104 THE CHINESE SUGAR-CANE. 



and awakened the interest of the whole country so suddenly, is 

 strong evidence of its intrinsic importance, especially as it 

 has succeeded in every case, so far as I know, beyond the antic- 

 ipations of those who have tried it. It bids fair to become of 

 national importance. 



I have some acquaintance with Col. Peters, of Georgia, 

 whose statements are before the country. These statements 

 are perfectly reliable, and show what we may expect from the 

 plant in a southern latitude. Fine molasses has been made 

 from it in Minnesota ; while several experiments which have 

 fallen under my notice in this state have been attended with 

 success. It has been known and cultivated in France for 

 some years. 



It appears to grow luxuriantly in all latitudes suitable for 

 Indian corn. It is not claimed, I believe, that the percentage 

 of saccharine matter is so great in northern as in southern 

 latitudes. This may affect its value for the production of 

 sugar in our climate, but does not essentially affect its value as 

 a farm product, — and especially as a forage plant, since it is, 

 without doubt, very rich in saccharine and nutritive matters 

 in the highest latitudes at which it can be grown. I am told, 

 by those who have raised it, that cattle are so fond of it that 

 they will even pick it out stalk by stalk when mixed up in a 

 bundle of Indian-corn stalks. There seems every reason to 

 believe, therefore, that as a forage plant It will very rapidly 

 come into general favor, and help us essentially through our 

 summer droughts. 



Of its value for syrup or molasses I need not speak. You 

 have shown, I believe, that it is practicable and profitable to 

 grow it for that purpose alone. But whether it is or not, it 

 is at least worthy of extended and careful experiments, which, 

 I am sure, will be made, and experiments will soon determine 

 the rank to which it is entitled among our New England pro- 



