THE SUGAR CANE. 



207 



Fia. 45. 



yet so late as 1818, the entire crop of the State amounted only 

 to 25,000 hogsheads. 



Steam power was first applied to grinding the cane, in 

 1822, and since that period, its cul- 

 tivation has been rapidly spreading 

 over the delta of the Mississippi, 

 and the adjoining territory. The 

 product of Louisiana in 1845, 

 reached the enormous quantity of 

 207,337,000 pounds, and about 

 9,000,000 gallons of molasses, 

 worth nearly $15,000,000 ; being 

 an increase of over ten times the 

 quantity yielded but 30 years be- 

 fore. 



Its introduction into other 

 States. The cane was introduced 

 into Georgia from Otaheite, in 

 1805, and sugar was for some- 

 time produce!! for export. It was 

 an object of attention while* it 

 commanded ten cents per pound ; 

 but when the prices declined to five and six cents, it ceased 

 to be manufactured as an article of commerce, though still 

 extensively produced for domestic consumption. It has re- 

 cently engrossed the attention of planters to some extent, 

 in Florida and Texas ; and there are portions of these States 

 eminently calculated, both in soil and climate, to rival the 

 best sections of Louisiana in its culture. The southern 

 portions of Alabama and Mississippi, as well as the Caro- 

 linas, have also begun to plant the cane for the supply of 

 their own syrup, and they have thus far proved it an object 

 well worthy their pursuit. 



The introduction of the Ribbon Cane, from Georgia into 

 the adjoining States, in 1817, by giving a much hardier variety, 

 has largely extended the area of its cultivation, and render- 

 ed it a desirable crop, where it would not otherwise have 

 been an object of attention. It is probable, too, that it is 

 gradually becoming acclimated, and that hereafter, it will 

 endure an exposure, and yield profitable returns far north of 

 any point where it has hitherto been successfully grown. 

 The total product of sugar has not yet reached over 60 per 

 cent, of our own consumption. But this interest is rapidly 

 extending throughout those portions of the southern States 



