ETFECTS OF TEMPEEATUF^ A2s'D RALN'-FAT.T. ON SOEGHLOI. 153 



AVERAGE RESULTS OF AXALYSES OF THTRTT-SIS A'ARTETIES OF SORGHUM BEFORE 

 AXD AFTER THE RAIX-FALL OF SEPTEMBER IOtH AXD IItH. 



Sucrose per cent . 



Glucose per cent 



Solids ,- per cent 



Juice percent. 



Specific gravity 



Available sugar per cent 



From the above it will be seen, that che results of this storm, as 



shown in these analyses, show an average loss of 



Per cent. 



Sucrose. 3 9 



Glucose 12 .6 



Juice 2 9 



SpeciHc gravity : 3 6 



Available sugar 9.8 



The gain in solids was 23.8 per cent. 



The above results are rather surprising, and certainly opposed to the 

 view generally entertained. Without accepting them as whollv con- 

 clusive, it must be remembered that they are the results of a very 

 large number of determinations, and of a very large number of dis- 

 tinct varieties. If it shall hereafter be shown that such a result in- 

 variably follows a rain-fall, it would appear that the explanation is, 

 that, by such rain-fall, a vigorous growth in the plant is excited, and 

 that the material for this rapid development of the plant is derived 

 from the stored-up food (mainly sugar or starch) present. This would 

 account for the loss in sugar ; while the water, being .simply the vehicle 

 for transporting such food, is evaporated from the foliage more nipidlv 

 than it is absorbed by the roots. 



The following report submitted by Professor Scovell, of the Cham- 

 paign Illinois Sugar Company, is interesting as bearing upon the im- 

 portance of favorable climatic conditions. It will be seen that his ex- 

 perience accords with that in Washington. A cool, wet season re- 

 sulted in the growth of sorghum comparatively poor in sugar. 



Ill order to get a correct idea of the season's work, the condition of the 

 weather as compared with other years, is of material consideration. 



In our section of the country, the weather this year, so far as planting, culti- 

 vation, maturing of the crop, and the development of the cane sugar in sorghum 

 is concerned, has been the most unfavorable of any year within our knowledge. 



I submit, herewith, a synopsis of the weather report, as given by the Signal 

 Service Station at Champaign, showing a comparison of the seasons ot this and 

 last year. 



