The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1879-05-08

t.b.-o HCI ttIit. sOiiN
cent Thus we see that just at this
time the removal Of the leaves and tops
did not affect the result of the analysis
to much extent. September 18th. canes
were tried which had been left upon
the field without being disturbed either
as To leaves or tops. Grape sugar,
81. Der cent; cane sugar, 90 per
cent: solid matter. and moisture not
not given. September 18th.
from which the tops had been removed
leaving rest undisturbed. Grape SUI
gar. :. Ii per cent: cane sugar. aS.49
Der cent: moisture and solid matter
not given. September 18th again,
canes from which leaves and tops had
been removed on Sept. 9th, and they
left undisturbed until cut on the 18th.
Grape sugar. $40 per cent: cane SUI
gar. So per cent; solid matter and
and moisture not given. September
18th. again. canes cut on September
9th, tops removed, leaves left on, laid
in the field Q days before examination.
Grape sugar. 1000 per cent: cane Su-
gar. 80 per cent.
We see then from the results. list.
That the grape sugar makes its appear
ance. and rises to about 4 per cent. be-
fore the cane sugar appears. The for
nation Of cane sugar begins about the
third week in August, and continues
until the third week in September,
when it seems to reach its highest per-
centage.
Appearing about the time when the
flower stalks become visible the cane
sugar increases in amount until the
seeds attain their full size, though still
soft. During the latter stages of growth
there is a decrease of moisture i'm the
plant, and a consequent increase in the
density of the juice. And it may be
that the bitter quality of the juice at
this time is largely due to this fact, viz.
the decrease of moisture and not to the
continued formation of cane sugar.
W. sometimes see it recommended to
allow the canes to remain upon the field
for a day or so after cutting, before
being pressed. But here we see that
there is a gradual, steady change Of
cane sugar into grape sugar after the
plants are cut, and the recent expert
ments of F. l.. Stewart of Murrysville,
Pa. show the like result. So this is to
be especially guarded against. The
more moist and warm the weather and
temperature are the more serious is this
change. The reason for this is that
cane sugar by the action Of acids or acid
substances is converted into grape
Indeed this change can and
does go on in the living plant.
Prot. Goessman advises that the
canes be cut when the seeds are full
grown, yet soft, and pressed immediate
ly; say between the 10th. and 10Th, of
1t must be remembered
that whenever temperature and climate
are mentioned We must consider Massa- |
as referred %. For North
Carolina the season would be earlier.
The formation of cane sugar would
probably begin sooner and hence the
zane would reach its maturity sooner, so
hat We might begin cutting by the first
week in September. The safer rule is
to cut when the seeds are full grown.
get soft. and to press Immediately.
In 1851 the seeds of several varieties
Of the lmpliee cane were brought to the
[ nited States by Mr.. Leonard Wray,
who had found it among the kafhrs in
$50. And since that time it has been
growing in favor. Mr.. Wray
found Ii varieties. OF which the
OomseeaDa was thought the best. This
Mine Early Amber is supposed to be a
modification of some one of these varie-
lies.
1t is to be hoped that if any one in
,r State Is planting the Early Amber
this year he will publish the re-
suits. We know of at least one gentle |
man who intends to plant, and we take
his opportunity of asking him to give
the public his results. it is only by
The introduction of improved machinery,
improved stock. improved seed that We
vii ever be able to compete successfully
With others. and to progress.