256 THE SOILS AND CKOPS OF THE FARM. 



Structure. — The sugar cane belongs to the grass 

 family. It resembles Indian corn somewhat in its 

 general appearance and growth. It may grow six to 

 fourteen feet high according to soil, climate and va- 

 riety. The stalks of some varieties attain a diameter 

 of three inches and weigh twenty-live pounds. 

 Louisiana cane as it goes to the mill is from three to 

 eight feet long and may weigh from one and one-half 

 to eight pounds. 



In some varieties the joints are but two or three 

 inches in length. In others they are eight or nine 

 inches in length. In the axil of each leaf or at each 

 T/ joint the^e is a bud. The upper joint, called the 

 / • "arrow," may be four to five feet long and may be 

 terminated in a panicle of flowers 18 to 20 inches 

 high, which frequently produce seeds. In cultiva- 

 tion the canes usually do not flower. Recently it has 

 been found that the seed from cane will germinate 

 and many hundred new varieties have been produced 

 by this means. 



According to Stubbs, average Louisiana plant cane 

 will contain about 77 per cent of water, 12.5 per cent 

 sucrose, .7 per cent glucose, 8.5 per cent fibre and 

 1.3 per cent of other solids. Sugar cane may con- 

 tain 18 to 20 per cent of sugar. Unripe cane may 

 contain considerably less sucrose and more glucose. 

 The latter is not only a loss in itself but it prevents 

 an unknown quantity of cane sugar from crystallizing. 

 The quantity of sugar available also varies with the 

 method of extraction. Seventy per cent may be con- 

 sidered a good average. 



Like Indian corn sugar (iane is very much modified 

 by the conditions under which it is grown. There are, 



