18 Sorghum Hand Book. 



BEST VARIETIES. 



Until within a few years past, the Regular Sorgho was generally given 

 the preference by planters; but of late it has been losing favor in most 

 localities, having lost in productiveness and quality. 



Of late years the Early Amber has perhaps been more generally planted 

 than any other variety. The merits of the " Minnesota Early Amber " were 

 first made known to the public by the Hon. Seth H. Kenney, of Morristown, 

 Minn., one of the most prominent and successful of the Northern cane 

 growers. 



In appearance the early Amber presents some of the characteristics of 

 both the Sorghos and the Imphees ; its head being not, so open and branch- 

 ing as the former, but more open than most of the latter. It receives its 

 name from its ripening early, and from the bright amber color which charac- 

 terizes the syrup when properly made from it. The Early Golden and 

 Golden Syrup are kindred varieties. 



The Early Amber is very rich in saccharine matter; the syrup is of a 

 beautiful, clear, amber color, and of fine flavor, and when properly treated, 

 produces a fine- article of sugar. It is especially adapted to Northern lati- 

 tudes, from the fact that it is a very early cane. It does not do as well in' 

 Southern latitudes as either the Liberian or Early Orange. 



Next to the Early Amber the Liberian is probably the most popular 

 variety. It has always been a heavy producer, and it is also desirable for 

 its freedom from disease. It is not liable to be affected by mildew, rust or 

 Might of any kind. It produces an excellent article of syrup. We can 

 recommend it upon the whole as one of the best and most profitable varieties. 



The Neeazana is a good Imphee, one of the best for syrups. In its 

 general properties it resembles the Liberian; but it is peculiar in that it re- 

 quires to be cut when still green, and to be worked up immediately after 

 cutting. When thus treated it yields a pure and light colored syrup. 



The Oomseeana is one of the best varieties of the Imphee, and is given 

 the preference in some sections. It is good for sugar, but does not yield as 

 largely in syrup as the other varieties. 



The five varieties of Cane named above are all standard and reliable, 

 and, when pure, are well defined *and distinct in their appearance and 

 properties. With the exception pf the Neeazana there is but little difference 

 in their relative adaptation to different latitudes. 



The Honduras, an engraving of which appears on the last page of the 

 cover, is one of the best varieties. Notice the resemblance of its seed-head 

 to that of our own variety of regular Sorgho, as shown on page 9. The 

 Mastodon and Honey Top are fine varieties, and kindred to the Honduras. 



The White Mammoth and Link's Hybrid are also fine varieties. 



The Early Orange is one of the best varieties. It and the Libprian are 

 specially adapted to the more southern latitudes. i; 



