120 



metrically opposite circumstances as exist in Louisiana and a tropica! 

 island, e.g., Cuba. There is, however, a growing demand on the part 

 of those scientifically cultivating cane, to have all this confusion of 

 names eliminated, and a movement is on foot looking to a solution of 

 this perplexing problem. It can only be done by interchanging freely 

 all the known varieties and have them all cultivated under exactly the 

 sama environments Could this be done at all of the botanical gardens 

 and experiment stations within the sugar districts, it would not only 

 afford numerous comparisons of the same varieties under varied conditions, 

 but, would throw perhaps a flood of light upon the im oortant question of 

 differentation under changed environments of the numerous varieties 

 under test. v^r^^ 



This station has accordingly, after consultation with those similarly 

 interested in other countries, sent samples of all its varieties to Hawaii, 

 Australia, and Demerara, with a view of comparing them with the 

 varieties of those countries and establishing synonymous canes It will 

 also gladly exchange with any botanical garden or experiment station, 

 the numerous varieties under cultivation here. 



By an adoption of the above suggestion, it is believed that in a few 

 jeara valuable information to general cane culture would be obtained, {f) 



Composition of Cane. 

 Analyses show that every ton of cane delivered at the mill removes 

 from the soil 9.4 pounds albuminoids, or 1.5 pounds nitrogen, and 

 12 2 pounds of ash. This ash would contain 2. 17 pounds potash, 1 . 48 

 pounds phosphoric acid, and . 8 pounds of lime. In Louisiana the pro- 

 portion of tops and leaves to canes is ibout one to three. Therefore 



(5) A study of the rarietits of the sugar cane is of paramount importance, for by 

 careful selection canes may be obtained suitable for cultivation under various 

 conditions of soil and climate. Equally important is a knowledge of the behaviour 

 of different varieties in relation to fungoid diseases. 



Many of the West Indian Islands have suffered most severe loss in recent years from 

 f una^oid parasites in their canes. In some of these islands it has been demonstrated 

 that there is a marked difference in the manner in which the varieties are attacked. 

 This question has formed the subject of investigations in Barbados and Antij^ua, 

 where it has been shown that while some varieties readily succumb to fungoid 

 attack, others are remarkably resistant. Whether this immunity will be maintained 

 in spite of the constant exposure to infection, consequent upon the fact of their 

 being propagated in infected fields, remains to be seen. So far, however, the selec- 

 tion of varieties would appear to constitute the most effective method of combating 

 fungoid attacks : by growing the most hardy varieties, rejecting these as soon as it 

 appears that they show signs of breaking down and substituting others, attacks of 

 such fungi as Trichospheria sacchari, the rind fungus, may perhaps be overcome. 



So far Jamaica appears to have escaped any serious fungoid attack of its sugar 

 canes This is possibly due to the fact that several varieties are cultivated, whiie 

 at the same time there are but f»w Bourbon canes amongst them. It will be well 

 for Jamaica planters to be on th3 alert to check any outbreak should such occur, 

 and this check will probably be best secured by an immediate change of the variety 

 of cane under cultivation. As a preventive measure it is very desirable that a 

 oareful study of as many useful varieties as can be collected should be made at the 

 Botanic Stations, these experiments will serve a double purpose by first leading 

 to a knowledge of the saccharine richness and yield of the different varieties and 

 secondly a knowledge of their freedom from or liability to fungoid and other 

 parasites. An attempt is now being made to study this subject in a more syste- 

 matic manner and it is hoped that in a short time there may be presented to 

 planters information compiled from local experiments bearing upon this im- 

 portant side of the sugar question. — F. W. 



