MISCELLANEOUS CROPS. 



593 



The former are set directly upon the branch, and are accompanied by some 

 of tlic latter, raised upon little stalks. The fine stems of tlie panicle or brush 

 are the valuable portions; the other parts arc incidental. The brush should 

 be composed of seed stems, uniform in 

 size, length, elasticity, and toughness, 

 and of a nice bright colour. The soil 

 and general methods of cultivation will 

 largely affect the character and quality 

 of the product, even though good seed 

 be used. By long and careful culti- 

 vation and systematic selection certain 

 desirable qualities have been developed 

 and fixed, which remain only so long 

 as the conditions which brought these 

 changes about are reasonably observed. 

 When a plant is grown for a particular 

 purpose it should be the cultivator's 

 aim to keep improving it in the direc- 

 tion most profitable to him. This 

 necessitates a careful study of the plant 

 and its requirements, and the conditions 

 which make for its proper development. 

 In broom millet it is not desirable to 

 obtain a heavy yield of seed, a large 

 development of stalk and leaf, or a sap 

 full of saccharine material, but a special 

 and unusual development of the long, 

 thin stems of which the brush is com- 

 posed. It makes very little difference 

 whether a large plant is produced or a 

 heavy crop of seed is obtained, provided 

 these stems are lonij and fine. 



Class of Land required. 



The soil requirements of broom millet 

 are similar to those of maize. The 

 best results are obtained from the deep, 

 i"ich, well-drained alluvial lands of our 

 rivers. It is, however, capable of adapt- 

 ing itself to a variety of conditions, and 

 with proper care and attention, sandy 

 and even gravelly soils, if thoroughly 

 drained, will produce fair returns. 

 Undrained lands make the working 

 and cultivation more difficult ; the 

 growth is generally slow and uneven, 

 and there is always the liability of 



the crop becoming stunted and diseased. To ensure evenness in ripening 

 a soil uniform in character and fertility is essential. 



A Broom Millet Plant, White Italian Variety 



— one of the best kinds grown in 



New South Wales. 



