MISCELLANEOUS CKOPS. 287 



Illinois, Kansas and Nebraska. A ton of brush from 

 four acres is a fair return; twice this quantity may be 

 obtained. 



The area of possible production is as wide as that 

 of sorghum for molasses, but as the demand is limited 

 it should not be attempted on any extended scale, ex- 

 cept on rich corn land, and probably not much north 

 of the fortieth parallel. Inasmuch as broom corn is 

 harvested soon after the flowers have set, the crop is 

 not an exhaustive one. It has been raised fifteen to 

 twenty-five years continuously on the same land with- 

 out apparent diminution of fertility. Insect enemies 

 and fungus diseases, however, increase. 



The seed is too immature to be an important item 

 of the industry, although it has some food value. The 

 stalks furnish abundant fodder of fair quality. They 

 are, probably, more frequently plowed under than 

 burned. 



The planting and culture of broom corn is similar to 

 that of sorghum. Thickness of planting modifies the 

 quality of the broom. The thicker the planting the 

 finer the brush. The proper thickness will depend 

 upon the character of the soil, the variety and the qual- 

 ity of the brush desired. This can best be learned for 

 a given locality by experience. In general there may 

 be three to five stalks every fifteen to eighteen inches, 

 in rows three and one-half to four feet apart. 



Brush of a light color is desired and is obtained 

 by cutting as soon as may be after the flowers have 

 set. The early cut brush is also said to be heavier 

 and more durable. The milk stage is as late as it 

 may safely be allowed to stand. 



When the broom is ready to harvest two rows are 



