322 AGRICULTURE FOR BEGINNERS 



In the United States the cane is harvested annually, 

 because of the frost of our winters, while in tropical coun- 

 tries it is permitted to grow from fifteen to twenty-four 

 months before harvest. 



It is necessary in the United States to save seed from 

 the fall harvest for the next crop. Sometimes the cane is 

 planted in the fall as soon as it is cut, and covered deep to 

 exclude the frost. Oftener, however, it has to be pre- 

 served through the winter for spring planting. This is 

 done either in horizontal or vertical mats, or by throwing 

 the cane into the middles between the rows and covering 

 with dirt by means of large plows. 



The juice of the cane varies in different countries, 

 and even upon different soils and in different seasons. In 

 some countries it may contain as high as twenty per cent 

 of sugar and with very little other matter present, making 

 it easy to work. In Louisiana the juice varies from eleven 

 per cent to fourteen per cent, with two per cent to three 

 per cent of impurities present. Upon the sandy soils of 

 Georgia, Florida, and Alabama the sugar content is higher, 

 often reaching sixteen per cent, with of course a diminu- 

 tion of impurities. The yield of cane per acre in tons is 

 also a variable quantity, depending upon country, season, 

 and soil. Over one hundred tons per acre have been 

 grown in Hawaii, and sixty tons in Louisiana, but the 

 average is much below these figures. In Louisiana an 

 average of twenty to thirty tons per acre on a large estate 

 is considered a fair yield. Upon the sandy lands of the 

 coasts fifteen to twenty tons per acre are good yields. 



Making of Syrup, Sugar, and Molasses. A small mill, 

 propelled by horses, for crushing the cane, and a kettle or 



