THE HARVESTING OF THE CANE. 



"Weinberg 3 gives the following data showing the loss of available sugar in 

 cut cane : 



Days cut 



Total loss of A. S 



Daily loss of A.S. . . *J. 



It has been shown in Java that cut cane when moist deteriorates much 

 less slowly than when dry ; deterioration is due to the death of the cells 

 which remain alive for long periods when wet. The writer has been informed 

 that in Java, (when, owing to breakdowns in the mill, it is necessary to let 

 large quantities of cut cane stand over) it is usual to cover the cane with 

 trash and to keep it wet by continually deluging the trash with water. 



Browne 4 has shown that the sugar in cut cane inverts more rapidly when 

 the immature top is left on ; the inversion takes place under the influence of 

 an enzyme which is present in greatest proportion in the top, and after the 

 cane is cut this enzyme diffuses into the juice of the stem. 



KEFEKENCES IN CHAPTEE X. 



1. Jour. d'Agric. Trop., 1906-35. 



2. 8. C. t 205. 



3. I. 8. /., 59. 



4. Louisiana Bulletin, 91. 



169 



