of all the remaining joints. 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, as shown in Fig. 2. The sap-vessels of the root, cut transversely, exhibit a circular surface of cellular tissue, and are covered with a skin, cane proper varies from 40 to 60, sometimes even 80 in the Brazilian cane; but there are much fewer in the Otaheite, whose joints are further apart, some of the internodes or socalled "joints" being 8 or 9 inches long, while the finer specimens of Brazilian are but 2 or 3 inches in length. The joints vary very much in their dimensions; they are short or long, large or small, straight or bulging; and several of these differences are sometimes found in the same cane. The knots of the canes, seen at abcd in Fig. 3, are not simple enlargements, but rings, from to inch wide. Four or five rows of semi-transparent points occupy their circumference, and a circular semi-transparent line e very perceptibly divides the outer from the inner joint. At the upper part of this is a slight circular hollow, called the neck, which is terminated by the leaf belonging to the joint. The inner joint is entirely subordinate to the outer one in development and growth. It is destined to perform the most important function of the plant from an economic point of view, for in it, the juice, after having undergone various modifications, arrives at the condition which gives it its value as a sugar-yielder. On every joint is a bud f, which encloses the germ of a new cane. FIG. 3. The sap-vessels are abundantly large, and number more than 1500. They are both simple and compound, exhibiting, when cut transversely, one, two, three, or even four openings. The function of the proper or returning vessels is to separate the peculiar juices proper to the plant in the leaves, the rind, and the interior of the cane. At a point somewhat raised on the stalk, each sap-vessel divides itself into two parts, one continuing in a vertical direction, the other becoming horizontal; the latter grows interlaced with the vertical portion, and, after having formed a partition of about inch in breadth, they unite themselves into a bundle, which pierces the rind, and forms the bud that encloses the germ of a future generation. The buds always grow alternately on the opposite sides of the joints. The partition formed by the horizontal vessels separates the joints internally, and prevents all communication between them, as far as regards the peculiar function of each. The semitransparent 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 space left between the sap-vessels, running from one partition C to another, is filled by cells, which form the symmetrical disposition of the proper vessels. The rind of the sugar-cane 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 period of which is shown by streaks of deep - red. The epidermis is a fine and transparent pellicle, which covers the skin. It is almost always white. At the upper part of the inner joint, the rind divides into two parts. The inner part forms the rind of the following joint. The sap-vessels of the outer part are joined by several others from the interior, with which they rise, supported by a reticulated tissue, and form the leaf, upon which the skin and epidermis of the rind are continued. All but the first radicle three leaves are divided into two parts by a nodosity c, Fig. 1. The lower part of the leaf is sometimes more than a foot long; it envelopes the upper joints, folding itself very closely round them. Its inner surface is white, polished, smooth, and shining. Its outer surface is slightly indented, and bears a great number of very minute white thorns. The upper part is 4 feet and even more in length. After rising out of the ground, it gradually recedes from the cane as it grows. Its greatest width is 2 inches, tapering to a narrow point. The nodosity is about inch broad; the texture of its skin is softer, thicker, and of a darker colour than the other part of the leaf. On the inside, it has a very thin membranous fold, tightly clasping the body of the cane. A channel for the rain is formed conjointly by the upper part of the leaf and this fold, which latter is, at the same time, a barrier against extraneous bodies, and protects the young joints, during their development, from the attacks of insects, which might otherwise destroy them. The leaves are placed alternately on the joints, and expand at top in a kind of fan. The radicle knots can easily be perceived and examined on their first development, especially upon buds developed on the upper part of the cane. If the head of one be cut off, as at a d FIG. 4. Fig. 4, its bud b, then receiving the juices which would have continued to nourish the head, is sometimes sufficiently developed to throw out 20 joints. After having removed the radicle leaves, the first cane-joint is generally discovered |