194 
FIRST BOOK. 
a jear old they bear large tufts of feathery blossoms. A little later 
the canes become dry and smooth outside, and their juice turns 
sweet and sticky. Then they are fit to be cut. 
From the stool, or part left in the ground, fresh canes grow, called 
ratoons. If the canes are to thrive the ground must be kept loose 
and free from weeds, and caterpillars and other pests destroyed. 
THE SUGAE-CANE.— II. (p. 116). 
The Juice. — At the mill the canes are crushed betw^een iron 
rollers. The juice is thus squeezed out and drains into a tank. 
It is then made to flow into receivers where, after lime has been 
added, it is heated. Soon a scum forms, and by skimming this off 
the juice is cleansed. 
Next, the juice is boiled in open pans until it thickens. Then 
the grains of sugar form from it as it cools. In this way we get 
Muscovado sugar. That part of the syrup which will not ^' grain" 
is known as molasses. It drains through the holes in the bottom of 
the hogsheads in which the syrup is "potted". 
COFFEE.— 1. (p. 118). 
The Bea.ns. — After the berries are gathered their pulp is 
cleansed from the beans, which are then known as parchment 
coffee. The beans are then cured. That is, they are skinned and 
well dried, until they become hard and brittle, and of a deep green 
colour. Unless the "curing" is well done, the coffee will not sell 
for a good price. 
Before being used in making the well-known drink, the beans 
are roasted to bring out their pleasant taste, and then ground to a 
coarse powder. 
The leaves are dark green and shiny, the flowers white, and the 
ripe berries of a dark red colour. Two seeds, or " beans", lie within 
each berry. 
COFFEE.— II. (p. 120). 
The Tree. — The coffee- tree is reared from seed. When three 
or four feet high it is "topped", to keep it low and spreading. Bows 
of bananas are often planted amongst the young trees for shade. 
Much pruning has to be done to let the light and air get to all 
parts of the tree. Insect pests must be sought for and cleansed 
away when they appear. 
