MILLETS 93 



are fond and on which they do well. It is a very easily cul- 

 tivated grass and thrives under exactly similar conditions 

 to the Millets referred to above. There are several varieties 

 of it, all of which grow rapidly and come early to maturity. 

 A good crop will yield from fifty to sixty bushels of grain per 

 acre, and it is excellent feed for poultry. The milled grain 

 can be made into good and nutritious porridge and cakes, 

 for which many persons have a decided liking. 



Pearl Millet (Penicillaria spicata) is a rapid-growing grass, 

 finally attaining a height of eight or ten feet or more, yielding 

 a remarkable amount of herbage, which is much relished by 

 stock, but is not considered such valuable feed as that pro- 

 duced by some other kinds of Millet. This grass will thrive 

 only on rich land in the warmer districts. The seeds are 

 borne in dense spikes about fifteen inches long, and are of 

 considerable economic value in some eastern countries, where 

 they form an important article of food for the population. 

 The seed should be sown in October and November, at the rate 

 of from ten to twelve pounds per acre if broadcasted, but a 

 less quantity will suffice if sown in drills three feet apart. 



The two following grasses are not true Millets, but are 

 grown and thrive under similar cultural conditions. 



Teff (Eragrostis abyssinica) grows from two to four feet 

 high, and produces a quantity of good leafy herbage of con- 

 siderable value for stock feed. It is a very rapid-growing 

 grass coming to maturity in about two months. If cut when 

 in flower it makes very good hay, and the aftermath is consider- 

 able and provides useful temporary pasturage. The seed 

 should be sown at the rate of from five to seven pounds to the 

 acre. 



Teosinte (Euchlana luxurians) is one of the most pro- 

 puctive grasses in the world, but it requires rich soil, heat and 



