The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1873-01-11
NEW SEED CANE.
1900 Cuttings from Java and India

1900 Cuttings from Java and India.
| 1t Will be remembered that during
the month of June, 1872, Mr.. Lapice
one of the oldest sugar planters of this
State, left this city for the Pacific
Ocean for the purpose of procuring a
fresh supply of seed cane.
1t is 4 well known fact that for more
than twenty years the sugar cane OF
| Louisiana has been dcgeneratcd. The
first cane introduced here was brought
! by Christopher Columbus and was the
same rs that cultivated i'll the West
India Islands. It is commonly called
Creole cane.
This species soon degcnerated and
run out. BY accident the ribbon cane
was thcn introduced. A vessel from
Java brought to Charleston, S. G.,
some of these canes, which proved
very hardy, and they were soon trrns
ferrcd to this State.
Somc fifty of tho most intelligent
planters in Louisiana organized about
one year ago and raised y fund for the
l'>' 1'''~ VA SSCtl MI
Lapice was chosen 10 visit India and
the Maiayan Islands and make the Sc
lection. Tho gentleman has just re-
turned, after Il trip of seven months
duration, and announces that the stcam-
ship koln, of the North German Lloyd
Company, which sailed on tho 2lst
December and will arrive within a few
days, brings II, 900 cuttings that will
be delivered to tho Subscribers from the
bonded warehouse, corner st. Louis
and Lovcc streets.
MIR. Lapice proceeded via tho Sucz
Canal to Singapore, and there made
diligent enquiries as to the object of
his visit. Ho there met Col. Gallatin
Studor, the American Consul--a Swiss
by birth and formerly an officer in the
United States army. Col. Studor was
very Jealous in assisting Mr.. Larice,
and furnished much valuable infor-
nation.
1t was there asccrtaincd that the old
ribbon cane had been abandoned en-
tirely. In it's place had been substi-
tuted a new kind belonging to the
same family, and this was to be found
in greatest perfection in the Island of
Java. He also learned that !, new kind
of cane had been introduced into Bor-
nco from New Caledonia.
Mr.. Lapice then proceeded to Saigon,
in India, and there obtained some spec-
linens of cane called " Elephant Cane"
from the botanical gardens. Returning
to Java, he was introduced to the Gov
ernor Of tho Island, who entertained
him at his palace, and offered him
every assistance
The scccctions of cane were now
made from the new species. 1t is of Il
purple color, with very small light
stripes.
Mr.. Lapicc examined into the sys-
tenn of cultivating cane in these rich
islands, and will soon give the result
of his observations to tho public in
pamphlet form. lie is of tho opinion
that the present method of culture in
Louisiana is very loose, and considers
there is great room for Improvement
here.
ltwa5 subsequently :scortaincd that
tho old ribbon cane IS now being cult
waited near Madagascar; and on his
way back Mr.. Lapicc had an inter
view with Secretary Boutwell, ana
many influential members or Congress.
will, Il view to securing u Government
appropriation 10 import this as we'll as
further supplies OF new seed cane. He
is confident that tho Government will
assist our planters.
With the cane restored to its original
fardihood and moro scientific culture.
the States Of Louisiana, Texas, Florida
and Mississippi can produce I'LL the
sugar consumed in tho United States.
and thus save 10 the country tho forty
millions OF dollars now annually scnt
to Cuba and other countries in pay
mcnt for this article.
Mr.. Greeley was cut Off in his G2d
year. His temperate habits and GUS
tom of put-,}D2r a-prcjcn ,x-t,,i., l,a,-,