The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1896-05-20

be future for it as a staple crop of oul
state. One which, while not bringing any
great return. will pay we'll the farmer fol
his time. use of land, and energy, and cap
ital invested in its cultivation and prepare.
ton for market.
Canalgre was first introduced into Flor
ida about two years ago. through Mr.. r.
J. Kerr of Hockey, Texas, who for years,
has been an extensive shipper of the wild
root as grown in Arizona and New Mexico
The results of his experiments were such
that he felt warranted in putting out a
large field which he did near Orlando.
Being in that city last week we thought it
good time to see for ourselves what was
really being done. Through the courtesy
of Mr.. A. G. Branham we saw forty-acre
field that was planted as late as Jan. 18TH
to 18th. It was perfectly evident that the
canaigre had not had fair show, for be-
sides being planted in the middle of its
growing season, it had maiden cane to con-
tend with. and being planted on ridge
had suffered from drouth. We do not
know of anything that should be planted
on ridge in the high pine land of Florida.
If canaigre will make a fair growth with
all these disadvantages it certainly ought
to do we'll when it has more "congenial
surroundings. and a whole season to grow
in. We were informed that patch which
was grown on land much freer of weeds
had produced better and more roots. thus
showing that the plant, although growing
wild in Arizona and Mexico, is very sensi-
tive to tame treatment, and we would not
be surprised if the yield was trebled if
planted in August or September and kept
free from weeds. While it will grow amid
weeds and neglect, it stands to reason that
it would do better if encouraged by having
the whole field to itself We have not
much faith in 'lazy mans" crop, that is
one that will suit him, for it is sure to re-
veal him in the results. What is worth
having is worth working for. and canaigre
can not prove an exception.
Owing to the high freight rates fromTexas
the cost of seed is high, much more so than
it will be in year or two, when the state
will produce enough to supply the demand.
In saving the seed practically nothing is
lost, as it is only the stem end that is re-
quired while the balance of the root can be
dried. The plant produces seed but it re
quires two years to raise marketable roots.
while from the root cuttings they are grown
the same year it is planted.
The preparation of the green root for
market is simply to cut in slices and dry
in the sun or an evaporation. It requires
31z pounds of green root to give one of dry.
With this crop it is not necessary to market
at any one time, as the root will keep in
definitely. Even the seed roots if dried up
so that there is no appearance of life, will
start out when planted in moist soil.
1t is hoped that enough will be raised in
the state to warrant the building of an ex-
tracing establishment which ought to
make the root more valuable. Mr.. Kerr is
very sanguine as to the results in Florida
and we understand he is ready to make a
three years-contract to take all that is
raised at stipulated price per ton. f o. b
cars. The question then is, can the farmer
produce it at profit at the price offered?
We should give it trial.