35 



broken the previous winter, and upon which all vegetation has been kept 

 down by frequent plowings or harrowing, are the most favorable condi- 

 tions for the growth of a large crop of millet. Upon land so prepared 

 one bushel of seed to the acre will be sufficient. The ground should not 

 be dry or wet when it is sown. If too dry many of the seeds will perish 

 near the surface; if too wet the land will be compacted and the crop will 

 "french" or turn yellow. After sowing, harrow well with a light harrow 



a, 



German Millet Setaria Italica var. 



a, b, Spikelet and "beards," c. Seed. 



(U. S. Dept. Agric.) 



or run a drag brush over the land, or use a smoothing harrow. Millet 

 may be sown at any time in the latitude of Tennessee from the first of 

 April until the 15th of August. One good soaking rain after sowing will 

 assure an abundant crop. It is a very rapid grower and a rank feeder. 

 It will be ready for the mower within fifty to sixty days after it is sown. 



Millet must be cut when it begins to head and before it blooms. To 

 put off the time of harvesting until the seeds are ripe will be to ruin the 



