J 857.] Sorghum Saccharatitm. 17 



Atlanta, Greorgia, Nov. 25th, 1856. 

 F. G. Gary, Esq:— 



Dear Sir: — You will find, inclosed, a sprig of the genuine 'Chi- 

 nese Sugar-Millet,' taken from one of the stalks grown on my exper- 

 imental acres. 



This plant mixes readily with the ' Broom Corn,' and with Guinea 

 Corn — the hybrid grows much taller than the genuine. In this cli- 

 mate I have not seen a stalk of the true 'Chinese Sugar-Millet ' over 

 nine feet in hight — the size of the cane is increased by rich soil, but 

 not the hight — yet in your climate it may grow taller ; for compari- 

 son, the growth of common corn, north and south. 



The stalk of the true variety is solid, like the Sugar-Cane, not 

 pithy and porous like Broom Corn, or Indian Corn; by a look or a 

 bite any one can easily know the true from the spurious. 



I know I have the true variety, and I intend next spring to plant 

 one hundred acres, so well have I satisfied myself of its being a 

 money-making plant. The bunches of the seed-heads '■ sprangln^ 

 out somewhat like Broom Corn ; the seed-heads of the Guinea Corn 

 grow upright, the seeds of the latter being smaller and more elon- 

 gated. Another variety of the African, or Guinea Corn, turns down 

 at the head, like a common walking-stick handle. 



^ >lc ;■< 



Yours, respectfully. 



Rich'd Peters. 



This, among other valuable seeds, from the Patent Office, and 

 other places, will be tested upon our experimental farm, and report- 

 ed upon in due season. It is our purpose to keep on hand, for dis- 

 tribution, all kinds of seeds, the best varieties of wheat, corn, barley, 

 oats, grass-seeds, etc., as soon as the Farm Department shall have 

 had time to collect and fully test them ; as likewise all the choice 

 fruits, trees and shrubs. From present appearances, the Lectures 

 in Polytechnic Hall will be numerously attended the present winter, 

 and increasing interest will spring up as we proceed. 



Guard all descriptions of stock against cold and exposure, espe- 

 cially against cold storms of rain, sleet and damp snow, and against 

 lying out on the cold ground in cold nights, in the spring and fall. 

 2 



