SUGAR CANE 127 



methods must be correspondingly varied. On the 

 moist windward sides of the islands, where there is 

 abundant rainfall, the methods employed are essen- 

 tially those of Louisiana except that the planting 

 ridges are omitted, since the soils are permeable, but 

 the earth is worked toward the row during cultiva- 

 tion. One row only of seed cane is used and rows 

 are spaced five to six and a half feet apart. In 

 the dry regions on the leeward side, where most of 

 the more important plantations are located, irrigation 

 is needed. This is supplied in some cases from 

 natural streams and in others by pumping. Great 

 attention is given to the proper preparation of the 

 land. Where the nature of the soil will permit, it is 

 broken two or even three feet deep with powerful 

 steam plows and it is very thoroughly pulverized. 

 Planting furrows five feet apart and twenty to 

 twenty-five inches deep are made with large double 

 moldboard plows. The bottom of this furrow is 

 pulverized by a subsoil plow or some special pulver- 

 izing implement. Usually the tops of the cane only 

 are used for seed. A single line is placed in the 

 bottom of the furrow, a light irrigation is given, and 

 the seed cane is covered with two or three inches of 

 dry earth by hoes. No general cultivation is at- 

 tempted nor is it needed in this deeply prepared soil 

 that does not become compacted by heavy rains. 

 After each irrigation a light fresh coating of dry 

 dirt is added with hoes to check evaporation. After 

 the harvest the trash is burned as in Louisiana. On 

 many plantations the earth is now plowed toward 

 the stubble with turning plows, and the subsequent 



