SUGGESTION S TO sff JA^mw mm mm ®: OB HOW TO GROW AND MANAGE CANE. j Br J. W. PERRY. COVINGTON, OHIO. Printed ly Oofington, (0.),Prlnting Cumpany. 1874. '9 SUGGESTIONS TO #2 A ESSE ^W^WPWL '9 OB HOW TO GROW AND MANAGE CANE. By J. TV. PERRY COVINGTON, OHIO. Printed by Covington, (0.) f PrintiDg Company. ■iu£ 1S74. Watered according Co Act of Conprexfl in tlia ypnt 1874, By .F. W. PihE7. In tno office of tbe Librarian of Congrasi at Washington, CONTENTS. page Tntroduc^Ott^ hlMMn m.,<.wwimMwni« mwm»... ....-, A M m«m M A.VAv 5 Profits of Cane Culture,....,*.., . 6 Varieties- ... «... *.......■.*,.. v „ „.... 6 Where Shall We Plant, : - g Time to Plant,..,.,* .% ..... ... ».* ........ w ......... 8 Preparing the GrountS am 6 Planting, > -v .v.... 9 Cultivation...................... , ... ..... 10 Bar res ting . .,* t v.* 11 Clean your VeeBeis, 1J The Yield 12 Growing and Saving Seed 13 Imports of Molasses & Sugar* 14 Cooctud'ng Reran ks., ...... ........... *..».«»^.v.»..„„..,.v. „ n , V ,15 SUGGESTIONS CANE GROWERS. Introduction'. I have a three-fold object in view, in offering this little work to my friends :^The first is, to comply with a. request often made for a treatise of this kind, and to get rid of giving such suggestions as are herein contaiutd, at a lime when I am loo busily engaged to do it properly. Secondly, I believe that cane growers have need for such a work. And last, but not least ; I have a deoire to aid in giving importance to a crop so useful to our wants. I believe the people for whom 1 write waut plain instructions; inairuc- tions derived from many years' experience in growing and manufacturing cane. I have, therefore, written in plain language; leaving it lo others to write in classical terms, giving scientific names lo llie many varieties ot cane, and the elements contained in the earth, air, &c, which enter into the com- position of good cane. I believe there is every reason why cane growing should be encouraged, while there are none to the contrary. To the close observer, a constant increasing demand for sweets, , is sinkingly picnnnent, in our icunliy. Every ypar witnesses an increase in the consumption of sugar and syrups. This demand is inexorable, and must be supplied, either by the home product,' or by that of foreign countries. Southern cane growers ure abandoning the business, on account of the enormous tax on machinery, which gives the northern canes additional importance. With this demand belore us, and with this liberty to clioose between producing sweets at horn?, and supplying tile want from our own fieldo, or sending our gold 10 foreign markets lor a lower grade of the same, will the farmers long hesitate? Does it require any argument to prove that it is acting the part of wisdom to keep our money in circulation at home ? But I do not desire to urge any one into the business SOJIE SFSGESTIO'NS on account of the demand, only ; keeping in mind the fact that the crop is actually less exhaustive than corn, there is still another reason to which to invite your attention, and that is The Profits or Cane Ccltube. The present average yield of syrup, in Ohio, is one hundred and thirty- five gallons per acre. This sells at sixty cents a gallon, giving $79 per acre for the crop. The average of corn is about 35 bushels per acre; which sells at 44 cents a bushel, giving $15.40 per acre, for this crop. Now, the additional cost of cultivating and harvesting the cane is not more than $10, per acre, more than corn, while the cost of manufacture at 22 cents per gallon is $29.70. This makes the cane cost $39.70 more than the corn, leaving $39 30 for the former against $15 40 for the latter. If this shows any thing, it shovs that cane is more than twice as profitable as corn. I know that an extra corn crop may be, and often is, as high ns 75 or 100 bushels, per acre, under favor- able circumstances; — the same is true of cane ; I have known it to produce 200, 240, 260, and even 300 gallons [per acre, when favored as much. Prices vary also; — the present season I have h »d no difficulty in disposing of my crop at 75 to 85 cents a gallon. 1 have sold at 60 cents, and again at $1, a gallon. So, it will be seen that the GO cents is a low price for the cane, while 44 cents is a very fair average lor corn. Although the larger yields of syrup are not always to be expected, yet, you may always rely upon it, that cane is more profitable than corn, in the proportion above indicated. It must bo borne in mind, however, that, in order to " make it pay well," you will have to " work well," being guided by the instructions that follow. Varieties. Having resolved upon planting a "patch" of cane, the first question that perplexes our nuud is, "What kind shall I plant?" After perusing the fol- lowing sketch of varieties, the answer will be plainer. '' Sybup Cake." — This variety has not so tall a growth as the old sorghum; the stalks are smaller (though of good sue, when not planted too thick ;} has a tolerably longhead; and, though the head is not compact, the brush lies close and is not spreading. When it is " heading out," the head has a red appearance, and, at a distance, the cane seems to be ripe, but it should al- wuys be allowed to stand three or four weeks, when the chaff will be black and glistening, and loose on the seed. The red appearance of the head, when just out of the "boot," the "glistening" appearance when ripe, and tho loosi ness ot the chaff on the seed, are the points by which we are to distin- guish this from other varieties. This is an early variety ; does not fall down readily ; and yields largely of the very best candy-flavored syrup. It is de- »ervedly popular; with us, the most popular. TO CANE GROWERS. y Liberian'. — " The Liberian cane has, bo far, been rust-proof, and as does not fall down, and yields largely of the very best syrup, it is deservedly popular. This variety has red 6eed and a close, compact head, about five inches long, shouldered at the bottom, and usually square or a little forked at the top of the head. It often yields on good upland, over two hundred gallons per acre." I am not personally acquainted with this variety, but, as the authority quoted is in every way reliable, 1 think I may safely recom- mend it. White Imphee. — Seed white or gray; head Bhort (with short brush,) and many seeded; stalks not usually long and of good size. This variety stands up well and yields abundantly of very good, golden -colored syrup. By many this i3 considered the best, as it does not granulate nor "turn to sugar" as readily as the syrup cane molasses. This is a late variety and should be planted early and on warm land. E-engha. — This has a fine, tall, slender, but beautifully proportioned stalk; has a large, graceful head, with ieed large and a yellowish hue. It is a very sweet cane, and will ripen in from ninety to one hundred days." It is very sensitive about harvesting: If it is not cut just in the " nick of time," it makes a worthless, mealy syrup; but if cut when the seed at the base of the head is in the milky state, the syrup is of the best quality. I can recom- mend this cane in every instance in which I can recommend the man who plants it. The earliest cane that I have grown. Hence if you are right sure that you can harvest it at the proper time, and desire to get the benefit of early market prices, try the E-en-gha sparingly. "Texas Cane " — The description of the Liberian answers so nearly to the characteristics of this variety, that I do not feel certain that they are not identical. I shall soon know the difference, however, if there is any. The " Tex>\s Cane " is vary solid, and hard to crush at the factory. If it shall prove to be the same as the Liberian, I would not recommend you to plant much of "either," on account of its hardness. It is very late and must be planted very early, on very warm land.* The above are only a few of the many varieties annually brought to my notice ; but they are such as I can recommend for largeness of yield and that, too, of the best syrup. It is not deemed prudent to bewilder the reader with a "whole host" of varieties, some of which are good and others the very opposite. The four varieties : Syrup Cane, Liberian, White Imphee and E-en-gha, — I can recommend in the manner described; and I would advise you to plant two or more kinds, or arrange so that, in a given district, no single variety will be too generally prevalent. It takes time to work all the cane brought to a liberally-patronized factory, and, if the varieties are not pretty equally divided, a rush is apt to endanger a part of the crop. ■'■Subsequent examination has shown me that the Liberian is the same as the «' Texas. 1 ' g SOME SUGGESTIONS The second question to be considered is, Where Shall I Plant ? Not in some obscure, shaded spot, where the sun can never penetrate; Not on the east, north or west side of the woods, because there it will bo " out of the way," and will not " cut up" the cornfield ; Not on the lower side of the barnyard, where the washings from the manure pile will " run right through" the patch ; Not where you had potatoes last year; nor where the ground has been manured heavily with stable or barnyard manure lately, for in either case, your molasses will be 3alty, instead of sweet and sugary ; — Not on wet land, unless you want weak, worthless cane ; — Not where the weeds were so thick and high, last year, that a horse could'nt get through the patch; nor nearer than eighty rods of a broom - corn patch — for if you do. it will hybiidize, and make the seed unfit for fu- ture planting. Nor should you plant where you cannot get at it, to haul it off, without a great deal of " fussing" and waiting ; — but ysS~ Plant in a clear clean, open spot, where the sun can have a fair chance at it ; in a place easy of access, whether it " cuts up" the cornfield or not ; on good, dry, warm land of a clayey or sandy texture, well drained and in good condition. A clover sod that has been planted to corn the previous year, will be decidedly good. The season and the soil on which the cane is planted certainly influence the quantity and quality of the syrup produced. On a wet season, upland of a gravelly subsoil will be best; while low, black, or marshy land will give a '. ;ht yield of inferior syrup. Gravelly land on a dry season is not so good as lack, low land. To be on the safe side, Belect a spot where the land will neither dry out nor overflow, — good dry land. If you plant two kinds, make two patches, a considerable distance from each other; — otherwise the seed will become impure. Time to Plant. Don't put off the cane till all the other planting'is done. Cane requires early planting, in order that it may escape the early autumn frost. When the ground is warm enough to plant corn, be sure and plant your cane If you have selected a warm plot of ground for your cane patch, — which you should always do, — it is better to plant your cane before the corn is attended to. 1 have known cane to do well when planted as late as the middle of June, but it oftener "misses" than "hits." So, I say, plant early and on warm dry land. TO CAKE GROWERS. f > Preparing the Ground. This should be done in the same manner in which corn ground should be prepared: Plow deep and pulverize well. The cane plant is very small and tender at first; hence the ground should be well pulverized, in order to aid it in starting. It roots deep: hence the necessity for deep plowing. Now, when you prepare your ground for planting, (or marking off for plan- ting,) don't do it in a careless or exasperated manner; as if cane plan- ting were a burden too irksome to be borne, or as if the result would be the same, whether careful or careless ; but Lecheerjul ami do it right. The process of preparing the soil is nut complete nil the fertilizers have been noticed. As before stated, the ammonial or barn-yard and stable manures are unfit for cane, until they have been thoroughly rotted and mixed with black alluvial, in compost. 1 am "peaking now of applying the manures to the ground expressly for this crop. Lime and ashes contain the elements necessary to a vigorous, healthy growth of the cane plant ; hence, if you make use of any fertilizers) try these. They should be applied t-pa- ingly, either in the hill or over the whole ground. Cane does not require a ivry rich soil, and will often produce good crops on comparatively poor land. It is best, however, to plant on tolerably strong land. It the land has been manured moderately with stable manure, three years ago, it will be beneficial to the crop. Prepare the ground thoroughly, be it manured or not. Now "thrash" the seed from the head, by rubbing between the hands ; put it into warm water and save only such for planting as does not float. Soak this in warm water; — just warm enough to bear your hand in it without burning; — leave it thus for three or four hours, when it will be ready for Planting. I prefer planting in hills, the same as corn. By planting this way, you are enabled to cultivate better than in drills; the stalks mature better, and it is easier harvested. I have conversed with as many as a score of growers, who plunted in drills last year, (1873,) and they all unite in saying they are "down on" drills, forever! "Cane yields more to the bulk by the hill system ; does not fall, as readily ; and is not hulf so wearing on one's patience,'' is the universal verdict! Having maiked oil' the ground, level the dirt, in the crosses, with the foot, or a hoe, which will leave a nice hill on which to drop the seed. Put eight or ten seed in a hill, and cover with mellow, moist dirt, about three-lourths of an inch deep. One cause of failure in cane growing consists in planting too thick. Remember this, and see to it that you plant no more than ten (betttr have only eight,) seeds in a hill. Always be sure that you plant good seed, then you need have no misgivings about its growing. Be careful, and don t 10 SOME SUGGESTIONS rush through with the work of planting, as if the atmosphere of the cane patch were eo vitiated as to endanger your life every minute of your stay therein! No: don't do that; but do the work carefully and well, for if you are careless here, all your labor afterwards cannot compensate the loss. " A stitch in time saves nine." Cm.TiVArioN. Should it rain and the ground become baked, before the plant is up, it will be necessary for you to break the crust on the hills, with some sharp- toothed instrument; — as a small rake, made by driving nails through a piece of wood, an inch and a quarter square, and six or eight inches long, with a handle fastened to it. Neglecting to help the cane through, in this manner, leads to very many of the failures to secure a good stand ; nearly every failure is traceable to it. Then, be sure and break the crust. As soon as the plant is fairly through give the patch a good hoeing around the hills. The air and warmth must be let in to the roots, in order that it may get a vigorous, early start. Therefore, keep the ground mellow and loose, by timely hoeing and stirring with the cultivator and plow, until the cane "gets under headway." After it is waist high, it will not do to plow near the rows; — close plowing disturbs the roots, which is an injury to the crop. In the first and second plowings, aim to loosen up the ground several inches deep, being careful not to cover or plow out the hills. After- wards use a one-horse triangular cultivator, going twice in a row. After a beating rain during the season of cultivation, always be sure and plow as soon as the ground is dry enough ; — neglecting to do this, and plowing after the ground has dried out. and hardened, is almost fatal to the crop. Ordinarily, one plowing in two weeks is often enough; and after harvest, you need not plow at all, except to kill weeds. Be active enough to destroy all weeds in the start. Two or three hoeings are sufficient, if the land is anything like clean. Keep the weeds and grass down, and the ground in good order. I thi.nk it better not to throw the dirt up around the hills, as we do with corn ; for this prevents, in a measure, the penetration of the air and warmth, which, I have said, is so necessary to the vigorous growth and perfect devel- opment of the cane plant. That mode of cultivation which docs the work thoroughly and leaves the ground level, is best. While hoeing the second time, be sure and thin out to six or eight stalks in a hill. A greater number of stalks prevent a proper development of tho cane. Pull off all " suckers," about harvest time, (July to August.) They don't mature; are an injury to the cane; hinder in harvesting; and, also, in manufacturing. Keep them off — as nearly all, as you can. They "suck" up the elements that ought to enrich the main stalks. to cake growkbs. -j -j Harvesting. Tf you have heeded the foregoing instructions, and have been favored with anything like a good season, your cane crop i» worth harvesting in tbe most approved manner. When your crop is very large, it may be advisable to commence harvuiaianv cane mol.tsses in 1830 was 16,- 813,903 gallons, and the sorghum 7,176,0i2 gallons. The increase of the first was but 4,277,197 gallons over the product of 1851), clearing showing that it was incapable of supplying the rapidly increasing consumption of molasses. The amount of sorghum molasses was doubled in 1862 ; a.id from reports re- ceived at this Department, the crop of 1S63 will be at least 23 per cent, greater than that of 1862 " " But the extent of this crop will be governed very much by the success of the northern cane as a sugar making plant. Ev- ry thing is favorable to that success, as will be seen from the report of the chemist of this Department as well as from the numerous specmens of sor- chum susar forwarded to it." " Nor is there any nation so much needing a sugar-making plant that may be generally grown, as the United States. This will be seen from the following statistics of the amount of molases and sugar consumed in it : Imports or Molasses and Sugar. T-nrs MntaBM those of Louisiana. Indeed, the conditions necessary to produce granulation are generally known among practical manufacturers, and the process of refining has proved a success. The cost of machinery and labor, only, prevents the realization of our desires to make the canes of our latitude pay as sngai -ma king plants. One condition, however, must not be overlooked, namely : That a perfectly-developed cane is the first essential to success, in sugar ma- king. It behoves us, then, to study the characteristics of cane; to ascer- tain, by the closest observation, what conditions are necessary to give it the highest shade of development. To stimulate others in this work, is the ob- ject of these pages. Header, will you do your part in this important work ? Concluding Remarks. In the preceding pages, I have frequently recommended care: — This is essential to success in every avocation of life. Without it, the smith would 16 SOME SUGGESTIONS TO CANE GROWERS. burn his iron, the tailor spoil his clothes, the lawyer lose his client, and the merchant become bankrupt. Without it, the farmers are annually losing thousands of dollars, without knowing it. I have seen the ill effects of care- lessness so often, that I have thought proper to keep the idea constantly he- re the reader, that carefulness is the first essekiul to eccceSs. K<