The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-09-22
SALANJORE CANE.
g,grTER FROM HON. ROBERT THOMH
SON OF JAMAICA.
interesting TO Sugar Paanters-An I'm
proved Species Of cane.

NON @E e5ARAAHGAs
Hmtarestfug TO Sugar paanters-An Em~
proved SPECIES of Game.
The following letter Is O. copy of one from
Robert Thomson, SUPERINTENDENT Of the Bo-
tanic Gardens, Gordon Town, Jamaica, and
written to the Hon VIM. G.. LeDuc, Commits
sioner OF Agriculture, by whom 1t was sent to
the Hon. ID. T.. Kenner, president Of the Louis
lam Sugar Planters Association, who kindly
furnishes 1t to us tor reproduction to our many
subscribers In the sugar parishes The efforts
OF the Louisiana Sugar Planters Association
to encourage and improve the sugar industry
OF the State have been more than amply in
dorsed and supported by the able gentleman
who now fills the position OF Commissioner Of
Agriculture.
Gen. LeDuc has been 1ntiring In his nvesti-
cations OF the subject Of seed cane, especially
adapted to suit our soil and climate, and his
great point seems to be to secure for us q
hardy variety of the earliest maturity. The
Japan cane, introduced by him through the
Louisiana Sugar Planters Association, elaims
these advantages, but SO late was 1t received
after our planting season that real test OF
its value must be deferred until the next
season. We are gratified to learn that many
members Of the association have succeeded In
growing tall, healthy stalks Of this cane, and
although only ninety days In the ground
evidences OF maturity, with sufficient length
to warrant O thorough test next year, are
plainly visible.
The Salaniore cane which is the subject OF
MIR. Thomson's letter. Is one of the most valu-
able varieties, the several writer's upon sugar
cane having especially pronounced In its favor.
The effort of Gen. LeDue to introduce 1t to our
Louisiana planters is prompted by the con-
viction that from information gained 1t Is best
calculated to meet cur wants. A few joints OF
this cane we're sent very late In the season by
Gen. LeDuc- toward the last OF June-but,
owing to the late date Of planting, the exceed
fngly hot weather, and the defect in the cane
ITSELF the eyes did not sprout and the nature
oil this cane must for us be delayed another
season, when, we trust, o full supply for seed
will be sent by the commissioner for distribu-
zion through the Louisiana Sugar Planters
Association
We understand that steps are on foot by the
Louisiana Sugar Planters Association, ably
seconded by the Commissioner Of Agriculture,
] to thoroughly test the different varieties Of
foreign canes, with the view of evolving
from the many some one kind whose early
maturity few months In advance of our
present varieties, may give that further Sc
curity to cane culture which the necessities Of
our planting interests demand.
Though prevented by the scourge which is
sweeping through the State from assembling
Its members monthly, the Sugar Planters
Association is, through its officers, zealously
and steadily pushing forward the grand OBJ
ieets for the accomplishment of which the as
sociation was formed
CrNCHoNA PLANTATION. JAMAICA
SeDtem Der 4. 1878. }
! Hon. VIM. g. LeDuc, Commissioner of Agri-
Dear sSir-With reference to previous CORE
spondence on the subject of the Salanjore
cane, 4 now have the pleasure to furnish you
H with the particulars which I have collected,
with the consent OF the government specially
Tor your information.
THE Salaniore cane was obtained from the
government OF Martinique few years ago,
and has been distributed throughout this
Island. It Is largely cultivated In various
sugar plantations, and is gradually becoming
d favorite variety with some planters.
The sugar cane on the plantations through
out this island Is cultivated under very differ
ent climatic conditions as regards humidity.
I'm certain districts the annual rainfall aver
ages about 100 inches.
10 should, however, be remembered that the
great bulk Of tropical rain falls in q very
short space Of time, after which there are
generally sharp drouths.
I'm the districts which have the largest rain
TALL, this variety Of cane has heretofore sue
ceeded best-thus In humid parishes it is
receiving increasing attention.
Tn the drier districts, 1T has not proved
equally successful, but there is reason to
believe that it has not been carefully tested in
dry districts.
The specialties of this cane are: It is ex-
tremey, hardy it grows rapidly, very iuxuri-
ant In growth SHOULD be planted widel ripens
n month or two before the other kinds in
cultivation, produces q remarkable number Of
canes at each stool, and ratoOus profusely and
the canes are Of delicate texture and easily
ground.
1t produces O sugar Of fine quality and
color, and 1t is now planted sparsey among
the common varieties of canes in order to i'm
part an improved color to the whole crop.
lit possesses one disadvantage to the ia
Maica planter, viz: when ripe 1t should be
cut Immediately otherwise 1t begins to de-
\ Geriorate, whereas other varieties keep for
months after maturation.
Probably the most important point In con-
nection with this cane for cultivation In the
Southern States is that OF It's early ripening
qualities, o month or two gained by its early
maturatiOn must be great consideration
where the winters prove destructive to late
growth
1 remain yours truly,
RoBT THOMSON.
d..
MORE FIGURES.