152 WALL'S MANUAL 



otherwise than to cut down the young shoots, and 

 thus delay the growth till new leaves appear. The 

 only danger is in removing too much of the earth, so 

 as to expose the roots to freezing. 



CULTIVATING. 



Throughout most of Louisiana the cane yields three 

 crops from one planting. The first season it is called 

 plant cane, and, subsequently, ratoons. On new and 

 very favorable lands the ratoons will produce equal 

 to the plant cane for several years ; and sometimes 

 on the prairie lands of Attakapas and Opclousas, and 

 in higher latitudes, it requires to be planted every 

 year. The cultivation is alike in either case, after 

 the young shoot makes its appearance, previous to 

 which the ratoons should be barred off and scraped, on 

 the approach of settled warm weather. The sun's 

 influence is thus sooner felt upon the roots, and a 

 quicker growth is secured to the cane. But if these 

 operations are performed early, or too closely, frosts 

 may seriously injure the plants. Soon after the plants 

 have made their appearance, the earth is gradually 

 thrown back to them by repeated plowings, the hoes 

 aiding the operation, and to keep the cane clear of 

 weeds. There is a great advantage in wide planting, 

 as two-horse plows can be used in cultivation. There 

 i.3 generally a larger growth from deep and efficient 

 plowing ; and where weeds, and more especially the 

 coco grass, abound, great economy in subduing these 

 is secured by the use of the large plow, as they are 

 thus so deeply buried, and can again only make their 

 appearance after a long interval. 



When the cane has acquired such a hight and 



