Crops Under Irrigation. 17 



Furthermore, the vines grow so rapidly that undoubtedly a larger 

 proportion of the water is used by the plants and a smaller proportion 

 lost from the soil than is the case with many crops. The covering of 

 the surface by the vines would also cause less loss from the soil. 



The common winter squashes used in the Northern States are grown 

 very little here, as they do not endure well the heat of our summers, 

 no matter how much water is applied to their roots. Instead of these 

 squashes is grown the Oashaw Pumpkin, which does well here, and 

 keeps well through the winter. For winter use it is planted during 

 June (December in Victoria) , and from the time of planting till the fall 

 needs frequent irrigation. 



Sorghum. 



The seed of sorghum is sown in the bottom of furrows during May, 

 June, and July (November, December, and January here), and a light 

 covering of earth thrown upon the seed by dragging a bush through 

 the furrows, or by turning a light furrow with a plough, and water run 

 through the furrows soon after planting. Some growers leave these 

 furrows permanently and run water through them every ten or fifteen 

 days. The better way, however, is to cultivate the furrows after each 

 of the early irrigations, and make fresh ones for each subsequent 

 irrigation. After the sorghum, has reached such a size that it is not 

 convenient to fui-row it, the furrows may be kept for the later irriga- 

 tions. By this time the sorghum will shade the fm'rows, and they 

 will not become hard and baked as they will before the crop covers 

 the ground. As this crop is grown entirely during the warm weather 

 of summer, considerable water is required to produce it, but on 

 account of ite excellent system of roots not so much as might be 

 expected. 



