510 SOCTUEnX FIELD CROPS 



coatained in the upper joints is not harmful in sirup, but unde- 

 sirable in the manufacture of sugar. After being stripped and 

 topped, the canes are cut near the ground -nith cane knives or 

 sharp hoes, and piled at convenient intervals, ready to be hauled 

 to the mill. 



In a single test (V. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Chem.. Bui. 7.5, p. 291, 

 it "n-as found by chemical analysis that stripping ten days before 

 topping and har\'esting had the effect of reducing the percentage 

 of total sugar. It proliably also decreased the weight of cane. 



By the use of ropes or hay slings laid in the wagon before 

 loading the cane, unloading can be hastened, the large bundles 

 being removed from the wagons by cranes. 



In the pine-1x=lt. stalks intended for planting are dug 

 ratlier tlian cut. This is in order to save tlie eyes at the 

 liase of the stallv and to decrease tlie danger of decay of 

 the cut cane. E.xperinients are needed to determine 

 whether the extra \ahoY of digging is justifialile and wliether 

 tlie cut cane would keep as well as dug cane if the ends were 

 dipped in tar or in some disinfectant. 



493. Bedding the cane. — In the pine-belt, before the 

 occurrence of the first killing frost in the fall, that part 

 of the crop intended for seed cane is dug. with its adhering 

 leaves and tops, and piled in luxls as follows : — 



A layer of cane is placed on the ground, and over this is placed 

 another layer, its roots also resting on the groiuid, the lea% es and 

 tops of this second layer covering most of the first layer. In 

 this way the bed is formed, each layer projecting the lower part 

 of its stalks about 10 inches beyond the layer beneath, the tops 

 and lea\"es of each layer co\ cring the canes below after the manner 

 of shingles. The width of the bed is usually G to 10 feet, and the 

 length \aries willi the amount of seed <-ane to be kept. 



When all the i-aue has been juil in. it is co\"ered with cane 

 leaves, and o\"er all is thrown a layer of earth, completely cover- 



