FARM CROPS. 151 



The leaves of the cane are alternate, that is, they 

 grow from every other node of the stalk at opposite 

 sides of the cane. They are long and narrow, being 

 about three feet in length and their degree of erectness 

 is dependent upon the varieties, as is the intensity of 

 their green color. The midrib is whitish in most va- 

 rieties, reddish or purplish in others. It is well de- 

 veloped and has a channel-like depression on the upper 



HARVESTING SUGAR CANE. 



side. When the plant is immature the leaves clasp 

 the stalk tightly and recede gradually during the 

 growth, and finally wither and drop as the joint to 

 which they are attached matures. 



Bud or Eye and Seed. At each node under the base 

 of the leaf is the bud or eye of the cane. It is about a 

 quarter of an inch each .way and is, according to va- 

 riety, protruding or inconspicuous, and round, oval or 

 triangular in shape. It is covered with layers of 

 tough protective tissue. Each eye is a new cane in 



