjj. 203-208). — In 1887 different plats were planted with cane in 

 different degrees of thickness (from one cane with a lap to four canes 

 with a lap) in rows 7 feet apart. The Avhole cane, upper and lower 

 halves, and upper, middle, and lower thirds were used in different 

 rows. On one plat unslaked lime was applied. In 1888 one-half of 

 the field was newly planted, but the other half was allowed to grov,^ 

 from the stubble of 1887. Observations on germination and on 

 development, produce of stalks, chemical composition of cane, and 

 yield of sugar were made as in the experiments described above. 

 "■ These experiments strongly point to the conclusion that wdth good 

 cane in well-prepared soil, and with good seasons, two canes and a 

 lap furnish an abundance of seed and the largest profits." 



The sugar content and stubljle from "stubble seed" were slightly 

 superior to those of " plant seed." 



Suckering (p. 208). — Experiments in 1886, 1887, and 1888, in which 

 suckers Avere cut and allowed to grow, brought results decidedly in 

 favor of the suckers. They show that " suckering or tillering is a nec- 

 essary and healthful condition of the sugar-cane," and that " stubble 

 comes both from the original sprouts and from suckers." 



