34 The Cullivation of the Suyar-Cane. 



Indian workpeople. A more animated and interesting scene can scarcely 

 be pictured than the homestead of a Mauritius sugar-planter of the present 

 day. Their labor is entirely that of Indians, brought thither free of 

 cost from the Malabar coast, or from Bengal, under stipulated agreements 

 as to their return home at the end of a stated term. These laborers have 

 each a cottage and a piece of ground allotted them ; and if at all indus- 

 triously inclined, which many are, may live in considerable comfort, and 

 at the end of five or seven years, return to their native villages in a state 

 of comparative affluence. 



The " works" of a sugar-planter, if of the most approved description 

 and well managed, present an extended and pleasing view. The power 

 employed is, in nearly all cases, that of steam, and the engine will be so 

 placed as to be readily available, for the many purposes for which it will 

 be required, whilst the mill is so situated as to be easily reached from 

 any part of the estate. A supply of water is a great point ; not less so 

 indeed, for the works, than is a good stock of cattle for the fields. 



The soil of the Mauritius is mostly of a fine chocolate color, loamy and 

 fertile to a degree ; so much so, that many plantations hdve produced 

 ample crops for several years in succession, without the aid of manure. 

 The propagation of the plant is performed by slips of the cane, generally 

 of a single joint, being placed in holes at regular distances, a few inches 

 below the surface, or in slight trenches, turned up with a little kind of 

 plow. The planting takes place at the change of the monsoon, when 

 frequent showers may be reckoned on, followed by a sunshine not too 

 powerful. At their first stage of growth, the young canes are subject to 

 attacks from many enemies, not the least fatal and secret of which are the 

 white ants. Wild pigs, porcupines, rats, hedgehogs, &c., all prey upon 

 it, attracted by the sweetness of its sap. Weeds of every description are 

 carefully removed from the earlier growth of the canes, as a free circula- 

 tion of air is most necessary to their proper development. 



The liberal rains which fall in all tropical countries during the south- 

 west monsoon, induce a rapid growth of all plants ; and among these 

 the sugar cane is one of the most luxuriant vegetation. A more beauti- 

 ful scene cannot be met with than a fine full-grown field of canes, free 

 from weeds or the attacks of wild animals. In the Mauritius they attain 

 a surprising height, often nine or ten feet, and of a thickness almost in-- 

 credible — indeed they bear a closer resemblance to bamboos than canes.; 

 The joints into which a cane is divided, are distant some six or eight in- 

 ches from each other, their length entirely depending on the vigor of the 



