302 On the culture of Sorgho and Imphi. [No. 10, new series. 



maturity, that in the greater number, on the contrary, the embryo 

 was ill-developed and the albumen (endosperme) red and destroy- 

 ed by insects, to such an extent that the germ of some of the 

 seeds, although sown at the same time, did not appear above the 

 ground for 4, 5 or 6 days after the others, thus accounting for the 

 inequality of growth above mentioned, and consequently for the 

 disparity also remarked in their sweetness. I believe that these 

 are the causes which constantly gave rise in all countries to insig- 

 nificant differences leading to the establishment and perpetuation 

 of endless varieties which the ignorant delight to recognize with- 

 out defining or being able to define them, specifically in any way. 



I must add, moreover, that we must not expect always to find 

 the same quantity of saccharine matter in herbaceous annual 

 plants even when they are grown under the most favorable cir- 

 cumstances, provided that is, that the saccharine product is not, 

 as in the sugar-cane the principal constituent of the plants, but 

 on the contrary it only shows itself when the formation of the 

 grain begins to take place, and when the floral panicle is fully de- 

 veloped. It does not even attain its maximum until all the grains 

 have been completely matured, and even then it begins to fall off 

 in quantity. It is especially remarkable that this maximum of 

 saccharine principle is only manifested distinctly at the top of the 

 stalks, and that the lower portion next the earth exhibits often 

 nothing more than the slightest trace of sweetness. I must add, 

 however, that such is the case only after the grain has become 

 quite ripe. Before that period I have found the stalks sweet, 

 throughout their whole length, but always in an inferior degree 

 towards the inferior extremity. Hence it follows that it is neces- 

 sary to watch, io to speak, the most favorable moment for cutting 

 the plants. 



With regard to the saccharine richness of the so called varie- 

 ties of this African Sorgho which as I have already said are all 

 referrable to a common type, the Andropogon Caffrorum of Kunth, 

 it would appear according to Mr. Wray to be very remarkable , 

 and of a nature to attract the attention of sugar growers. In the 

 last number of the Journal of the Imperial Zoological Society of 

 Acclimatation he thus expresses himself : — 



