54 THE CHINESE SUGAR CANE. 
Cane in a field of potatoes, and with good results so far 
as obtaining a crop of large canes was concerned. Hach 
potato had received, when planted, a handful of pigeon’s 
dung, and the sugar canes were planted when the po- 
tatoes had attained the size of a pigeon’s egg. The 
canes given to the Doctor were of a fine size and ap- 
pearance, but he found their juices quite unfit for sugar 
making, because of the presence of foreign matters 
therein contained; thus clearly demonstrating the in- 
jurious effects of an application of ammoniacal manure. 
We have reason to regret that in sending the seed from 
Shanghae, the Count de Montigny was not at the same 
time able to advise us as to the details of cultivation 
and manuring practiced by the Chinese. Probably no 
country in the world can show such scientifically pur- 
sued agriculture as China, and it is a most untoward 
circumstance that during the present year anything 
should have occurred in our relations with that country 
to retard a closer intimacy with her people. It would 
confer great riches upon our farmers if some explorers 
could but report in detail upon the systems of husbandry 
employed in China, for they would be shown so su- 
perior to our own practices that they should necessarily 
be imitated to a considerable extent. 
CULTIVATION. 
As soon as the rows can be seen—and this would 
be hastened by dropping a radish seed in each hill of 
sorgho—the cultivator, or horse-shoe, should be run 
through the piece, to destroy any weeds while they are 
