127 
CHAP. I.] WEST INDIES. 
introduced the following system: They plant in 
August and September, clean the young sprouts, 
and give them mould occasionally, until the begin¬ 
ning of January, when they cut the young plants 
close to the ground with knives, and level the 
bank; spreading the remainder of the mould over 
the roots; which soon afterwards send out a num¬ 
ber of vigorous and luxuriant shoots all of an equal 
growth. It is alleged, that by this means the cane 
is not too rank in the stormy months, and never- 
theleless comes to perfection in good time in the 
succeeding spring. 
On the whole it is a striking and just remark of 
colonel Martin, that there is not a greater error in 
the system of planting, than to make sugar, or to 
plant canes, in improper seasons of the year; for 
by mismanagement of this kind every succeeding 
crop is put out of regular order. A plantation, he 
observes, ought to be considered as a well-construct¬ 
ed machine, compounded of various wheels turning 
different ways, yet all contributing to the great end 
proposed: but if any one part runs too fast, or too 
slow, in proportion to the rest, the main purpose 
is defeated. It is in vain, continues he, to plead 
in excuse the want of hands or cattle ; because these 
wants must either be supplied, brthe planter must 
contract his views, and proportion them to his abi¬ 
lities ; for the attempt to do more than can be at¬ 
tained, will lead into perpetual disorder, and ter¬ 
minate in poverty. 
