DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT. 3a 
APPEARANCE OF THE PLANT. 
In comparing the appearance of the sorgho with that 
of our common maize or Indian corn, we are struck with 
the superiority of the former, in respect to the exceeding 
grace of appearance which it presents. Like the latter, 
following paper upon the botanical position of the plant, which was 
read by Mr. Charles J. Sprague, Botanist to the Boston Society of 
Natural History, at its meeting of April 15th. By it, it will be seen, 
that although the plant was by Linnzeus termed the Holcus sacchar- 
atus, it had undergone subsequent subdivisions; and, as he says him- 
self, the specific name is a matter of some doubt, so that it is as well, 
perhaps, to allow it to retain the name of Holcus saccharatus, until 
we obtain further advices. 
“The plant was called Holeus saccharatus by Linneus ; but when 
this genus underwent a subdivision by subsequent botanists, this spe- 
cies was placed by some in that of Andropogon, by others in that of 
Sorghum. These two genera are closely allied. Some of the best 
authorities consider the difference so slight as to warrant their union 
into one. Steudel arranges Andropogon, Sorghum, and Trachypegon 
all under one head—Andropogon. Lindley italicizes Sorghum in the 
last edition of his “ Vegetable Kingdom,” and places it beneath Trachy- 
pogon, evidently considering them equivalent. Dr. Gray retains Sor- 
ghum for our only native species (S. nutans) in his last edition of the 
Manual, considering the genus a good one. 
“Tt is between Andropogon and Sorghum, therefore, that we must 
choose in reference to this particular species. 
“The differences between them are these— 
Andropogon. Sorghum. 
“ Inflorescence spicate. “ Inflorescence paniculate. 
Spikelets in pairs, only one be- Spikelets in twos or threes, een- 
ing fertile. tral one only being fertile. 
Glumes herbaceous or mem- Glumes hard, coriaceous, or in- 
branaceous. durated. 
Rachis hairy. Rachis smooth. 
93 
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