Gittms.—On Sorghum Experiments. — 263 
«I think, therefore, that to obtain plants rich in sugar, while the 
seeds should be planted in rows 8 feet apart, the hills should not be more 
than 2 feet apart, with 8 to 4 seeds in each hill; this would tend to 
encourage the growth of moderate-sized canes rich in sugar. From a 
farming point of view I should say the Sorghum should be a very useful 
fodder plant, coming in when pastures are generally parched up ; and, as it 
can be sown late, land under turnips in winter can easily be prepared for it 
late in spring, when the turnips are eaten off. While, should only the 
sugar be successfully extracted from it, it is a plant that will evidently 
thrive admirably on the alluvial loams of the Waikato District. 
“In growing the above I purposely tried it on land of only ordinary 
quality and with ordinary treatment, thinking it a fairer test than by forcing 
the plants on extra rich soil.” 
Mr. W. Tetley of Paeroa reports to Mr. Lavers as follows :—'* The 
Sorghum (grown from the two parcels of seed which you kindly sent me, 
off that which Mr. Justice Gillies had in such a public-spirited manner 
. placed at your disposal) was planted on the 1st and 2nd November. It 
grew to a height of from 10 feet 6 inches to 12 feet. 
“ I planted it on a plat of ground which I considered too wet to grow 
potatoes, and the season has been rather unfavourable, otherwise I think it 
would have grown considerably higher and heavier. 
“ The weight of cane produced per acre of Honduras and Early Amber 
(cut as directed, and stripped of leaves) was 19 tons 5 cwt. and 18 tons 
8 cwt. respectively. 
« From 1 cwt. of the cane we pressed (with a very indifferent machine) 
6 gts. 1-86 pts. of juice, one gallon of which weighed 10 Ibs. 2 oz., and 
yielded 2 lbs. of treacle. 
* The quantity of juice to the acre will therefore be about 460 gals. 
from the Honduras, and 630 gals. from the Early Amber, or 920 lbs. and 
1,260 lbs. of treacle to the acre respectively." 
Mr. S. Meiklejohn, of Matakana, is reported as follows in the news- 
papers :—‘‘ From Mr. S. Meiklejohn, Matakana, we have received a sample 
of syrup made from Sorghum grown upon his farm this season. He states 
that he got some seed from Mr. Justice Gillies, through Mr. Lavers, Queen- 
«street, and that he planted it on land which produced four tons of potatoes 
to the acre. He sowed it in drills three feet apart, and it grew to the height 
of eight to ten feet. He believes it should be planted in drills not less than 
six feet apart. When beginning to seed he crushed sufficient cane to pro- 
duce 35 gallons of juice, which he boiled down to 4 gallons. When the 
cane was fully ripe he crushed sufficient to yield 10 gallons of juice, and 
got 17 lbs. of syrup or molasses, a sample of which he has sent to us. The 
