BROOM CORN. 481 



for the harvester to work in cutting. This is done for the sake of convenience, as, if 

 left standing, the height of the stalk at the place of cutting would make it a very laborious 

 practice, some of the large varieties on rich soil attaining a height of from fifteen to eighteen 

 feet. From ten to twelve feet is, however, a good height. The stalks are generally broken 

 at the height of two and a half or three feet from the ground, those of two rows being 

 turned towards each other diagonally in such a way that the stalks of one row will cross 

 those of the other with the tops projecting about a foot on each side. The crop is then said 

 to be &quot; tabled.&quot; Each two rows of the field are thus broken over, leaving a vacant space for 

 passing between the rows and cutting the brush, which is usually done immediately after the 

 crop is broken. 



Dwarf varieties do not require this process, but are usually harvested by the stalk con 

 taining the brush being pulled out from the sheath by which it is surrounded. This is a 

 more difficult operation than cutting. 



After being &quot; tabled &quot; as previously described, the brush should be cut so as to leave 

 only eight or ten inches of the stalk below it, and no leaves. These should be laid in small 

 bundles upon the tables as cut, and then gathered and put under shelter. It is the practice 

 in some sections to leave the brush exposed to the sun two or three days to cure; but this is 

 not to be recommended, as this will have a tendency to give it a reddish tinge, even though 

 cut when quite green. It also injures the quality, rendering it less tough and more easily 

 broken. Exposure to rain is also injurious. Therefore it should be gathered and put under 

 shelter as soon as a sufficient quantity is cut. 



Curing, etc. When only small quantities of broom-corn are produced, it may be 

 cured in any sheltered place, such as in a shed-loft or on a barn-scaffold, where it will be 

 exempt from exposure to sun and rain. But where extensive crops are grown, a house 

 especially adapted for curing the crop becomes a necessity. The interior of such buildings 

 have a large number of racks prepared, upon which the brush is spread very thinly to dry. 

 The racks are made with narrow strips of boards alternating with open spaces, in order to 

 admit the air and hasten the curing process. These rack-shelves should be from eight to ten 

 inches apart, so as to permit a free circulation of air. The building should have every con 

 venience for ventilation, but the ventilators should always be closed in stormy or damp 

 weather. 



When the brush is harvested green, the seed is generally separated from it before 

 curing. This may be done in various ways. Machines made for this purpose, with revolving 

 cylinder, or similar to a threshing machine, are much used where large crops are cultivated. 

 They can be worked by hand, foot, horse, or steam power, according to the size. It can also 

 be done by holding the heads to the cylinder of a threshing-machine, and not permitting the 

 brush to be drawn in. Where small quantities are cultivated, a hetchel made for the pur 

 pose, or a long-toothed curry-comb are frequently used. 



When seed is immature, it is of little value as food for stock, and may be best utililized 

 in the compost heap. Broom-corn seed is very liable to heat, and should be spread thinly on 

 a scaffold or floor to become perfectly dry before being stored. Rats and mice should be 

 kept from the brush when curing, as they will destroy and waste large quantities. 



