SUPPLEMENT. 



15 



that unfavorable climatic influences — as early frosts, and the 

 consequent serious limitation of the harvesting season, must 

 have interfered with the most profitable cultivation of the crop. 

 The fluctuations in the annual produce of sugar during suc- 

 cessive years are so large and of so frequent occurrence, that 

 any other assumption can scarcely account for it. Thus 

 we have — 



To rely on the production of one crop exclusively without 

 abundance of ready capital is hazardous, even in exceptional 

 cases, where the special character of the soil and of the climate, 

 or the peculiar condition of the markets, seem to secure a 

 monopoly, for these conditions are at the present time in the 

 majority of cases but temporary. Wherever large gains are to 

 be secured, competition will sooner or later enter the field. The 

 cane-sugar industry of Louisiana, judging from past experience, 

 cannot stand in unrestricted competition with that of the islands 

 of the West Indies ; but a judicious rotation of crops, and the 

 introduction of other sound principles of modern farming, may 

 produce better results in the future.* 



Our production of maple-sugar is of little consequence as far 

 as available quantity is concerned, and still less reliable in regard 

 to its annual yield ; since an early spring with warm nights 

 may reduce it to a mere trifle. An increase of maple-sugar 

 production is scarcely to be expected, and its chances are daily 

 diminishing. Many of our barren, rocky hillsides might furnish 

 suitable grounds for maple-groves, yet before broad-leafed trees 

 will flourish, it is probably necessary that the exhausted ele- 



* The production of sugar from one acre of sugar-cane differs wideh', and may be 

 greatly increased, by the adoption of rational modes of cultivation. Upon Reunion 

 1,056 lbs. sugar are stated to be the annual results per acre, while upon Java, 4,045 lbs. 

 are raised upon the same area. The great success upon Java is ascribed to the adherance 

 to a judicious system of rotation, but one-fifth of the lands under cultivation being planted 

 at one time with sugar-cane, the cane changing its place every two years, and the weeds 

 upon the land being frequently burned, to destroy parasites, etc. 



