The node varies mainly in form and size. The leaf-scar varies 

 more or less in shape and prominence, and it is sometimes beset with 

 short, stiff hairs. It divides the node into two parts; the part above 

 the leaf -scar consisting of a band or ring, which varies in width and 

 in form, and has many rudimentar}- roots, there being differences 

 in the number, arrangement, and general appearance of these roots. 

 The portion of the node below the leaf-scar is a more or less depressed 

 ring extending around the stalk. 



The Bud: — This usually shows greater varietal differences than 

 the other parts of the cane. Buds vary in length, width, prominence, 

 and shape. The outside scales show differences in shape, size, and 

 texture; their outer edges form a flattened margin which varies in 

 width and in form. Buds are more or less acute-pointed and some- 

 times bearded, or hairy. 



The general characters of the stalk are its color, length, diameter, 

 shape, and amount of glaucousness, or "bloom." 



The Foliage, as a whole, varies in color and in relative abundance. 

 The leaf-blade varies in length, width, shape, position, and color. 

 The leaf-sheath shows differences mainly in shape, color, vestiture 

 and tenacity to the stalk. At the place of union of sheath and leaf 

 there are often characteristic differences. The edges of the sheath, 

 just below the point of union of sheath and leaf, have appendages or 

 "auricles," which vary in size and shape. The surface and edges 

 of leaf and leaf-sheath also vary in amount and character of their 

 vestiture. 



TERMS USED IN DESCRIBING CANE VARIETIES. 



It is necessary to take into consideration variations which exist 

 within the varieties in making descriptions, as it is not always pos- 

 sible to find distinguishing, and at the same time plainly evident 

 marks, so that usually the type must be gotten from several canes 

 of the variety. Average canes should be described, the extreme va- 

 riant forms being noted but given minor consideration. The most 

 marked characteristics and their range of variability can be remem- 

 bered for purposes of identification. 



Special terms are used in tbis paper to describe various p;irts of 

 the cane, as follows. The habit of the plant is described as ci-ect, 

 inclining, reclining, recumbent, or spreading. The term spreading 

 indicates a tendency of the clump to recline in all directions from 

 its center. The term staggered, as applied to the internodes, means 

 alternating in their main axes, from forward to backward and vice 

 versa. The term tumid means enlarged or swollen. ''Shoulder" 



121 



