Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1896-02-27
TEST or..kAEFIR CORN.
Experiments Throughout Dry Districts of
the West.


Experiments Throughout Dry Districts of
the West.
The question of successful farming
in the semi-arid regions of the great
west is solved at last.
Kaffir corn, first introduced on the
American continent from the Kaffir
country, in Africa, less than decade
since, is still an unknown product to
nine-tenths of the people of the United
States.
At first planted here and there as a
curiosity, it was found to grow readily
in all localities and under all condi-
tions, and experiments developed the
fact that it would mature a crop in the
driest and hottest seasons on the high
western plains. A more extended plant
ing of the new grain and comparison
of results obtained soon developed the
fact that whether he season was wet
or dry, cool or hot, long or short, this
new product would thrive on all kinds
of soils with the minimum of care and
cultivation, and planted any time be-
tween the first of April and the middle
of July it would mature an absolutely
sure crop of grain and fodder before
the frosts of autumn.
The stalk looks something like a
single shoot of common corn, but short
er, attaining henght usually from 4ha
to six feet, and having pointed leaves of
a rich green color. The grain forms in
head at the extreme point of the shoot,
where the tassel is on ordinary corn,
the heads being from seven to IL inches
in length and six to eight in circum-
ference. and when ripe look like great
white or red plumes-
The grains are almost round, little
larger than a grain of rice and much
resembling grain of wheat In. interior
structure.
There are two varieties, red and
white. the latter being the favorite
crop. Though raised as an experiment
here and ther-. throughout the west for
several years, 1t was not until the pres
ent year that It became prominent
crop. When the drought Of last spring
killed the wheat and oats and seemed
almost certain to ruin the corn, the
few who had had experience with the
new grain began to advise their neigh
bors to plant Kafir corn, as 1t would
grow all right in dry weather, and they
could thus at least raise food for theii
stock. The newspapers took up the ad
vice and soon farmers were planting
Kaffir corn. utilizing the ground where
wheat and oats had failed at planting
on sod or scattered patches where early
corn had been burned out
The planting was continued until
well along in August, the acreage be
ing in many sections greater than tha'
ever devoted TO single CROP In Okla
homa alone nearly $4,000 acres were
planted with the new crop. And every
grain of It planted grew and thrivec
to maturity, and before the summer wal
over the farmers began TO wonder wha'
they would do with it all They knew
1t was good food for stock, but there
was not stock enough in the territory
to consume 1t, and the product was ye'
so new that 1t was not recognized II
the outside markets.
Experience had already developed
the fact that Il made most admirable
feed. either to winter stock or fatter
them for market, but with an abun
dance of the grain on hand Oklahoma
farmers soon discovered that II was bet
Ter for horses than either corn or oats
making them fat and stout, and giving
them sleek. glossy appearance.
When it came 20 feeding hogs 1t wa
found that they gained flesh more rap
idly than when fed on common corn
and poultrymen have found the KAN
grain an admirable egg producer, an'
when fed >unthrashed the fowls ar
given exercise in picking it from th'
head.
The boys and girls soon discovered
that it would pop as well as popcorn
the grains popping out large whi''
and tender, and women in the countr,
found that boiled like rice the gran
was excellent eaten with cream nn'
surar. that mashed into pulpy mas
II made an excellent pudding, ana !
was also first-class substitute for hom
my.
Still the quantity produced was 81
great that the people continued to won
der what they would do with it,
The owner of the roller mills at Medi
cine Lodge, Kan, ran some of the gran
through his cornmeal grinder, and pro
duceo a meal pronounced in every way
equal to the ordinary cornmeal, but h'
was not content with this, but riggec
ND a special set of burrs and produced
a new product that bids fair to create
a revolution in the worlds breadstnffi
-Kafir -four.
Some of this -four was made INTO igh'
bread. The bread was fully as white al
bread made from second grade wheat
-four, and was sweet and paiatabie.-st
I,ute Glohe- -DemOcrat