382 \' On the Composition of Sorghum Saccharatum. 
part of steins 6 "50 per cent, of crude fibre, and in the upper part 
13 01 per cent. 
We have thus — ■ 
Proportion of Sugar and Crude Fibre. 
In Stems cut In Stems ctit 
2 inches 12 inches 
above ground. above ground. 
Percentage of susar 7'65 3'60 
„ crude fibre.. .. 6"50 IS'Ol 
This distribution of sugar and fibre in the stems of sorghum 
is interesting in a physiological point of view. Whilst speaking 
of the distribution of sugar in sorghum, I may state that Pro- 
fessor Buckman observed last September that, whilst the principal 
or main stem was quite sweet, the stolons or side shoots were 
still bitter. It would thus appear that this grass does not ripen 
together ; the central or oldest stem is perfect before the lateral 
shoots. Fearing the central stems might get so hard and woody 
as to become useless as a cattle-food if left in the ground until 
sufficient sugar is developed in the lateral shoots. Professor 
Buckman recommends that the central stems should be cut down 
first ; the lateral shoots will then make rapid growth and 
gradually become sweet. By this simple expedient, the full 
benefits from the whole of the crop may be secured. 
A comparison of the analysis made in August with that made 
in September will show several matters of interest. I notice 
some of the more striking ones. 
1. In August the sorghum was mucb more watery than in 
September. In the former month it contained, in round num- 
bers, 85 per cent, of water ; in the latter only 81i per cent. 
2. Whilst there was a total absence of sugar in August, the 
whole plant contained nearly 6 per cent, in September in its 
natural state, or 32 per cent, when dry. 
3. Instead of sugar, the sorghum contained in August chiefly 
mucilage and pectin, which constituents disappeared to a great 
extent in September, and gave rise to the formation of sugar. 
4. The amount of woody fibre is less in the more matured 
grass than in the unripe plants analysed in August. 
5. The unripe plants contain more mineral matter than the 
grass in a more advanced state of ripeness. 
6. It is particularly worthy of notice to observe the larger 
amount of nitrogen in the immature grass. In the grass analysed 
in August there is "41 of nitrogen, notwithstanding the larger 
amount of water ; whilst in the plants analysed in September, 
and containing about 3^ per cent, less water, only "35 of nitrogen 
was found. It will be seen that the proportion of insoluble 
protein compounds is considerably diminished in the September 
