68 CHAPTER V 



soils, Harrison has reduced the limit to o • 007 per cent, and other standards 

 not departing much from those proposed by Dyer^ have been considered as 

 applicable to special conditions by other students of the soil. 



Special Points with regard to Cane Soils. — It follows from the survey given 

 above that the cane is grown on soil types of widely variant characteristics. 

 At the one extreme are the very ancient andesite formations, the other 

 extreme being occupied by the laterite soils formed from the more recent 

 basaltic lavas. It would then appear to be unreasonable to say that the 

 cane is peculiarly adapted to any one particular type ; neverthelsss, the 

 opinions of various students of cane agriculture are of sufficient interest to be 

 recorded. 



The eminent Cuban agronomist, Reynoso®, wrote in the middle of the 

 last century : — 



" Experience has shown that lime is a necessary element in the constitution 

 of soils most appropriate to the cane ; in calcareous soils not only are the most 

 robust canes grown, but these also afford juices richest in sugar from which is 

 easily extracted the desiied product. These soils are both of great return and 

 very sacchariferous, but it must not be forgotten that lime is but one element 

 which, associated with others, forms good soils." 



Delteil', referring to experience in Mauritius and Reunion, makes the 

 following statement : — 



" In mellow open soils, watered by rain or irrigation, the cane becomes fine 

 and large and gives much sugar. In light sandy soils, or in volcanic soils of recent 

 origin, the juice is very sweet, but the canes are somewhat small. In calcareous 

 soils, the canes develop superlatively well, the juice is rich and easy to work. In 

 alluvial soils too moist or too rich in alkalies, the canes have a fine appearance, 

 but the juices are poor in sugar, work with difficulty and produce much molasses." 



Boname^, whose experience in Guadeloupe and Mauritius has been very 

 extensive, makes the following pertinent observations on cane soils and 

 climate : — 



" The cane grows more or less well in all soils if it receives the care and manures 

 that its economy demands ; but to develop vigorously, and to supply a juice rich 

 in sugar, it demands a deep and free soil. The physical propierties of the soil are 

 at least as important as its chemical composition, and if irrigation is possible during 

 the dry season it^ ccolness will naturally be one of the most important factors 

 in the production. 



" The most favourable nature of the soil varies with the climate. 



" Where rain is abundant the soil should be light and porous ; if rains are 

 scanty a too light soil will dry rapidly, and vegetation will be checked ; the cane 

 will not completely die, but in place of giving large stalks rich in sugar, it will 

 produce small, hard, dry and woody stalks. With a relatively dry climate a heavy 

 soil will give good returns if the rains are evenly distributed. 



" With a rainfall of 5 to 6 metres (197 to 236 inches) a sandy soil, draining 

 easily, will give an abundant return with a high consumption of manure. A 

 clay soil, especially if it is situated on a plain, will be constantly saturated with 

 stagnant water, which will prevent the aeration of the soil ; the canes will develop 

 feebly, and their roots will rot little by little, leading to the death of the stalk. 



" Some alluvial soils produce a luxuriant vegetation in wet years. The canes 

 are very fine but very watery. 



" Other things being equal, a calcareous clay soil, not excessively light, will 

 give sweeter canes than a clay containing vegetable debris, but the yield will 

 generally be less abundant. If the rains are sufficient and conveniently divided, 

 returns both for the cultivator and the manufacturer will be excellent. If the 

 season is wet the advantage will remain with the lighter soils, while if it is dry the 

 canes will suffer much and will afford stunted and woody stalks. 



" High and almost constant results will be obtained with irrigation and porous 

 soils ; for the growth can be regulated at will, and conducted in a fashion so as to 



