SELECTION AND PREPARATION OF GROUND, ETC. Ill 



amount of seed is practically impossible, it is better to plant at least 

 three or four quarts to the acre, with the expectation of thinning out 

 at the proper time. 



Method of Planting. 



Having thoroughly prepared the ground, the planting may be done 

 in drills or in hills, as in each locality may have been found to give 

 with corn the best results. Of course, no general rule will apply; for 

 not only is there a difference in the soils, but also in the several vari- 

 eties of sorghum. Of those who advocate planting in hills, some de- 

 clare that the crop is thus better able to stand up in the wind — a most 

 desirable result ; also that, by an opjiortunity for cross cultivation, the 

 weeds are more readily kept down. 



The several methods of planting recommended by cultivators are 

 given below, and for the convenience of those who may wish to know 

 the number of stalks to the acre, and estimate the weight of crop of 

 the several varieties of sorghum, from the table, page 74, giving the aver- 

 age weight of the stripped stalks, the following table has been prepared, 

 giving, according to the several modes of planting, the 



Xumber of Stalks per Acre. 

 In drills 4 feet apart, and 3 stalks to the foot = 32,670 



" = 36.300 



3| " " 3 



2,1 " " 2 



3 " "3 



3 " "2 



= 24,200 

 = 43,560 

 = 29,040 

 = 34,090 



3if " " 3 " 



In hills 4 feet by 4 feet apart, and 6 stalks to the hill = 16,400 

 ^ " 3^ " " 5 " " = 17,730 



3i " 2 " "4 " " =24,895 



"3 "3 " " 6 " " = 29,040 



"3 "3 " " 4 " " = 19,360 



"3 "2 " " 4 " " = 29,040 



"4 "2 " " 4 " " =21,780 



3|4 " 1^ " " 6 " " =32,120 



Upon good, strong land the cane may be planted in drills three feet 

 apart, with stalks only four inches apart in the drill, giving 43,560 

 stalks to the acre. 



It is thought that, by close planting, the growth of weeds is more 

 speedily checked by being sooner overshadowed by the sorghum plants ; 

 also, that the growth of suckers is far less. On the other hand, the 

 exclusion of light and heat retards the production of sugar in the 

 plant; and, if the stalks are too close, their development is less, and 



