DEVELOPMENT OF SUCROSE A>'D GLUCOSE LN' SOBGHUM. 185 



CHAPTER Vn. 



(a.) Development of sucrose and glucose in sorghum. 



(6.) Average res ilts of analyses of d.flFerent varieries of sorghum. 



(c. ) Comparative value ot different parts of the stalk. 



{d.} General analyses of sorghum juices. 



ie.) Chemical composition of sorghum. 



DEVELOPMENT OF SUCROSE AND GLUCOSE IN SORGHUM. 



For the purpose of determining the condition of the sorghum plant, 

 in the several stages of its existence, tliere were planted upon the 

 grounds of the Department of Agriculture, at Washington, in the 

 spring of 1879, four varieties of sorghum, viz., Early Amber, ^Vhite 

 Liherian, Li!>erian, and Honduras. 



On the 18th of July, when the plants had attained such develop- 

 ment that their panicles or seed heads were just beginniug to appear at 

 the top, one or two stalks were selected of each variety, the juice ex- 

 pressed and analysed; and this examination was continued, at inter- 

 vals of a few days, during the entire season, and after severe frosts. 

 The detailed results of these analyses will be found on page 189. The 

 following chart graphically represents the results of the analyses. The 

 line which represents the "Average sucrose in sugar-cane," is the 

 average per cent found in triplicate analyses of the three principal 

 varieties of .sugar-cane grown in Louisiana. These canes were anal- 

 yzed by the same methods used in the analyses of the sorghum juices. 



The line representing the average per cent of sucrose in sugar beets, 

 is from the results of analyses of thirteen specimens of sugar beets 

 grown upon the Agricultural College farm, Amherst, Mass., and anal- 

 yzed by Professor Goessmann {vide Massachusetts Agricultural Re- 

 port, 1870-71). 



It will be observed how closely the Early Amber and the Liberian 

 correspond in their development, being almost identical, and yet being 

 clearly distinct varieties. While these two varieties attain a content 

 of sugar in their juices equal to the average in juice of the sugar-cane 

 by the middle of August, the Liberian does not reach this condition 

 until the last of September, and the Honduras not until the middle 

 of October. 



After having attained approximately the maximum content of sugar, 

 this condition is niaiutained for a long period, affording ample time to 

 work up the crop. 



