150 ANNUAL REPORT. 



stroke of the cane knife, cut the heads at about the first joint, 

 and tie the bundle with two bands. Move the horses as the cut- 

 ting advances. The seed heads will thus be left in small piles, 

 and after the cutting is done gather up the blades which are 

 scattered over the ground, scatter them in convenient patches 

 and spread the tufts of cane seed on them; they will cure in this 

 way without moulding. When dry, run through a threshing 

 machine and clean up like ordinary small grain. 



Prof. Henry. Have you ever attempted to bulk your seed in 

 a bin? 



Prof. Porter. I have; I have had no difficulty in keeping it. 

 There is one objection to threshing by machinery, the grain is 

 liable to be cracked and thus injured for seed. 



The committee appointed by the chair to examine the speci- 

 mens of sugar and syrup on exhibition, here presented the fol- 

 lowing: 



Your committee appointed to examine the various samples of 

 amber cane sugar and syrup on the tables of the association, 

 respectfully report that we find all the exhibits of a superior 

 quality, and, as compared with those presented a few years ago, 

 mark a most gratifying progress in this industry. 



In the class of defecated or limed and sulphured syrups, we 

 find that made by Mr. J. F. Porter, of Eed Wing, Minn., en- 

 titled to the first place, and that exhibited by Hon. Seth H. Ken- 

 ney, of Morristowni, Minn., to the second. 



In the class of raw, or unlimed syrups, we find that of K. H. 

 Whipple, of Minnetonka, Minn., first, and that of W. G. Ford, 

 Newport, Minn., second. 



The samples of sugar exhibited by Mr. J. F. Porter, of Eed 

 Wing, Minn., are in every respect equal to those on exhibition 

 from the sugar plantations of Louisiana. 



[Signed] Ditus Day, ] 



E. C. JuDsoN, y Committee. 

 W. G. Le Due. ) 



Capt. Blakeley. We would like to hear from Prof. Henry, and 

 get a history of things at Madison. 



Prof. Henry. Mr. President, we in Wisconsin, of course, owe 

 our sorghum cane industry, or more fitly termed "amber cane" 

 industry, to the people of this State, and to our former commis- 

 sioner of agriculture. 



