52 THE CHINESE SUGAR CANE. 
ground in ten days, five days before the other. This 
method of procedure will be specially commendable in 
those latitudes where the warmth of summer is of brief 
duration, and every day that can be saved in the earlier 
stages of growth is highly valuable. In warm soils, 
which are likewise moist, the greatest rapidity of germi- 
nation will be observed, and it behoves us to in some 
manner imitate these desirable conditions by soaking the 
seed for twenty-four hours in tepid water, to which is 
added a small quantity of saltpeter, say about one ounce 
to six gallons of water. Previous to sowing, it should be 
rolled in plaster. 
COVERING LIGHTLY. 
It is a well known fact that it is highly unadvisable to 
cover the seeds of certain of our vegetables, the carrot 
for instance, too deeply, lest they rot. The sorgho is not 
an exception to the rule, and the planter should beware 
lest his hands carelessly cover the seed with more than 
a light covering of earth; for if continued moist weather 
follows the planting, the seed will certainly rot in the 
ground, 
MANURES. 
In considering the question as to which manure is 
most suitable for the sorgho, we must recall the fact pre- 
viously noticed in this work, that if the canes be grown 
on soils in which either naturally or by artificial appli- 
cation there are present excessive quantities of soluble 
saline matter, so much will be absorbed by the plant as 
