Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-12-23
cuIture of SUGAR cane.

OdtNdTC OI 0uSdF OdNCs
II. II. Harrington. Chemist to Texas Ex-
pertinent Station.
When the cane Is planted, its lowest
depth should be above the level OF the
center furrow In the middle dividing the
rows; this insures drainage from the
cane. and protects II against wet rot. On
the other hand, dry rot Is apt to occur
II the land Is cloddy with little moisture in
IL. Under these conditions, the cane rap
idly evaporates its moisture. In Louisi-
ana, # is customary TO plant two run
ming stalks II the cane is planted in
spring. This Is to insure a perfect stand
on the sugar plantations. where so much
depends upon a good stand. But in plant
ing a few acres for syrup. II the ground is
properly prepared, and the season SUIT
able this extreme care is unnecessary.
When the cane first starts to coming up,
the planter may feel very much disap-
pointed at the absence OF a stand. But do
not become too soon discouraged. One
shoot TO every root may be considered a
good stand, since the stalk has great
power for suckering, and wiz soon add to
a stand that was at first very unpromis-
ing. There Is likely 10 be an ultimate
stand OF three TO six canes TO the foot,
from planting only one running stalk.
Many OF these canes, suckers especially,
are likely TO die down IN the struggle for
existence. before the season is over. But
II we can harvest three good canes to the
lineal foot. the crop may be considered as
q very satisfactory one. OF course the
width OF the rows will have some bear
ing upon this. II the cane comes up thick
from the start. IL is likely TO sucker ex-
cessively and become too thick; so that IL
Is well TO get what suckers are wanted,
early IN the season-that is started from
the parent stalk as soon as possible-and
then cultivate 20 suppress additional suck
ers. In Louisiana. they attempt TO pre-
vent excessive suekering by close culu-
walton; but not close enough 10 cut the
roots OF the cane. Suckers appearing af-
ter about the middle OF June are not like
IL to mature in this latitude; although
season and soil will work some influence.
II Is quite likely that the locality. north
or south. from which the seed cane Is OBJ
tanned. viii exert some influence upon
the date OF its maturity. just as II does
with other crops. But have had no OPP
portunity OF determining definitely the ex-
tent OF this influence.
There are three principal varieties OF
cane grown In Texas and Louisiana The
red or purple cane, the ribbon cane and
the green cane The red cane Is the
hardest variety; win resist cold and
drouth better. and Is perhaps little rich
er In saccharine matter at time Of cutting,
because II natures earlier, though there
Is little difference in saccharine matter
between IL and ribbon cane. The green
cane contains. or appears 70 contain, more
Juice than either Of these, but Is not so
sweet until late in the season. since II is
rather late in maturing. 1t Is, however,
softer cane-easier to crush-and this is
property worth considering when horse
power mills are to be used. DR.. Stubs
has shown at the Louisiana experiment
of a
stalk may be used for planting, and the
lower two-thirds reserved for grinding.
Whether the whole stalk. or only tho up
per part OF 1t Is planted, II is well to re-
member that cutting the stalk should be
done only when necessary TO give
straight row and uniform covering Some
people have an idea that cutting the cane
into short pieces at the time OF planting,
stimulates subsequent sprouting and pro-
pagation. the reverse Is true
In early spring the cane should be
barred on and the top of the ridge re-
moved with hoes to allow the young
shoots to come out Care should be exer-
cised at this time, in order that a good
stand may be obtained. When the cane
is large enough. the middles may be brok-
en- out. throwing a good bed TO the cano
and leaving a clean. clear middle furrow
TO facilitate drainage during the spring
rains.
While the cane needs a large amount OF
water for full development, 1t cannot en-
dure standing sub-soil water I'm actual
contact with the roots. II is the practice
with many farmers to use the turning
plow for cultivation from this time on 10
"laylng-by." DR.. Stubs strongly con-
dennis this practice and believes that af-
ter the first bed is made with the turning
pillow II should then be discarded and cult
vators used entirely. using the disc Guilt
vator TO throw dirt 10 the cane. and the
middle or diamond cultivator for break
ing out the middles. Sweeps may be used
instead Of cultivators, IL these are not on
the farm. The season will have some in
fiuence in deciding the kind OF cultivation.
Only two facts are necessary to keep in
mind. and then use judgment suited to
the conditions. 1st. A good bed to the
cane should be maintained until the lat
ter part OF the season at least I'd. FIRE.
quent and shallow cultivation conserves
moisture. The ground should be kept in
good filth or heart from the time the
cane is planted until IL is laid by.