The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1886-12-21
A Model Plantation.

EDrrOG g AZETTEc-i have lust visited q pan
tation from which derived much useful IN
formation and pleasure. Il was one OF those
places where one sees every thing 10 admire
and nothing 70 condemn. Thinking your
readers might be interested IN this lntorma-
ton. 1 have jotted down q few notes. 1bls
plantation belongs to Mr.. \. Lydgate and
Mr.. L. Mckenzie. Ii Is situated very near
Laupahoehoe, aud when viewed from the
highest land presents one OF the best views
OF q plantation that have had the pleasure
Of seeing. One can stand on this place and
see miles and miles Of cane, every field, and
almost every one working. As the land
slopes gradually from this point IN both dl-
rectiOns, as well as down toward the sea, one
can see every varying shade of growth, from
the young plant to the full grown cane.
But this view Is not by any means the best
thing about this place.
By far the best thing that one notices Is
the good order, systematic management, anu
thorough method Of cultivation.
After the land Is cleared, the soil is ploved
once, twice, If possible, and narrowed three
times. Then il Is furrowed ont for planting.
The seed being selected with care and judge
ment, Is planted twelve inches apart, from
centre TO centre. Sometimes it Is planted
fifteen inches, according 10 the land.
This yoluE cane no sooner starts to grow
than the cultivation commences IN q most
it Is possible for the mules 10 get through
the cane There are tyenty-six cultivators
and p.OwS used for this purpose alone, which
are kept constantly III use; the cultlyators
being used the most. the plOEs only occa-
sionally. The hoe Is only used II the cane
rows, and does that which the cultiVa-
tors cannot do. This cultivation Is kept up
constantly whether there Is any grass or
weeds, or not.
II is done mainly TO pulverize the soil and
to keep II moist SO that II will readily alb
sorb air. The advantages derived from this
method are everywhere seen.
While this cultivating is in progress in one
part OF the field, trashlng the cane Is being
done IL another part.
The Importance and benefit of constant
traShing the cane Is very apparent, as ii adj
mits abundance OF air and light, two things
which are as necessary to the cane as to the
soil, and without which neither will attain
its full use or strength.
The grown cane could not possibly look
any better; il Is trashed from the ground al
most 10 the top, and looks strong and rich IN
saccharins matter. Most of 1t stands as
straight as dart, standing so erect with
waving plUmes and dropping leaves, 1t makes
q beautiful picture. The best cane contains
about fifteen sticks TO the stole or stool, and
will yield not less than five tons to the acre.
The average Of the rest viii probably yield
over four tons. This is considered L good
crop for the Hilc district.
There Is one piece of, or field of ratOOns
of $50 acres which is probably the best seen
in this district. 1t is growing vigorously and
Is very strong and thick, being equal TO
most of tia plant cane seen here. This good
crop IS partly r.ttributed to the new method
of manuring which is to make q deep furrow
between the cane rows and bury the cane
tops and trash deep in the soil; 1t soon de
Gays and makes the best kind of manure.
There are about sixteen or seventeen hun
bred acres OF cane growing on this place all
of which Is IL SPLENDID condition. The soil
Is free from grass and weeds the matured
cane from superfuous leaves.
The agricultural implements are of the
best design and material, and are kept in
good order. All the repairs that are made
are done to stay, no stick and string or
makeshift job being seen. The tools of all
kinds as well as the harness and mules, are
examined every night by the manager, and
If anything Is out of order it is remedied at
once and under his supervision.
Besides this, there is a place for every
thing and every thing is kept there, when not
in use. One does not see any old plows or
tools of any kind lying around, as every
thing is repaired and put away when no
longer wanted.
The stock consists mainly of California
mules and horses. They work hard but are
in fine condition. This l attribute 70 the
way they are taken care of. They are fed
regularly on barley, hay and cane, the cane
and hay being cut up fine, and the barley
ground. They have clean bed every night,
and have every care and comfort 1t Is posi-
bic 70 give them.
All the work of this place is done by