31 



of record for nine years Continued. 



' 8, 000 to 32, 000 pounds. 



t!6, 000 to 44, 000 pounds. 



The planting commenced on May 24, in 1880, and was each year ear- 

 lier until it reached April 10, 188G, from which time the season was made 

 later, including the present year, this completing the circle. 



Season of 1880. Ripening of the cane was traced with the polari- 

 scope, and when 14 per cent, of sugar was reached cutting began; and 

 during the short time required to harvest it, no damage was received 

 from winds or frosts. The juice was reduced to semi sirup in an open 

 evaporator, and three weeks later was shipped to Philadelphia and 

 worked for sugar, marking firsts, seconds, and thirds. 



The cane was planted in hills 4 feet apart, and sufficient plant food 

 used. The impression made by this crop was that rich cane could easily 

 be grown on poor land, and that with a little more fertilizing large crops 

 could be made. It has since been found by long and costly experiment 

 that all the conditions for Amber cane were most favorable, excepting 

 that a large tonnage could only have been secured by proportionately 

 fertilizing. 



Season of 1881. Farmers raised the entire crop. The acreage was 

 not known. It was proved this year that with seed from the same lot 

 some farmers grew cane 14 per cent, of sugar in the juice, while others 

 grew it with only C per cent. Many conjectures were made, and the im- 

 pression prevailed that some lands were suitable for cane and others un- 

 suitable. It was, however, apparent that all who had the best reputa- 

 tions for farming raised the highest testing canes. 



Season of 188J. Cane was grown by the company. Pacific guano 

 high in nitrogen was used, and only Amber cane was planted. The Late 

 Orange cane was grown only in sufficient quantity to supply seed for 

 the next year. The nitrogen had the effect to keep the cane's loaves 

 green for a long time, and even after frosts the cane remained in good 

 condition, and was on November 4 higher in sugar than on September 

 4. Since we have had less nitrogenous fertilizing and more of other 



