26 HISTORY OF THE [book v. 
ginning of the second year, so as to enable the 
overseer or manager to finish his fcrop (except as to 
the few canes which are reserved to furnish cut¬ 
tings or tops for planting) by the latter end of 
May. Canes planted in and after November lose 
the advantage of the autumnal rains, and it often 
happens, that dry weather in the beginning of the 
ensuing year retards their vegetation, until the ver¬ 
nal seasons, or May rains, set in; when they 
sprout both at the roots and the joints; so that by 
the time they are cut, the field is loaded with un¬ 
ripe suckers, instead of sugar-canes. A January 
plant however, commonly turns out well; but canes 
planted very-late in the spring, though they have 
the benefit of the May rains, seldom answer ex¬ 
pectation; for they generally come in unseasonably, 
and throw the ensuing crops out of regular rota¬ 
tion. They are therefore frequently cut before 
they are ripe; or, if the autumnal season sets in 
early, are cut in wet weather, which has probably 
occasioned them to spring afresh; in either case 
the effect is the same; the juice is unconcocted, 
and all the sap being in motion, the root is depri¬ 
ved of its natural nourishment, to the great injury 
of the ratoon. The chief objection to a fall plant 
is this; that the canes become rank and top heavy, 
at a period when violent rains and high winds are 
expected* and are therefore frequently lodged be¬ 
fore they are fit to cut. The observation, when 
applied to canes planted in rich and new lands, is 
just; and on this account, some gentlemen have 
