is usually propagated by cut tings made from the stems, although a few of the early-maturing varieties may be propagated by seeds. In tropical countries these cuttings may be made at any time, but in temperate regions con siderable care is needed to preserve the seed-canes through the winter. Late in the fall, just before frost, the matured canes are cut above the surface of the ground, the immature tops are removed and the canes are buried in windrows, much as sugar cane is preserved. Early in the spring, about corn-planting time, these seed-canes are cut into pieces four to six inches in length and planted in checks about four feet apart.
The cultivation of the crop is similar to that given to corn.
roots are ready for use as early as October, but may be left in the ground until the following March. As they begin to decay only a few days after being disturbed, it is the common practice to dig them only as they are wanted for use. Under ordinary conditions in the United States, the yield of merchantable roots is about six tons per acre, though yields of ten to twenty tons are often secured. In more trop
ical regions much heavier yields are common.
Uses.
Average roots, grown in the United States, con tain 25 to 30 per cent of starch, about 80 per cent of which is secured in the process of manufacture. The factory residue, containing about 25 per cent of starch, is in good demand for the feeding of horses and cattle, being valued about with corn meal. The roots, either boiled or roasted, form a staple article of human food in all tropical countries.
Literature.
If further information is desired, the reader should consult the following: Farmers' Bulletin No. 167, United States Department of Agriculture; Sweet Cassava, Bulletin No. 44, Division of Chem istry, United States Department of Agriculture; Manufacture of Starch from Potatoes and Cassava, Bulletin No. 58, Division of Chemistry, United States Department of Agriculture; Agricultural Ledger, 1904, No. 10, Calcutta, India; Bulletin of Botanical Department, Jamaica, Vol. IX, Part 6.