Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1900-07-14
BISMARCK DAILY TRIBUNE:5 SATURDAY, JULY III, 1900.
BROOM CORN.
Information From one OF the Lead-

Information From One of the Lead
Ing Regions OF It's Culture:
AS q result Of the high price OF
broom corn many are seeking the nee,
essary information to enable them to-
enter upon the industry In sections
where it has never vet been tried.
These, and perhaps regular growers as
well, may find desirable matter ID tho
following from the broom corn region
Of Illinois, presented by Ohio Farmer:
Broom corn was grown as an indus
try first in New York, and only within
the last 25 years has the industry be-
come one of any considerable proper
lions. The crop has been raised to
some extent in Ohio, and also in Mis-
souri,, Kansas and Nebraska, but now
the bulk of the crop is produced In
eastern central Illinois. The rich,
loamy soil suitable for the most sue.
cessful growth Of Indian corn is also
the soil best adapted to its develop
ment.
The ground should be prepared in the
same way as for Indian corn, except
that it should be made even more
smooth and mellow for broom corn,
which should be drilled in, rs to 90
seeds to the rod. Too much care can
not be taken in the selection Of the
seed. Experience proves that it pays to
buy only what is known to be good
seed, properly selected and saved. Put
seed in q vessel Of water and reject all
that float. difference Of one-half in
the amount produced has been found
to result between the paintings Of good
and poor seed. The Tennessee Ever
green Is the variety most generally
grown, and its yield is large and of
good quality. The Missouri Evergreen,
as grown in Illinois, yields a some
what finer and more pliable quality Of
brush which grades better for what is
sold as carpet stock"
The extreme limit of time for plant
ing in this latitude Is from the middle
of May to the middle of June, the lat
ter part Of May and first Of June being
preferable, dependent. Of course, upon
the season and the condition Of the
ground, which is of primary impor-
lance. The black seed may be planted
two or three weeks later, when 1t has
been found impracticable to SOW the
Evergreen at the proper time, but it
does not produce the best quality of
brush.
The seed is rather slow In sprouting
and in its early growth. and the ground
should be well narrowed and worked.
while the plants are small and the
weeds kept down until it is well start
ed and indeed until the crop itself SO.
shades the ground as to smother the
weeds. The cutting should be done
after the heads are fully out, but be
fore the seed fully ripens. If delayed
until the seed is ripe, the brush will
not keep the good green color which is
desired and which is Of importance, as
the color is considered iii grading the
stock and consequently affects the
price Of the marketable article. II left
too long before cutting, the brush has
q reddish cast.
To raise and care for q crop Of broom
corn that will bring substantial returns
when marketed the farmer must have
special knowledge and training and be
provided with the means for removing
the seed and putting the brush in the
drying sheds the same day 1t is cut. It
must not be left exposed to rain or
even dew overnight Care must be,
taken in removing the seed that all the.
seed is taken off and all blades re-
moved from the stalk. The sheds are
built much like large, long corncribs,
and the brush is laid on shelves made
Of Stats, one above the other, the whole
construction being with view to the
most thorough circulation Of air
through the brush. From ten days to
two weeks is required for thorough
drying, when it is ready to be baled.
Bales are made to contain from 800 to
500 pounds, the average size being $50
pounds. The bales must be made
square and smooth.