MANUAL FOR SUGAR GROWERS. 51 



the full growth of the cane, but the constant stirring 

 of the surf ace -soil keeps it loose and friable, and 

 the stirring of the soil distributes the manures, thus 

 ensuring an even distribution. Weeding is gen- 

 erally done with the hoe. It would seem, however, 

 as if a time were not far distant when this operation 

 will be done by machines ; this will result in more 

 effectual stirring of the surface-soil, with its bene- 

 ficial action, and will make the operation less costly. 

 After the canes reach a certain height the operation 

 of weeding becomes unnecessary, as the dense foli- 

 age of the cane effectually prevents the growth of 

 weeds. 



In some places it is the custom to remove the 

 dead leaves or trash from the canes when they are 

 nearly mature, in order to allow air and moisture to 

 circulate more freely and thus hasten the ripening. 

 In damp situations this operation is doubtless bene- 

 ficial ; how far it can be advantageously followed in 

 dry places does not seem to be clear. The author is 

 not aware of any systematic experiments undertaken 

 to throw light on this subject ; such experiments 

 could be easily made and would be of interest. 



When the canes are ripe, a fact which is ascer- 

 tained by the cessation of growth, and in most vari- 

 eties of canes by a tendency to deepen in colour, 

 the reaping will begin. The canes are cut close to 

 the ground, and the tops are cut off, the immature 

 joints, containing but little sugar, are thus removed 

 and are used for planting, the canes are tied in bun- 

 dles and carried to the factory to be crushed. 



If the roots from which the canes have been cut 



