494 SOKGHUM. 



sugar. I distributed some of the seeds of this new variety, 

 and I confidently predict that Tennessee will, in ten years, 

 make sugar enough for her own consumption at a cost less 

 than five cents per pound. 



HISTORY. 



In the fall of 1853, Dr. Jay Browne was sent by the 

 Department of Agriculture to Europe, to gather seeds for 

 distribution from the office. He saw a small patch of sor- 

 ghum at Verrieres, near Paris, and being struck with its 

 resemblance to corn thought it would be an accession to our 

 forage crops, and possibly might be used as a sugar plant. 



Four years before, M. de Montigny had sent the seed 

 from the North of China to the Geographical Society of 

 Paris, in a package of many different kinds of seeds. 

 They were planted, and but one single sorghum seed germ- 

 inated. The product of this plant was distributed, and the 

 next year, so great was the demand, a gardener of Paris 

 sold his entire crop to Vilmoriu, Audrieux & Co., of Paris, 

 for a franc a seed. Through them it was sent over the 

 whole of Europe and America, for it was on their farm 

 Mr. Browne saw it growing. 



In 1850, Mr. Leonard Wray, of the East Indies, a 

 practical sugar planter, on a visit to Kaffir-land, found the 

 imphee, another species of sugar cane, growing around the 

 huts of the natives, which they cultivated for its chewing 

 qualities. On examination, he discovered its rich saccha- 

 rine character, and was satisfied of its value. He there- 

 fore brought it with him to England and had it planted 

 there, as well as in Prance and Belgium. He memorialized 

 the French minister of war, and also Mr. Buchanan, who 

 was minister in England at that time He afterwards 

 cultivated it in the West Indies, Brazil, the Mauritius, 

 Australia, Turkey, Egypt and in this country. 



The Kaffirs cultivated sixteen varieties, that differed in 

 the amount of saccharine principle, as well as in the time 



