CULTIVATION. 219 
I suppose that it is almost unnecessary to observe that, 
although it likes abundance of moisture in the soils 
whereon it is growing, yet it has a decided objection to 
stagnant water being around its roots. As the plant 
progresses towards maturity, it throws up its graceful 
flower, which very speedily is transformed into a seed 
head, most abundantly covered, or rather laden, with grain. 
In the last chapter I alluded to the Kaflir custom of 
removing these seed heads shortly after they appear, and 
I can only repeat the doubt I there expressed, whether, 
by so doing, we may not really lose more than we gain. 
When allowed to perfect its seeds, the grain is gene- 
rally plump and full of fine, white flour, which I believe 
is wholesome and nutritious, and might enter largely 
into general consumption. 
This, in itself, constitutes a feature much in favor of 
allowing it to ripen its seed; and, in a more general 
sense, 1s highly important. 
Notwithstanding my numerous unsuccessful attempts 
some years ago to impregnate or fecundate the flowers of 
the sugar cane, so as to obtain a seed which would ger- 
minate and produce sugar cane, yet I cannot help cling- 
ing to this plant (mphee) as the only remaining hope we 
now have of effecting this interesting object. I have al- 
ready taken measures to have new flowers of the sugar 
cane brought into immediate and continued contact with 
those of the imphee, so as to ascertain for a certainty 
whether the sugar can¢@will thereby be induced to perfect 
its seed, and, on the other hand, whether the pollen of 
the cane flowers will produce any beneficial or other 
change in the character of the imphee seed. 
