214 AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



the stalk, are susceptible to the slightest alteration in any 

 portion of the plant. By cutting it at the bottom, the air 

 gains access to the exposed cells, the sugar combines with 

 the oxygen of the atmosphere and induces the first step to- 

 wards decomposition, called the vinous fermentation, by 

 which alcohol is developed. A second speedily follows, 

 termed the acetic (the distinguishing peculiarity of vinegar), 

 and this, if not arrested, soon , terminates in the destructive 

 or putrefactive fermentation, T)y which all the useful or nu- 

 tritive properties of the cane are destroyed, and its materials 

 are converted into their original elements, or are worthless 

 for any purpose but manure. This change goes forward 

 slowly with the sugar cane, while the temperature is low, 

 but rapidly as it becomes elevated. 



Slight frosts in autumn are beneficial rather than injurious, 

 as by deadening the leaves and tops they check vegetation, 

 and stimulate rather than retard the ripening of the plant. 

 When severe frosts are apprehended, it will justify cutting 

 the cane as rapidly as possible, and matrassing as before de- 

 scribed, under the head of the preservation of cane. When 

 thus shielded from the approach of the elements by the over- 

 lying cane, and at a period when the average temperaturg is 

 near the freezing point, scarcely any change is perceptible 

 for many weeks. The same result follows when remaining 

 slightly frozen for an indefinite period. But the mo- 

 ment a thaw commences, the nitrogenized matter of the 

 stalk mingles with the sugar, through the rupture caused 

 by the expansion of the cells from frost, the oxygen of the air 

 gains access, and fermentation begins, after which it is im- 

 possible to convert the saccharine matter into sugar. Molas- 

 ses, alcohol and vinegar are the only forms which* the crys- 

 taline matter of the cane can then be made to assume. 



The amount of the products of cane, depends on several 

 circumstances, the kinds planted, the soil, the season, man- 

 ner of grinding, and the subsequent treatment in its conver- 

 sion into sugar. 



The quantity of the crop of sugar varies from 500 to 3,000 

 pounds per acre, the last amouut only being realized under the 

 most favorable circumstances. In good seasons, and with 

 skillful treatment, 2,000 pounds are often obtained ; but owing 

 to adverse causes, and negligent management, it is doubtful 

 whether the average crop of the country comes up to 800 

 pounds per acre. 



The composition of cane of a medium quality, is water, 



