TO GROW SORGHUM.

Patea Mail, 21 February 1882, Page 3

TO GROW SORGHUM.

With a view to test the adaptability of climate and soil in different parts of New Zealand for the production of sugar and syrup from sorghum, Dr Hector, of the colonial museum, has distributed seeds to be tested in Public Domains. Samples of the canes for analysis are required by Dr Hector: 1, When the flower is bursting from the sheath ; 2, when the flower is set; 3, when the seed is fully distended, but not begun to harden ; 4, when the seed is dead ripe. About fire canes, carefully selected for each test, which should be carefully wrapped in sacking. Instructions for planting: Sow the seed during the month of November, early or late, according to latitude, aspect, and nature of soil. The land should be prepared as for maize or Indian corn, marked in check row 3£ feet each way. The amount of good seed required is about 21bs per acre. Plant the seed half an inch below the surface, or even less, and at the second hoeing thin out to five or six stalks. If planted more thickly, the yield will not be as large or the quality as good. Keep free from weeds. As soon ns the rows can be followed, the soil should be stirred about the plants. Prom the first appearance of the shoots until they are about three feet high, is the time to do all weeding and thinning. It should be cultivated in every respect in the same manner as corn. The crop may then be safely left to make itself. The suckers should be kept down, as they reduce the value of the sap in the cane.