HUMBOLDT. ILLINOIS 
BROOM CORN 
TOLAND IS ONE OF THE LARGEST BROOM CORN SEED GROWERS IN 
THE WORLD, GROWING ONLY THE STANDARD VARIETIES. HE HAS MADE 
A SPECIALTY OF BROOM CORN SEED SINCE 1881, CLEANING ALL SEED 
AND PREPARING IT FOR PLANTING BEFORE SENDING OUT. 
BROOM CORN CULTURE 
Broom corn is a tropical plant adapted to hot, dry weather, much as sugar cane or 
sorghum. It is produced with good results on any good corn land. The quality of 
brush depends on the soil and climate and quality of seed used, the best being raised 
in Central Illinois, Central Kansas and Oklahoma. 
Preparation of the soil should have careful attention; all stalks and other field 
rubbish should be removed; the ground should be broken up as soon as the field is in 
proper condition; plow the same depth as for Indian corn or maize; let it stand until 
the ground is thoroughly warmed, usually about the 15th of May in Central Illinois, 
varying according to weather conditions and climate; then disc and give vigorous har¬ 
rowing if it is rough and cloddy, roll until it is fine and well broken up. It should be 
in the same condition as soil for a seed bed for wheat. The seed should be thoroughly 
cleaned, using one bushel to 20 acres. Adjust the planter three feet wide and drill 
from 55 to 60 seeds to the rod in the row. It should be planted from one and one-half 
inches to two inches in depth. As soon as the little plants appear above the ground, it 
should be rolled if the surface is dry. When it is in such condition, the weeder should 
be used, which improves the soil and destroys the little weeds, but if the surface is 
damp, use the three-shovel cultivator. 
Sheds must be made before the harvest begins. One built 24 by 48 feet will hold 
30 acres> of brush as it usually requires three acres for the ton. To build a shed, set 
posts in the ground and' cover with shingles or any good roofing. Gable the ends but 
leave the sides open. The strips to support the shelves should be one by three inches, 
nailed three inches apart; this will make the shelves six inches apart and leaves 
three inches for air space. Many make a mistake by using one by four strips which 
gives only a two inch air space. 
The proper time to harvest it is when it is in full bloom; if harvesting is delayed 
the brush will retain a bad color. When the brush is in the condition as stated above, 
break it cross wise of the row making a complete table convenient to the cutter, the 
stems should be six inches long after it is cut and laid on the table, laying off every 
third table for a drive table. Two men with a dump rack on the wagon, one on each 
side, drive through the field and gather the brush, laying the heads on the dump out¬ 
ward. Then draw it to the seeder and dump on convenient ground that it may be 
seeded. The seeding will require about 15 or*20 men. After the brush is seeded, it is 
spread on the shelves for drying. The condition of the brush governs the thickness of 
the layers, generally about three inches in depth. When it is well cured, which requires 
about ten days to tw r o weeks when the weather is favorable, then it is ready to bale. 
By the use of the baler, it is made into neat bales weighing about 300 pounds. 
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