PltcnoHunon manifested in the Sugar- Cane. 122. 



ion of the flower, which was forced to effect for itself a 

 lateral passage. 



It can be thus understood that if a greater amountof acid 

 were concentrated in the rain, and it had remained in this 

 part of the plant, this liquid might be absorbed into the 

 tissue of the plant itself, mingle with the descending sap, 

 and being thus impelled into the body of the cane, might, 

 by its presence, disorganize the cellular tissue, and conse- 

 quently kill the plant. Thus I observed that all those canes 

 which had a tendency to wither, were dried up at their 

 upper extremity. 



I am, therefore, of opinion that this phenomenon must 

 be attributed to the formation of a notable portion of nitric 

 acid produced by the combination already mentioned; an 

 acid, which, in a fitting proportion, is advantageous to the 

 growth of plants, but the excess of which becomes highly 

 injurious. 



I am happy, at the same time to be able to inform you, 

 that in my opinion, no reduction in the amount of the pro- 

 duce will probably be felt by the accidental fact 1 have 

 brought under your notice. The canes in question have 

 already resumed their usual growth and appearance; the 

 young plants also, which were attacked, have regained all 

 their vigour and seem to have experienced no injury. 



I have however, an important recommendation to suggest 

 to the planters of these disliicts, viz., to avoid using as 

 cutting the heads of canes which, in my opinion, have 

 been affected by the nitric acid; and 1 again and more 

 urgently engage the Planters to procure from other parts 

 of the island the caues requisite for their future planta- 

 tions. 



1 tannot conclude this article without calling the attention 



