412 SORGHUM. 



The number of acres grown by the parties making these reports was 039, with 

 an additional amount, worked upon shares, grown by other parties, of about 900 

 acres, making a total of l,r)o9 acres. The number of gallons of sj'rup produced 

 from the 639 acres was 54,245, to which must be added the product of that worked 

 on shares, equal to 76,100 gallons, making a grand total of 130,845 gallons. 



The average number of gallons per acre was 873*g. The average price of 

 syrup was 54J cents per gallon, making the value of an acre $47.76. The aver- 

 age cost of cultivation, harvesting, and manufacturing, was reported at 15 cents 

 per gallon, making a total cost of $13. 10 per acre, leaving a net profit of $34.66. 

 If we add to this the average product of seed, of 30 bushels per acre, sold at 35 

 cents per bushel, or $10.50, we have a total net profit of $45.16 per acre. 



The lowest number of gallons per acre was 26. This was grown on sod 

 ground in Kansas. On the same farm, and nearly adjoining it, was another lot, 

 planted on old ground and properly cultivated, which yielded 200 gallons per 

 acre. This contrast proves that the proper preparation of soil and cultivation 

 of crop material)}' advance the product in this, as well as any other crop. The 

 highest number of gallons per acre was grown from Early Orange, in Southern 

 Illinois, producing 360 gallons per acre. 



A large number of the parties making these reports were new beginners. 

 This accounts partially for the small quantity produced per acre. Others re- 

 port a wet, cold, backward spring, followed by severe drought, as the cause of 

 shortness of the crop. 



All the parties speak in the most encouraging manner as to their faith in the 

 profitableness of the crop. 



Professor Henry, of tlie State Agricultural College, Madison, Wis- 

 consin, reports as follows as to certain sorghum growers iu that state : 



S. Hanson, of Whitewater, one of the oldest and most experienced growers 

 in the state, reports 18 gallons from 10 rods of ground and 200 gallons per acre 

 from larger pieces. 



Joseph H. Osborn, Oshkosh, reports the highest yield 226 gallons, with an 

 average of 150. 



N. D. Comstock, Arcadia, Trempealeau county, estimates the average at 125 

 gallons. 



Maxon and Almony, Milton Junction, Rock count}', estimates the average at 

 150 gallons. 



J. H. Rhodes, Sextonville, Richland count}', raised on 1 acre 170 gallons. 



0. S. Powell, of River FalLs, Pierce county, estimates the average crop at 100 

 gallons. 



H. T. Webster, Keene, Portage county, obtained 40 gallons from 28 rods of 

 ground. 



J. D. Sherwood, Dartford, Green Lake county, reports one-third of an acre 

 yielding 12,588 pounds of stalks, from which 79.14 gallons of syrup were made. 



A. J. Decker, Fond du Lac, considers 125 gallons the average. 



Mr. S. Nason, of Nasonville, Wood county, where cane was grown this season 

 for the first time, reports 800 gallons from 4 acres. 



Evan Erickson, Stevenstown, La Crosse county, obtained 1,050 gallons from 

 5 acres. 



The average yield of syrup on good ground, in a favorable season, may be 



