som;in m. 



I!7 



Varieties. 

 Owing to the readiness with which sorghum varieties hybridise with each 

 other, new sorghums are from time to time put od the market under various 

 names. A satisfactory classification, therefore, according to botanical char- 

 teristics, based mainly on the flower, is practically impossible. Certain 

 economic features such as the habit and character of the entire plant, 

 including the sap content, should be taken into account, as well as the 

 general shape and colour of the head. 



General View of Saccaline growing at Wollongbar Experiment Farm. 



iSince jiractically all the saccharine varieties were grown in America prior 

 to being introduced to Australia, the American classification should be 

 adhered to as closely as possible in order to avoid confusion. This is as 

 follows : — 



(1) Amber Ccme (/roup, represented in Australia by the well-known Amber 

 Cane, and also by Sorghum saccharatum. The heads or panicles are large 

 and loose, but usually present a more or less conical shape ; that is, broad 

 at the base, and pointed at the top. The stalks are generally more slender 

 than in the other varieties. The seed is comparatively large, brown in colour, 

 with black hairy glumes (charT). These glumes are not so easily removed 

 from the grain in threshing as in Planter's Friend. Amber Cane is a quicker 

 growing variety than Planter's Friend, and, owing to its superior drought- 

 resisting qualities, is a more suitable variety for the dry western districts, such 

 as on the slopes. Its yield, however, in coastal districts is much lower than 

 that of Planter's Friend, and the latter has been preferred by farmers during 

 the past few years. It will not endure frosts to any extent, and much earlier 

 planting than Planter's Friend is required. Amber Cane is sufficiently 

 mature to cut four months after sowing, and is, therefore, useful for 

 supplying summer green feed. The tine stems also render it a suitable kind 

 for conversion into hay. 



