Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1864-03-05
For the State JourRal.l ~rZ=
Exnerienee In Planting Sorghum Seed.


MEssRs. EDIToRs: Having had considerable
experience in cultivating sorghum, and pre-
Stunning that some things which have learned.
may be of especial service to others, with
your leave am inclined to make few sug-
gestions. a1fa
Last spring / obtained bushel Of seed for
myself and neighbors-Chinese seed, which
on the whole much prefer. While still in
the bag-a common two-bushel grain bag
tied its full length, | immersed 1t In kettle
of hot water, not boiling, but some hotter
than could hold my hand in, from one to-
two minutes, being duly stirred and jostled.
about so as all to be thoroughly and equally
brought in contact with the hot water, when
took it out and let it drip, and placed it
under and behind an elevated oven cook
stove, well covered with blanket, the seed
being spread as much as the bag would allow
tied its full length; shook up, turned and re-
spread occasionally for a couple of days, by
which time it was nicely sprouted and ready
for planting.# | then Immediately distribut-
ed it among the neighbors that were to have
it, and it was at once planted in fresh plowed
ground, (1Sth of May,) and in four days 1t
began to appear above the ground, SO much
ahead of the usual pestiferous pigeon grass
and other weeds that the after cultivation,
was but little more than for corn. l woald,
the ground as soon as possible after it is up
so it can be seen. Bear in mind, all small
seeds must be lightly covered; three-quarters
of an inch is plenty for sorghum, and if
sprouted Il must be put in moist earth
In following this plan, | am fully confident
that my cane was two weeks ahead of what il
would have been had l. planted it dry, be-
sides being ahead of the weeds. Out of sew
enteen who planted the seed, not one failed
TO get good stand of cane. One who kept
the seed in a cool cellar, ten days before
planting, also secured good stand. A ma
jority of the parties planting had not planted
or raised cane before.
1 feel confident that the foregoing sugges-
tons, properly carried out, will obyiate the
two main objections that hang over the sor-
ghum question, to wit: easy cultivation ahead
of the weeds, and early growth ahead of the
front, if possible.
/ have thus infinitely described my plan be-
cause it is so simple and easy, and at the
same time so efficient, but would caution all
who undertake to sprout seed, to do it care
fully, and when done to plant at once in fresh
plowed, moist sOil-nOt marked out with a
pillow if you do, and heavy rain ensues your
seed would be covered so deep that it could
not come up. If properly done there will be
no danger of drying out one time in twenty,
and feel confident that it will secure all the
advantages our climate will admit of; but to
those who heed not these suggestions and
blunder on the dirt clods and humps two to
three inches deep, they might better throw
the seed away, and plant potatoes instead. /
repeat, shallow planting sprouted seed in
fresh, moist, mellow soil, is indispensable to
success, and these suggestions understood
and properly carried out will make sorghum
culture as sure and safe as that of Indian
corn.
One item more and am done Ny neigh
Dor, +. S. Henry, turned about 100 sheep in
to an acre of corn when ready for stripping,
and the result was the corn was nicely strip
ped, as high as they could reach, in a few days,
which was nearly al the stripping required
to the great advantage of the sheep, and no
charge for services.
Excuse my length, and believe me, as ever,
Yours, truly, I. G. CURTIS
Rocky Run, Col. Co., Wis.
NoTE-If you follow my plan, don't let it get
dry; sprinkle with warm water; keep well covered
but not in too dense mass; air, warmth and
moisture is required; avoid soaking wet By this