XIV GUINEA CORN 271 



seeds spring up in about a week from the time of sowing, 



and when the plants are a few inches high the ground is to 



be weeded. Another weeding may be undertaken before the Weeding. 



rice grow too high, and then it may be left to take care of 



itself until the crops are gathered, which will be about 



September. 



Crops. — The harvesting and other operations connected Harvesting. 

 with the crops of upland rice are similar in every respect to 

 those already described under the head of common rice, 

 except that in gathering the crops, it is usual to cut off the 

 ears without allowing any length of straw to be attached to 

 them, and as the plant does not grow higher than three feet 

 this is the easiest way of reaping. 



Guinea Corn. Sorghuin vulgare. 



Millet, which is known generally in the West Indies as Habitat. 

 guinea corn, is a native of India, but several species of So7-- 

 ghum are found in tropical Asia, and the grain from them is 

 comprised under the common term millet. Of the several 

 millet grains, however, the most important is Sorghiun vul- 

 gare^ and it has been cultivated in Eastern countries from 

 time immemorial. It has the advantage over other cereals climate. 

 tDf thriving and giving large crops in hot arid regions ; and 

 in Syria, North Africa and the Soudan, the grain, which is 

 called Dhicrra in those countries, is the chief sustenance of 

 the people. F. L. James, in his interesting work, "The A staple 

 Wild Tribes of the Soudan," says : -" Dhurra is the staple Soud'a"n' ^ 

 " article of food throughout the Soudan ; it contains a great 

 " deal of starch, and it is said to be more nourishing than 

 " wheat flour. The natives cook it in a variety of ways, and 

 " add beans and onions, when obtainable, to it. Horses will 

 " not thrive unless they get a daily supply of it, and a small 

 " quantity is of great use in keeping the riding-camls in 

 " good condition." In addition to its valuable use as a food Beer, 

 plant, a kind of beer is made in Africa from the malted grain ; 



