248 



SORGHUMS 



Being earlier it is grown farther north than other Kafirs or Durras. 

 Certain dwarf strains have been developed which are not only very 

 early but, as a grain crop, are easier handled in harvesting. Feterita, 

 a recent introduction, promises to be equal or superior to Milo, and is 

 rapidly gaining in favor. The Durras, as a class, are better grain 

 producers than the Kafirs, but are not so good as forage crops. 



Broom Corn Group. This group includes rather tall-growing 

 sorghums (six to ten feet) with branching heads (Fig. 95). They 



* * * 





* * e 



FIG. 94. Sorghum seeds: A, Milo; B, White Durra; C, Blackhull Kafir: D, Red Kafir; E, 

 Brown Kowliang; F, Shallu. (U. S. Department of Agriculture.) 



have been introduced from Asia : the Shallu from India and the 

 Kowliang from China and Manchuria. 



The two above-mentioned varieties are grown as grain sorghums, 

 but their introduction is recent and they have not yet come into 

 extensive cultivation. They are said to be very drought resistant, 

 and the Kowliang is adapted to culture farther north than most 

 grain sorghums. 



Broom corn, from which brooms are manufactured, is a form 

 of this sorghum, with very long branching heads. 



Climate for Sorghums. Sorghums, being of tropical origin, 

 flourish in hot, sunshiny climates. One of the most striking char- 



