PROPAGATION OF SUGAR CANE 459 



in windrows between the rows from which they were har- 

 vested and covered by plowing furrows upon them. In this 

 case, the leaves are left on. This method of storing is 

 satisfactory only in favorable seasons; in wet or cold years, 

 it is pretty likely to result in severe losses of the seed canes. 

 The seed canes should be selected from a portion of the field 

 where the growth is good and which is as free as possible 

 from disease. 



603. Soils and Fertilizers. Ordinary good soil is suit- 

 able for the production of sugar cane. The land should be 

 well drained, but should be so situated that it can be irri- 

 gated readily. When the rainfall is very heavy, irrigation 

 may be unnecessary, but it is well to provide for it in case 

 of need. Open ditches are ordinarily used for drainage. 

 The land should be plowed very deep, the deeper the better, 

 even up to 20 or 24 inches. Traction plows are quite 

 generally used in plowing, as the work is too heavy for 

 horses. Quite frequently, however, large mules are used 

 in preparing the land and cultivating the crop. The demand 

 for the largest and best mules on the sugar plantations is so 

 great that they are commonly known on the market as 

 "sugar mules." After the plowing is done, good surface 

 tillage is given till planting time. Stable manure is the best 

 fertilizer, but it is not often available in large quantities. 

 As most of the potash and phosphorus removed by the crop 

 is returned in the ashes and waste from the sugar mills, 

 nitrogen is the only element of fertility which it is necessary 

 to purchase in quantity. Sugar, the only product removed, 

 is composed of carbon and water, hence it takes nothing 

 from the land. Nitrogen is lost in the burning of the stalks 

 and leaves. 



604. Planting. Sugar cane is planted by laying the 

 stalks in furrows from 4 to 6 feet apart. If the seed is in 



