The remedy lies in the adoption of tile drains on ordinary soils, and stone box drains on heavy clays. The objection to these is the large first outlay necessary ; but this would be more than compensated for by the value of the land rendered available for culture, and the reduction in the cost of maintenance.
Irrigation.—In part of Upper India and in Peru, it is hnpossible to cultivate even the common native cane without constant irrigation ; in the NV. Indies, Straits Settlements, and many other parts, the cane is grown without other moisture than that obtained by rain. But though long periods of dry weather very frequently occur, when planters are in despair at the ruin and destruo tion of their crops, few recognize the value of irrigation.
River water generally contains silica, potash, oxygen, and other substances conducive to fertility, independent of tho extra matters contributed during heavy rains. In the dry season, when irrigation is necessary, the water would only supply those substances ordinarily held in solu tion. The sugar-cane thrives luxuriantly where the change of water constantly renews the enpply of dissolved siliea. The potash abstracted is also restored to the Boil by irrigation. In irrig,ating during hot weather, there is an additional benefit derived from vapour passing up through the foliage.
Propagation.—The propagation of the sugar-cane is effected exclusively by cuttings from the sterna. For this purpose, none but the healthiest and most vigorous canes are selected ; neglect of this poiut results in disease and deterioration, and, even with every care, it cannot be continued indefinitely with impunity, and sooner or later new plants have to be introduced. Every part of the stem having a perfect " eye" or bud will put forth a new plant, and it sometimes becomes necessary to utilize every portion of the sound canes in this way ; but where there is room for choice, preference is generally given to the few joints nearest the leaves, usually termed the " cane-top." This is not the case in Louisiana; preference is there given to the main stalks, and tope are used only for economy sake. When planted, the eyes at the joints commence to spring forth, and at the same time a number of roots are thrown out around the whole of each joint. As the development of the shoots advances, the parent cutting gradually dies and decays, while the young shoots become furnished with perfect mote of their own.
Planting.—The land having been brought into fit condition to receive the cutting,s selected, planting is the next operation. This naturally divides itself into seveml diatinct sections :— Lining-out and Holing.—Regularity in the rows of cane is vcry important. This is attained by "lining-out " the fields with great care, hy means of long lines and poles (much the same as for Coffee, see p. 693). Each field of 5-25 acres is first divided into sections by tall pules, placed say 100 ft. apart on each side. Between these are stretched long tapes carrying pieces of mg, fastened at the distance apart which the holes are intended to be. Small stakes are then dtiven in at the rage, each stake occupying the centre of the hole to be dug.
The distances apart and dimensions of the holes are snbject to no rule. Very often, the holes are made 2 ft. apart in rows 3 ft. asunder, but much depends upon the soil and climate. Commou dimensions in the W. Indies are 15-18 in. eq., and 8-12 in. deep ; in Guiana, 3 ft. eq. at top, diminishing to 14 in. at the bottom, and about 8 in. deep, each plant having an area of 4-5 ft. eq. There is a growing disposition to replaee hand-dug holes by furrows turned by the plough, the latter effecting a great economy of labour; ploughing is universal in Louisiana. It is generally necessary to still retain the lining-out.
Setting out the Cuttings.—The number of cuttings to be placed in each hole, or each 2 ft. of trench, is 1-4, according to their vitality and the prospects of their striking root. With good sound cuttings, 2 placed at about equal distances from parallel sides of the hole suffice ; when 3 are set out, they are laid parallel uith each other, and with two sides of the hole; when 4 cutting-s are necessary to ensure a plant from each hole, they are commonly arranged in a square, correspond ing with the sides of the hole. The three usual plans of setting out in trenches are (1) end to end at a little distanee apart in one continuous straight liue, (2) overlapping eRch other zigzag fashion, and (3) side by side obliquely across the trench. It is preferable to plant too heavily rather than too ligh tly.