384 FIELD CROPS FOR THE COTTON-BELT 



"Seeded Ribbon Cane" has caused much confusion among 

 farmers inasmuch as the true sugar-cane {Saccharum 

 officinarum) is also commonly known as "Ribbon Cane." 

 The seed of "Texas -Seeded Ribbon Cane" has been 

 widely sold in the past, often with the claim that it was a 

 ~form of true sugar cane that both produced seed and could 

 be growii from the seed. Investigation has 'shown this 

 plant to be the old familiar Gooseneck sorgo. It is in no 

 sense a Variety of Ribbon Cane and the application of this 

 name to it should be discontinued. Owing to the popu- 

 larity of the so-called Texas Seeded Ribbon Cane, seed 

 of other varieties of sweet sorghimi have been substituted 

 for it and sold as " Straightneck Seeded Ribbon Cane." 

 Gooseneck sorghum is the largest and one of the latest 

 varieties of sweet sorghum. The plants grow from 9 to 

 12 feet tall with from 25 to 50 per cent of the peduncles 

 recurved, which character gives it its name. The stalks 

 are from one to two inches in diameter at the base and are 

 rich in sugar; and hence a very valuable variety for sirup. 



474. Honey sorghum, sometimes incorrectly called 

 "Japanese Seeded Cane" was found growing in Texas 

 in 1904. It produces tall stems that are very juicy and 

 sweeter than any other variety known. The stems are 

 very tender and are excellent for sirup making. Honey 

 sorghum is a very late variety requiring from 125 to 140 

 days to mature. 



475. Climatic adaptations. — With few exceptions 

 the climatic adaptations of the saccharine sorghums are 

 similar to those of corn. They are less injured by intense 

 heat or drought than corn but they are easily susceptible 

 to injury both in the spring and fall by even light frosts. 

 In regions of 'cool summers they are of little value. A 

 warm summer climate is absolutely essential. 



