SORGHUM 



215 



is used in the production of molasses and sugar 

 and as a forage plant. Some varieties of sorghum 

 contain more sugar properties than others. They 

 fall into two classes — the saccharine and the non- 

 saccharine varieties. This plant will grow any- 

 where that Indian corn will grow and will do very 

 well on poor soils and in the drouth regions. While 

 it is used to some extent in making syrup, difficulty 

 has up to the present been experienced in getting 

 profitable amounts of crystallized sugar from it. 

 When g^own for its molasses properties, good soils 

 are practically indispensable. Either hills or drills 

 may be used. The 

 rows should be 3j4 

 to 4 feet apart, and if 

 planted in hills, a 

 similar distance in the 

 row. The custom is 

 to plant from i to 2 

 dozen seeds in each 

 hill and to cover these 

 about 2 inches deep. 



If the soil is light 

 and dry a little 

 greater depth is given. 

 As the plants come up sheep's' fescue 



they are thmned to ^^.^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ especially 



six or eieht stalks in suited for the lighter, drier boUs 



Ml TT J ^""l those of a sandy nature where 



the hul. Heavy seed- other grasses win not thrive. It 



, . J is greatly relished by sheep, and 



mg is practiced so as to a less extent by other stock. 



to overcome the tend- 

 ency to loss from rotting or poor germination that 

 the seed seems to possess. The ground should be 

 pretty warm before seeding, and it is best not 

 to plant until after the regular corn-planting 



