SOUTHERN GRASSES 249 



Under Florida conditions Japanese cane silage is about one- 

 third cheaper than corn or sorghum silage on account of 

 the larger yields. 



The dried fodder also makes excellent feed, but on 

 account of the hard stems is best shredded. When stored 

 in a barn it keeps well for six months or more, but there 

 is considerable loss if left in the field in shocks. 



The cheapest way to utilize the crop is by pasturing 

 to cattle and hogs, which may be done from November till 

 March. The animals eat the leaves and tops first, but 

 finally leave nothing but the hardest stubble. 



At the Louisiana Experiment Station the experience has 

 been less favorable, the hard canes making the mouths of 

 cattle sore, and even when preserved as silage being but 

 little better. 



300. Yields. There are no definite figures as to the 

 yield of Japanese sugar-cane, but in the region to which it 

 is adapted, it far outyields any similar plant. Good yields 

 probably amount to about 30 tons green matter an acre, 

 and maximum yields to double this or even more. 



301. Seed cane. Canes for propagation should be 

 fully mature if possible, but in any event should be har- 

 vested before frost. To preserve them for spring planting, 

 they must be protected from frost in a well-drained place. 

 The usual method is to dig a trench where the ground is 

 well drained and to cover the stripped and topped canes 

 with enough soil or trash to protect them from freezing. 

 It is considered safer to bank the canes in several small 

 trenches rather than in one large one. Sometimes the 

 canes are simply piled on the surface and then covered 

 with soil, manure or straw. 



To plant an acre in rows 8 feet wide requires about 

 3000 whole canes. 



