Data are reported on the numbers and ht. of culms and on culm characteristics from 6-, 10- and 15-yr-old clumps of C. tenuis in plantations. Culms up to 4 m long cannot be harvested because the 2-m terminal portion of canes is soft, they discolour readily, become brittle and shrink. Culm maturity is indicated by the exposure of the lowest portion because of loosening of the leaf sheath. It is recommended that for economical working, clumps be first harvested at 10-12 yr old and thereafter with a felling cycle of 5 yr (instead of 3 as at present). Culms are cut at the base (25-30 cm above ground level), the top 2 m discarded and the remaining portion cut into 5-6 pieces, bent over and dried. After drying the canes should be scraped to remove remnants of leaf sheath etc. and stored. The best harvesting season is Oct.-Nov. when growth has ceased. Drying procedures in India have hitherto been haphazard and have led to rapid deterioration of canes. The recommended method is to stack canes vertically and dry immediately in the sun for 15-20 days; drying should be carried out over a fire if this is not possible. The quality and appearance of the dried canes (so that they compare better with those from other SE Asian countries) can be improved by rubbing with sand or ashwood [wood ash?], with kerosene, or with weak caustic soda sol. (0.5%). Treating by smoking over a fire and polishing with coconut oil also enhances appearance. Strength tests of peels or splits of Dehra Dun cane and imported Singapore cane, both rattaned in chair seat frames, indicated that they were of comparable strength. Utilization and demand for Indian canes is discussed and warnings given about the over-exploitation which has occurred because of import restrictions and short supply.
