CULTIVATION OF SUGAR CANE. 17 



CONCLUSION. 



In conclusion, it may be said that the rational treatment of sugar cane 

 involves that it be forced, and forced constantly, from the day the cane 

 first sprouts till it is ready to lay by and ripen. This forcing process can 

 hardly be overdone, and involves an adequate water and food supply, and 

 such constant tillage and forcing as will enable it to assimilate every par- 

 ticle of the food and water given. A check of any kind is fatal to the 

 fullest measure of success, and the cessation of the functions of growth 

 for only a few days means the elaboration of starch and fiber in lieu of 

 the sucrose we are after. 



In common with every other form of vegetable life, vigor and luxu- 

 riance of growth affords more general immunity from the attacks of pre- 

 dacious insects or fungoid growths, and a consequent saving from the 

 losses which these entail. 



