SORGHUM SACCHARATUM. 
391 
By this confession, it will be seen that I am not anxious 
to shield myself if I have made a mistake, but desirous rather 
to spread abroad the truth, and dissipate error; therefore, 
when I discover any error in my opinions, I seek not to 
cover it, but to confess it, and thus prevent others from falling 
into the same. 
“I wish to know what is right; nor only so, 
But always practise what I know. 5 ’ 
Facts and Observations, 
THE SORGHUM SACCHARATUM, OR NORTH CHINA SUGAR 
CANE. 
It was anticipated that the above new graminaceous plant 
would prove an admirable green food forage for horses and 
cattle. 
It has been grown during the past season in many places 
in England, more perhaps in the way of experiment than 
otherwise. 
At the Royal Agricultural College Farm, Cirencester, it 
was cultivated, and analyses made of it by Dr. Augustus 
Voelcker, who states that cattle seemed at first not to relish 
it, but ultimately they became very fond of it. This arose 
from the fact that, in the early period of its growth, and up 
to the month of August, there could not be detected any 
appreciable quantity of sugar in it. The taste of the plants 
was then anything but sweet, and horses and cattle, to whom 
they were given, at first refused them altogether, and only 
after some time partook sparingly of them. 
The month of September happening to be warm, the plants 
continued to grow vigorously, and formed perfect stems; 
and when analysed on the 26th September, 6 per cent, of 
sugar was found to be present, and which was perceptible to 
the taste. 
Cattle, being now supplied with it, ate it greedily, and to 
all appearance did well upon it. The proportion of sugar 
in the whole plant was about the same as that existing 
in carrots. 
Professor Buckman observed that, whilst the main stem 
was quite sweet, the side shoots were still bitter. He there¬ 
fore recommends that the central stem should be cut down, 
when, he says, the lateral shoots will make rapid growth, and 
