MANUAL FOR SUGAR GROWERS. 7 



a considerable depth in suitable soil. The results 

 would be of considerable interest and value if 

 planters would make a series of observations on the 

 range of the roots of the sugar-cane. The observa- 

 tions of Mr. Henry Ling Both are among the best 

 known, and as the result of these it may be stated 

 that in good soil the majority of the rootlets reach a 

 depth of about two feet, a smaller number extend- 

 ing even to four and five feet ; the lateral spread is 

 from three to four feet. The author's observations 

 lead to the conclusion that in moderately well-tilled 

 soil the roots grow downward until they reach the 

 layer of soil but little disturbed by cultivation, and 

 then spread laterally ; so that the depth to which 

 the roots descend in stiff soil depends on the depth 

 of the tillage. If the extremities of the rootlets be 

 examined they will be found to be very fine and 

 tender and also to adhere closely to the particles of 

 soil with which they come in contact. A closer in- 

 spection will show why this is. If examined with a 

 magnifying-glass it will be seen that the fine rootlet, 

 instead of being perfectly smooth, is, on the con- 

 trary, clothed with a quantity of exceedingly deli- 

 cate hair, but only for a short distance near the tip ; 

 a short way back the hairs die off and the rootlet 

 becomes smooth. These root-hairs are of interest, 

 for it is by means of these that the plant absorbs 

 moisture from the soil, and with the moisture the 

 mineral plant-food which the soil supplies. If the 

 extremity of the rootlet be examined it will be 

 found to be clothed with a little cap or sheath, the 

 use of which a moment's consideration will render 



