C. A. BARBER 



87 



counting the canes at harvest in each case. The following table summarizes 

 his results : — 



Looking at the figures as a whole, there is a general rise in the number 

 of canes, at first rapid and then slow, as the number of sets per row increases ; 

 but this rise appears to receive a check when 12-14 sets per row^ are reached, 

 and after this there is usually equality or even a slight decline. In only two 

 cases of the six is there anything like a general rise throughout. But the 

 counting of fully formed canes is not a true measure of tillering power, and 

 Striiben's figures do not help us in this respect to the same extent as do those 

 of Muller von Czernicki. 



The question of tillering power of the canes in the field, and the effect of 

 this upon the harvest, is thus seen to be somewhat complicated. The number of 

 canes reaped at harvest is connected with the tillering power, but this connection 

 is obscured by the great mortality of shoots during the growth of the plants 

 and is therefore less close than might be expected. Similarly with the weight 

 of canes at harvest ; the weigh.t of individual canes in the clump probably 

 varies according to the date of appearance, and the average weight of canes 

 varies with the closeness of planting and the corresponding number of total 

 canes produced. The total yield of sugar depends upon the weight of the 

 individual canes, their number and the richness of the juice. There is some 

 evidence that the amount of f-ngar in the juice differs in branches of different 

 orders. Spacing the planting material has its influence on all these factors, 

 and it may be useful to summarize the views of the different writers already 

 quoted, and to add such observations on the subject as have been accunuilated 

 from time to time on the Cane-breeding Station. The su])ject will be treated 

 in the following order : — The eftect of spacing on the tillering power, as judged 

 by the number of shoots produced per clump, and by the number of canes 

 produced per clump at harvest : on the thickness and weight of the individual 

 canes and the total weight of canes reaped : on the total yield of sugar in the 



