By following such a system, the stools or roots once established, a systematical and regular cropping, or cutting, would ensue, the stems being all cut down simultaneously, by sections or beds, in regular succession, numerous croppings annually would thus be obtained, and when necessary, fresh beds would be formed, the older growth being available for fuel for the manufactory.
The Sugar Cane from the time of planting, to cutting, takes from nine to twelve months to grow and mature; but even thus grown, the produce of canes (ready dressed for the mill) generally ranges from 30 to 35 tons to the acre, it sometimes exceeds 40 tons; allowing several crops or cuttings annually for the "BAMBOO," it may fairly be assumed that at least this latter quantity would be obtained per acre.
Allowing 208 feet square to represent one acre; divided into twelve beds, each 96 × 26 feet, with twelve paths 96´ × 8´ 8´´ wide, and one intersecting road 208 × 16 feet wide, leaves a space for planting equal to 2496 feet, or 29,952 feet in the twelve beds; allowing the stems to be 2 feet apart, and say only 12 feet high, we have 7488 stems, which at 12 lb. each = 40 tons per acre.
The stem of the "_Bambusa Vulgaris_" before mentioned, grown in the Palm-house at Kew, was of an average size, 10 to 11 inches circumference, and weighed green 1-1/2 lb. per foot run; and although no doubt by denser growth, induced by frequent cropping, the stems even of the larger varieties of "BAMBOO" would decrease in size, still an equal tonnage to the acre would be produced, with longer joints or internodes, and a finer staple of fibre.
The stems of the "BAMBOO" (_taken as dry_) treated by my process, will yield 60 per cent. of unbleached _Fibrous_ "_Paper-Stock_," baled up in merchantable condition; assuming therefore an annual cropping of 40 tons, green stems, which will lose 75 per cent. moisture in drying, we have 10 tons dry stems per acre; these at 60 per cent. yield, will give 6 tons per acre of "_Paper-Stock_," an enormous product as compared with any other fibrous material with which I am acquainted.
Allowing the plantation to be credited at the rate of 5_s._ per ton, for the green stems, delivered to the central factory, and 40 tons to be produced per acre, we have the sum of 10_l._ per acre to cover all charges; once, however, the plantation formed, but little cost in the way of cultivation need be incurred. The main outlay would be for rent, irrigation, and cutting, and carrying to the manufactory.