MISCELLANEOUS CROPS. 6 I !• 



The Range of Indian Cane. 



Indian cane has proved itself in its adaptability to a variety of both soil 

 and climatic conditions to be suitable for growing over a great portion of 

 the North Coast. Excellent results have been obtained as far south as 

 Gloucester, and in a few well-sheltered situations on the Hunter. It is a 

 perennial plant, which is propagated by " sets " (portions of cane having 

 several eyes or buds), and grows to a height of from 10 to 14 or 15 feet, 

 according to situation. The stem or cane is composed of a series of joints or 

 nodes, at each of which is a bud or eye. Under normal conditions these 

 buds do not sprout unless the canes are broken down and come in contact 

 with the soil, or unless the dead leaves which encase them are kept moist 

 for an unusual length of time. As the plant grows the lower leaves die and 

 many fall off, or, as is usually the case, they are kept supported by the mass 

 of other leaves and numerous stalks that come from one root. The stems 

 are usually somewhat yellowish in colour, slender, and much softer than 

 those of the average variety grown for sugar. At the same time the outside 

 casing is somewhat hard and woody, and this fact must be borne in mind 

 when much of it is fed to stock. At the top of each plant are to be found 

 several pairs of long, narrow pale green leaves. 



The canes and leafy top form a valuable stock food. Unlike maize and 

 other crops that die off upon reaching maturity, cane always remains green, 

 so that if at any particular time of the year it is not required to be used it 

 may be allowed to stand without danger of deterioration. 



It prefers a deep, rich, well-drained soil, situated in a locality where there 

 is abundance of heat and plenty of moisture. The steamy conditions which 

 are so prevalent on the coast suit it admirably. At the same time it will 

 succeed well on hill lands situated some distance from the rivers, provided 

 it is protected from undue exposure. Though the cane is able to stand a fair 

 amount of frost, it must be distinctly understood that it will not stand very 

 heavy or continuous frosts. Slight frosts will probably do little more than 

 check the growth, but heavy frosts will kill the leaf development, whilst a 

 continuance of very heavy frosts will completely destroy the plant. Cases 

 have occurred where cane which has been growing in exposed situations 

 subject tc severe frosts has been checked in growth and completely killed 

 out. while in sheltered localities no harmful results were noticeable. 



These facts should be borne in mind when selecting land to be planted, 

 particularly in the southern districts. The plantings should be kept in the 

 higher lands if possible, and special care taken to avoid depressions or 

 hollows that are frequently met with on our alluvial farm areas. Numerous 

 instances have come under notice where cane was completely killed in such 

 depressions by frosts, while that adjacent to it on land only a few feet higher 

 was scarcely affected. In hilly situations preference should be given to 

 easterly, north-easterly, or northerly slopes, so as to obtain the maximum 

 of heat and the necessary protection from fierce cold or dry westerly winds. 

 Any little consideration that can he given in this direction will be amply 

 repaid by increased returns. 



Preparation of the Land. 



The land should be ploughed at least 10 or 12 inches where practicable. 

 Cane is a gross feeder, and as one planting occupies the land for a number 

 of years, more attention should be given to this operation than for a crop 

 that matures in a few months. Its drought-resisting qualities depend in 

 no small measure upon the development, of a deep root-system, and this 



