SUGAR-CANE 



119 



because dryness hastens maturing, and because unneces- 

 sary water in the sap adds greatly to the cost of evaporat- 

 ing it. Cane is mature when many leaves* begin to turn 

 yellow or brown. After this time the sugar decreases 

 rapidly; and before this time there is considerable 

 glucose present 

 with the real cane 

 sugar. This glu- 

 cose is a kind of 

 sugar which not 

 only will not itself 

 crystallize when 

 the sap is evapo- 

 rated, but also pre- 

 vents the crystal- 

 lization of an equal 

 amount of the cane sugar. Sodium and potassium in the 

 sap also interfere with the crystallization of the sugar. 



Ratoon Crops. Except under very favorable conditions, 

 cane is not ready to cut until fourteen months after 

 planting. After the erect stems are cut, a new crop will 

 grow from the underground stems. This is called the 

 first ratoon crop. Second and third ratoon crops can be 

 raised in the same way. In Java and also in Pampanga, 

 it is customary to replant the cane for each crop. In 

 most countries it is planted about every third year ; but 

 on one Hawaiian plantation cane was cut for nine years 

 without replanting, and with excellent results. The 

 ratoon crops usually mature within a year. 



FIG. 85. Philippine sugar mill driven by water power 



