658 HORTICULTURE, FORESTRY, FLORICULTURE 



sist cold and drouth better, and is perhaps a little richer in sacchar- 

 ine matter at early cutting ; although there is little difference between 

 it and ribbon cane in this respect. The green cane appears to be 

 rich in juice, but is later maturing, and is, therefore, liable not to be 

 so sweet as the other varieties. It is, however, a softer cane easier 

 to crush and this is a property worth considering when horse- 

 power mills are used. But the red cane, on account of its power to 

 withstand drouth and cold, is recommended. 



Improvements of Varieties. According to Deerr, some of the 

 methods for improving cane may be classified as follows: (a) By 

 importing new varieties, (b) By selection of tops for planting from 

 canes of high saccharine strength, (c) By raising new varieties by 

 means of the seeds of the cane. With regard to the first method, it 

 must be remembered that the cane plant adapts itself very slowly to 

 new surroundings. A variety that is good in one locality may not 

 prove itself of value in another ; but like other plants, the cane can be 

 improved by "continuous careful cultivation." The importation of 

 new varieties has not generally given gratifying results. In regard 

 to the second method of improvement, there seems to be no uni- 

 formity of opinion among authorities as to its definite value. The 

 third method has given satisfactory results, after many disappoint- 

 ments. Of course this improvement of varieties is not so important 

 to the syrup maker as it is to the sugar manufacturer. But even 

 in syrup making, it is not to be overlooked or neglected, since vari- 

 eties may influence the ease with which the juice is subsequently 

 handled. 



Soil. There are three conditions which a good cane soil 

 should possess good drainage ; fertility ; the capacity to retain mois- 

 ture. These conditions are found mainly in our alluvial soils when 

 properly drained. They vary from a sanely loam to a stiff clay. The 

 clays, when well drained and properly cultivated, usually give a 

 heavier tonnage to the acre, while the lighter lands yield a cane richer 

 in sugar. A clay loam is perhaps the best cane land. It is compara- 

 tively easy to work, fertile, retentive of moisture, and yields a cane 

 rich in sugar. In the manufacture of syrup, however, it is more 

 important to have a heavy yield of cane than that the cane be espe- 

 cially rich in sugar. Of course, under irrigation, the question of the 

 retentive power of the soil for moisture is not so important. 



Preparation of the Soil. It can not be too strongly impressed 

 upon the mind of the cane planter, however small or large the acre- 

 age put in, that his land must be thoroughly drained. Plant-cane, 

 stubble-cane, nor cane in windrow, will not permit continued con- 

 tact with sub-soil water. Once get the land thoroughly drained, and 

 the next important consideration is to get it thoroughly pulverized 

 to as great depth as practicable. The land should be broken up in 

 the fall and go through the winter in good condition ; at least come 

 out so in the spring. If the land is poor, it must be fertilized if 

 good crops are expected. 



Planting. The very best farmers are not yet agreed as to 

 whether it is best to plaiit in the fall or in the spring. The fall is 



