( 3 ) 
varieties formerly cultivated in this country on a 
commercial scale were the “ Red Ribbon ” and the 
“ Large Yellow ” or “ Bourbon w cane. 
Soil and Climate . — The plant requires a hot, humid 
climate, alternating with dry periods, and thrives 
best on flat land at low elevations, preferably situated 
on tidal rivers, which facilitate proper drainage and 
also provide a suitable means of transporting the 
cane to the factory. 
The most suitable soils are sandy loams, clayey 
loams and alluvial soils containing a fair proportion 
of clay. Light sandy soils, heavy clay or peaty 
land are all unsuitable. Good surface drainage is 
essential as the plant cannot tolerate a water- 
logged soil, 
Sugar-cane is a somewhat heavy feeder, and manu- 
ring is necessary after the first or second crop. 
Cultivation . — The land should be thoroughly clean 
and free from weeds, changkolled or forked to a 
depth of six to seven inches until it is brought into 
a fine state of tilth, and then made up into ridges 
four to five feet apart. If conditions are suitable, 
tractors may be employed in ploughing and harrow- 
ing the land previous to planting. 
Although any part of the cane containing two or 
three eyes or buds can be planted, it is the usual 
practice to plant only the top parts of the cane, 
which contain less sugar. The tops or cuttings, 
usually eight to ten inches in length, are placed 
in furrows at intervals of two to three feet apart. 
They are planted in pairs a few inches apart in an 
oblique position, with only a small portion above 
the soil, which should be firmly pressed down. 
