The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1912-02-23
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lsy Q. {. LewIs, okIshoma .cIty, ok.lI

leads in the quantity produced, tn
deplorable fact remains that the man
ufacturers are forced to rely upol
central Illinois and Kansas for quality
The average farmer-influenced per
haps by the price his neighbor re
celyed for his brush-decides to plan
some broomcorn. Without giving tn,
matter further consideration, he goeI
to the nearest baler and procures sew
eral sacks Of trash and infertile sect
that was thrashed from his neighbor'i
last years crop. This done, he pro
ceeds to set apart few acres OF land
perhaps a last years corn field yet
covered with stalks-and, after pillow
ing 1t once, plants it to broom corr
90 and awaits results. Under the
most favorable conditions more than
half stand could not be expected
and II the soil should be too cold the
small percentage Of fertile seed OBJ
tanned in the trash" planted would
not germinate; the results being dis
couraging and should be.
Some Timely Suggestions.
Having decided on the type best
adapted to your soil, the next step
should be to procure seed Of the var,
iety wanted-and right here wish to
say that too much stress cannot be
laid on the Importance OF planting
PURE seed, as this is the prime re.
Quisite, You would not expect to
raise thoroughbred Poland China
from pair of broken-down Ten
nessee ridge-rooters," would you?
Well, it is as we'll within the realms
of possibilities to do this as 1t is to
produce good quality of brush from
poor seed.
The preparation of the soil and the
tine for planting should now claim
your attention. Next in importance.
to good seed is getting the soil in
proper condition to receive them.
Needs Frequent Cultivation.
The first step in this direction
should be to clear the field of all
stalks, sticks and other Instructions,
as these will greatly interfere with
cultivation If not removed.
Before breaking the field should be
disked both ways. This, when turned
under, forms loose bed which con
serves moisture and favors the. rapid
root growth Of the young plants,
which is very essential When the
plants are just coming up it is con-
sided advisable to harrow the field
lengthwise the rows to prevent weeds
getting start Cultivation at fire.
quent intervals Is necessary until the
plants have attained height of
twelve or fourteen inches, at which
time they will grow rapidly and
thrive with the same cultivation as
does Indian corn. Level culture
Chat is, no banking the soil to the
plants) seems to be most satisfactory,
and is therefore recommended.
Give Immediate Attention.
Another fact that should ever be
borne in mind is that broomcorn that
has stood in the field until the seed
matured does not bring the top mar
ket price. 1t follows that broomcorn
raised for seed should be entirely
separate because you cannot raise
both seed and brush on the same
stalk
When broOmcorn is ready for har-
vesting 1t should be given immediate
attention, az delay of two or three
days may cause damage that would
decrease the value so per cent. Anoth-
err common cause of loss to the raiser
Of broomcorn is brought about
through ricking the brush in the field
To do this is in the humble opinion
Of the writer, to invite serious results,
as broomcorn thus handled is almost
sure to heat especially so il there be
any moisture The heat thus general
ID destroys flexibility of the fiber,
it brittle and discoloring it |
10 such an extent that no amount OF
treating" will restore its natural
,olor. The manufacturer can use
his brush only in the very cheapest |
trade of brooms, therefore it does
not command a good price.
Warm, dry weather should prevail |
1t harvest time land in this locality |
does otherwise extreme eau.
ion must be used Conditions being
favorable brush may be gathered,
placed in small piles and left in the
'ield twenty-four to forty-eight hours,
1t which time it should be taken
directly to the seeder and seeded
WELL. 1t should then be placed in
he curing shed on the shelves pro
'ided for that purpose, and when
thoroughly cured should be well and
securely baled.