902 COMPARISON OF SOUTHERN CANE AND SORGHUM. 
Sorghum.—Sorghum Saccharatum. 
Gen. CHar.—Spikelets in twos or threes on slender 
branches, middle spikelet complete, two-flowered, the lower 
flower abortive, lateral spikelets sterile, pedicels smooth or 
slightly pubescent, awned, in some varieties, bearded or 
downy. Glumes 2, coriaceous, concave—palee membran- 
ous. Stamens 8, styles 2, stigmas feathered. 
Sp. Cuar.—Culm solid with pith, joints 10 inches apart 
in some varieties, in others not more than 8 to 7 inches 
(Liberian), 1 inch to 14 inch in diameter, 8 to 15 feet in 
height, green—some varieties yellow when mature. Leaves 
lanceolate, acuminate, pubescent at the base, 2 to 4 inches 
broad, persistent. Panicle somewhat diffuse (Red imphee 
and Chinese), or compact and erect (Oomseeana), or droop- 
ing at top when mature (Neeazana). 
Numerous varieties. Chinese cane derived from the 
north of China. Imphee cane from South Africa, near 
Cape Natal, in Caffer-land. 
2. Preriop or Grow. S. cane.—Perennial from the 
root-stalk in the tropics, flowering in from 12 to 20 months, 
Period from planting to flowering 12 months, from plant- 
ing to ripening 16 to 20 months. In Louisiana it never 
matures its seeds in ordinary cultivation. 
Sorghum, annual, at least in temperate latitudes. The 
period of growth differs according to the variety, varying 
from 3 to 5 months. 
3. Propacation. SS. cane.—Propagated, ordinarily, in 
tropical climates, and always in the sugar district of the 
Gulf States, from cuttings—joints, 15 to 20 inches in 
length, taken from the top of the stem, which is the least 
valuable part of the plant. In Louisiana, on account of 
constant deterioration, it is necessary to replant every third 
