240 



but their phosphate of lime, being one of the chief 

 saline constituents of the sugarcane, would con- 

 tribute in no inconsiderable degree towards the 

 general result. 



Salt is another valuable manure for this crop. 

 Dr. Nugent, in a report to the Agricultural Society 

 of Antigua, observes that salt has been found a most 

 valuable auxiliary in cultivating sugarcane. Many 

 trials of it, he says, have been made during succes- 

 sive seasons, applied generally to the extent of 

 about nine or ten bushels to the acre. It destroys 

 grub and other insects, and imparts to the canes 

 increased vigour and ability to resist drought. 

 ; A remarkable incident was mentioned by the intel- 

 ligent traveller, M. de Humboldt, while speaking of 

 the practice adopted in the missions of the Orinoes. 

 He states that when a cocoanut plantation is made, 

 a certain quantity of salt is thrown into the hole 

 that receives the nut ; and that, of all plants culti- 

 vated by man, there are only the sugarcane, the 

 plantain, the mammee, and the Avocada pear which 

 endure irrigation either with fresh or salt-water. 



In the West Indies, when the cane-plants are 

 affected by what is called there the blast, which is a 

 withering and drying-up of the plants, the unfailing 

 remedy is to water them with an infusion of dung 

 in salt-water. 



Preparation of Soil. In the Rajahmundry dis- 

 trict, during the months of April and May, the 



