66 SOILS. 
from the forests which clothe it, where undisturbed, with 
almost tropical luxuriance. Indian-corn, tobacco, or 
hemp, should be grown upon the recently cleared land, for 
three or four successive seasons, until the vegetable matter 
has been completely decomposed and incorporated with 
the soil, and its tendency to promote too rank a growth of 
cane subdued. After this preparation, it is difficult to 
imagine in what respect it could be improved for sugar 
production from this cane. Its chemical composition, tex- 
ture, and great depth, its evenly rolling surface, topo- 
graphical elevation and thorough drainage comprise ad- 
vantages such as, it may confidently be said, are naturally 
possessed in the same degree by no other soil in the Union, 
for this purpose. ; 
The drainage of this soil is seenred by one of the most 
remarkable natural provisions. The whole mass of the 
upper portion of the bluff stratum, to a depth of sometimes 
twenty feet, is permeated in every direction, but more fre- 
quently downward, by innumerable cylindrical channels, 
which are evidently cavities formed by the decay of the 
roots of trees. The green roots not only of the common 
white oak, but even of the poke-weed (Phylolacca decan- 
dra), have been found at a perpendicular depth of seven- 
teen feet below the surface of the bluff soil.* 
Experiment has proved that from 300 to 400 gallons of 
syrup to the acre may be made from an average crop of 
cane on this soil, without the addition of any special manures. 
The expense of cultivation is but little greater than is 
necessary for the production of a good crop of corn, and 
as it is generally conceded that the fodder and seed annu- 
ally produced amply compensate the cost of cultivation, 
* Geological Survey of Missouri, First and Second Reports (Prof. G. 
C. Swallow), p71. 
