More recently, particulars have been published of three new varieties, named " Caledonian Queen," " Green Salangore," and " Violet Salangore." The first is close-jointed and extremely vigorous, and the ready way in which the length of joint and diametrr of cane are affected by manure, indicates great variability of habit, and suggests gig,antic growth under the influence of rich alluvial soil. The Green Salangore is the freest-growing of all, except the giant Cluet cane ; and its erect habit is even more striking than in that sort. In respect of length of joiet and diameter of cane, it is equal to it, thua being the largest yellow cane grown in Trinidad. The foliage is completely deciduous, so that " trashing" is reduced to a minimum. The Salangore has the habit of erect growth most strongly developed, besides being distinctly the longest-jointed and tallest, with a full average diameter.
The erect habit in these two Salangores is a character which, considering the influences most conducive to a large yield of sugar, is of importance. One of the most commonly observed facts on a sugar-estate is that canes grown erect (and therefore enjoying full sunlight and air). are yellow, and "full of sugar," whereas canes lying on or near the ground (and thus deprived of light and air by their erect companions) are green and deficient in sugar. The erect or decumbent posture of the canes is in a measure dependent on the soil, and on the kind of culture they are treated to, especially when young ; but, under any circumstances, a marked disposition to maintain an erect habit of growth is an obvious advantage in respect of the sugar yield.
With regard to the several varieties already introduced from the East, as well as the three now newly brought into notice, there has not been any means for t,esting their specific habit of growth and sugar yield under extended cultivation.
The planter should make a selection of the two or three best sorts adapted tn his estate, and not confine his attention to a single kind, however superior its qualities may be, for experience has proved that one class of cane, grown for successive seasons over many years, suffers material deterioration. The occasional exchange of new varieties therefore becomes imperative, in order to secure the maximum results that the land is capable of affording.
Structure and Developraent.—The sugar-canc has a knotty stalk, and at each k-not or joint is a leaf and an inner joint. The stole or " stool " is divided into two parts : the first is formed of several (5-7) peculiar joints, placed very near to each other. and having rows of little points at their surface, which are elements of roots and are called radicles; the whole forms the primitive stole. The joints are likewise endowed with several rows of points, elements of roots, which
develop themselves when requisite, aud form, with the joints whence they issue, the secondary stole. The roots issue from the development of the sap-vessels, which are disposed in concentric rays round each point, on the surface of the joint. They are very slender, almost cylindrical, scarcely ever more than 1 ft. in length, and have a few short fibres at their extremities.
The number of joints on the stalk or cane proper varies from 40 to 60 (even 80 in Brazilian); but there are much fewer in the Otaheite, whose internodes or so-called "joints" are 8-9 in. long, while the finer specimens of Brazilian are but 2-3 in. The joints vary ranch in dimensions. The knots of tbe canes are rings 1---f in. nide ; 4-5 rows of semi-transparent points occupy their circumference, and a circular semi-transparent line divides the outer from the inner joint. At the upper part of this, is a slight circular hollow, called the "neck," terminated by the leaf belonging to the joint. The inner joint performs the most important function of the plant from an economic point of view ; in it, the juice, after undergoing various modifications, anives at the condition which gives it its value as a sugar-yielder. On every joint is a bud, which encloses the germ of a new cane.
The sap-vessels are large, and number more than 1500. The buds always grow alternately on the opposite sides of the joints. The semi-transparent ring which forms a line of demarcation between the outer and inner joints is the weakest part of the cane, and where it is most apt to break. The rind consists of three distinct parts : the rind properly so called, the skin, and the epidermis. The rind is formed of sap-vessels, ranged in a parallel direction, on a compact circular surface. The skin, which is very thin, is at first white and tender ; it becomes green and then yellow, as the joint approaches maturity. The epidermis is a fine and transparent pellicle, which covers the skin.
Under very favourable circumstances, immediately after the first development of the cane joints which form the secondary stole, the bud of the first of these joints may throw out its radicle roots and form a second filiation on the first ; the bud of the first joint of this second filiation also sometimes fonns a third ; the second and third soon become very nearly as forward.as the first, and, like it, form canes.