THE PROBLEM OF THE SANDS.

The question of the agricultural capabilities of our light, sandy soil is an important one in determining the future history of a large portion of the northern counties in our peninsula. The question has been raised and earnestly discussed. What shall we apply to these soils so that we may produce good and paying crops of wheat, oats, corn, and grass? What shall we use for manure for these unpromising plains? The labor and material for manuring a section, much more a township or a county, are no trifles. Indeed, when one sits down to count the cost, the expense is astounding.

In discussing this question we seem to have taken it for granted that successful cultivation of these soils necessarily implies that they must be made to produce the same crops that other soils are now producing, that no satisfactory solution of the agricultural problem is reached till we show how Lake and Roscommon can produce paying crops of wheat and clover, the same as Branch and fillsdale. May it not be that we have been looking for salvation for the sands in the wrong direction? It seems to me that we ought first to ask: What crops are adapted to these sands in their present condition, and without the use of general manures? If we can find erops that will give remunerative returns from these very light sands in their present condition, we may introduce such changes by rotation of crops as will enable us to bring in other crops which we cannot now raise with any hope of profit. Any suggestion in this direction deserves the careful consideration of thoughtful citizens. I wish to call the attention of farmers on light, sandy soils to the Amber cane, or sorghum, as a plant full of promise in this direction. It is a plant that grows well on soils too light to produce a good paying crop of corn, will withstand the effect of summer drought far better than corn, so that it will grow and ripen in circumstances where corn will burn up, and its value as a source of syrups and sugar and as a forage crop is only beginning to be appreciated. While sorghum will make a large and vigorous growth on heavy soils and those containing abundant organic matter, the value of the sugar products from such soils is less than on sandy soils which are deficient in vegetable matter. The syrup made from Amber cane raised on such light soils is lighter in color and superior in flavor to that made from cane raised on rich soils. The roots of the cane penetrate deeply in sandy soils, and it is thus able to withstand dry weather in summer much better than corn.

As a forage crop, it is of great promise, because it is very nutritious, and is eagerly consumed by stock of all kinds. It is found by some who have tried sorghum for fattening beef cattle that it has wonderful fattening properties, and that the quality of the beef is very superior. The sorghum must be fed cautiously at first until cattle become used to it, on account of danger of their eating too freely of the material, causing scouring, etc. The seeds of cane are equal in value, pound for pound, to oats

or corn.

The plant being so well adapted to sandy soils, and of so much value in itself, it remains to be determined whether it can be successfully raised on light sands, and especially on " the plains." I do not ask any one to make a large outlay to determine this question, but ask as many as will to raise one or two square rods of sorghum, on various kinds of sandy soil and especially very light sands, and let me know the result at the end of the season or when the seeds are ripe. Let me know how many pounds of stalks grow on the square rod, and let me have two or three joints of the stalks for analysis, that I may determine the value for sugar making, and I will publish the result of the whole inquiry, giving each one credit for his work.

I want the canes to be raised without manure, except the use of a small handful of wood ashes to each hill, or a tablespoonful of superphosphate to the hill. In the report I want it distinctly stated what manure, if any, was used.

The seed should be planted by June 1, if possible, in hills three feet apart each way, and four stalks lett in each hill. Plant shallow, and cultivate the same as corn. When the stalks are ripe and the seeds black, cut off the head with about one foot of the top of the stalk, and weigh the canes in this condition.

If it can be shown that amber cane will make a good growth on these very light and unpromising soils; if we can raise a forage crop where grasses fail; and if we can turn these glittering sands into bright crystals of sugar, we may sweeten the lot of the pioneer in more senses than one. Let each one contribute something to this end, and definitely settle, if we can, the possibilities of these unpromising soils. R. C. KEDZIE.

Agril College, Lansing, March 19, 1883.

The premature frosts in the autumn of 1883 arrested the completion of experiments that promised valuable results. The frosts of such severity as to

cut off the corn and sorghum in a large part of our State, discouraged many farmers from attempting further trial of sorghum, though they did not abandon Indian corn.

In order to give this subject a further trial, the State Board of Agriculture, early in the spring of 1884, directed me to procure sorghum seed for free distribution in different parts of the State, and the following notice and directions for cultivation were published :

Under the direction of the State Board of Agriculture, Dr. Kedzie has obtained from Illinois 100 lbs. of sorghum seed (early Amber) for gratuitous distribution in small parcels, in sections where people desire to test the sugar-producing and forage properties of sorghum. Only a few specimens can be sent into any one neighborhood, but parties will be supplied with the seed in the order of their application, until the stock on hand is exhausted. The directions for planting are as follows: Each package of seed will be sufficient for from one-quarter to one-third of an acre. Prepare the ground the same as for Indian corn. Plant when the ground is warm enough to secure rapid germination, and cultivate in all respects the same as for Indian corn. Be sure to keep it free from weeds during its early growth, as it is then a weak plant and easily crowded out by the weeds. Try the growth, especially on sandy soils. At the end of the season report the results to Dr. Kedzie, at the Agricultural College.

The first stock of seed was soon exhausted, and another hundred pounds purchased and distributed. In this way four hundred packages of seed, of about 8 ounces each, were sent by mail into the counties of the lower peninsula.

In August I visited some of the sandy districts to note the results of the trial; especially the plains near Baldwin, in Lake county. A large number said the growth of the cane in 1883 was very promising until the frost killed it; but this destruction by frost discouraged most of them from further trial. In some cases the cane planted in 1884 was almost exterminated by the cut worm, but the stalks that remained were very vigorous and promising.

In the sanddrifts along the lake shore near Grand Haven the cane was growing with great vigor. One patch of cane on a well manured spot was ten feet high on the average, and was just heading out; it probably reached a height of thirteen feet at ripening. Other patches without manure, on the drift sand, showed a stout growth of cane, and in vigor excelled the Indian corn growing by their side.

In order to gather the results of the experiments in sorghum the following circular was sent to each of the persons to whom cane seed had been sent for trial:

STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, Į
Lansing, November, 1884.

DEAR SIR-By the direction of the State Board of Agriculture, I sent you last spring a package of seed of the Early Amber Sorghum, to test its sugar-producing and forage qualities as grown in your locality, with the request to report results at the end of the season.

Desiring to collect facts to determine the value of this plant in this State, and especially its adaptedness to sandy soils, I desire that in your report of results you embrace the following subjects:

1. Kind of soil; if manure was used state the kind and amount.

2. State the results of the crop and the estimated weight of the fresh stalks, leaves, and seed to the acre. How would the amount of fresh crop compare with that of Indian corn grown on the same kind of soil and treated in the same way?

3. State its value for fodder, whether stock relish it and thrive when fed with it. How would it compare, pound for pound, with corn-stalks for fodder?

4. What is your estimate of acreage value as a fodder crop when grown on light sandy soils, as compared with Indian corn or millet, grown on the same kind of soil? 5. How did it stand dry weather, as compared with corn?

6. Did you make any syrup or sugar? State the results.

An early reply will be a personal favor, and may bring out information of great value to the farmers of our State.

REPLIES OF CORRESPONDENTS.

Of the 400 persons to whom the cane seed and the circular soliciting information have been sent, replies have been received from less than one-half. From quite a number came complaints that the seed did not grow, and the experiment was unsuccessful from this cause. In many cases the failure of the seed was on account of too deep planting. In other cases from cold, wet weather, or too dry, after planting. But the experiment in a very large number of places was successful, and valuable results obtained. This information in the form of condensed replies to the circular is herewith presented, one or two being taken in a county, and the counties arranged alphabetically. Only a part of the replies is given lest the bulletin should be too voluminous:

CALHOUN COUNTY.

BATTLE CREEK, December 15, 1884.

1. Kind of soil, sandy loam, pastured for three summers; some manure last summer spread on the grass, coating of manure light, strawy and coarse; quality of soil very good. Soaked the seed 24 hours before planting; ground in nice condition, moist and mellow. Put the seed in the ground as near one-half inch as I could plant it; it was a long time in germinating, but nearly all came up. The worms did not injure it whilst the corn planted beside it was nearly all destroyed. The cane was planted three feet apart each way; suckered very much; not more than one-half or two-thirds of it fully ripened at the tirst frost here in October. I had the cane worked up except one shock, which I have on hand at this time with the exception of about one-fourth of it. Horses and cattle relish it well, eating every particle of the cane, and I think would do well upon it unless the hard stalk might after a time make the mouth sore. The growth of cane I thought fair, as good as any 1 saw growing. I planted one-half acre of ground; had fifty-six gallons of syrup, in taste and color very good, but I think should have been boiled down a little thicker. Had in weight of stalks, being stripped one month, two heavy loads for three ten-hundred horses to draw to the mill, probably not less than 4,000 pounds of cane. Of the heads there was one double wagon box full; the leaves were not gathered,-I should think there were no more than three or four double box loads. Do not know how cane would compare in value with corn with equal chance in all respects, taking the years as they come; do not know what the syrup will sell for per gallon. I think that the early Amber cane for cattle and horses would be worth more than double, pound for pound, that of corn fodder, as but a small portion of the corn-stalk is eaten. Judging from the small bundles of cane on hand, considering their weight, if grown on light land it must be of more value than corn fodder or millet. I have just given a handful of the cane to the hogs; they eat it readily. I do not think sheep would eat much of the stalk, it being so hard. The cane did not seem affected by the dry weather; the leaves did not roll that I noticed, but the leaves of the corn did. Planted cane about the 20th of May.

CHARLEVOIX COUNTY.

DAN'L SHARPSTEEN.

INDIAN RIVER, Dec. 18, 1884.

The sorghum seed you sent me in 1883 was planted in the spring when weather was warm enough, about the middle of June. It grew about four feet high during summer, being cut with frost Sept. 8, 1883. It did not tassel. It was planted on new white sandy land, fireburnt often, and once timbered with white and Norway pine and oak.

In the spring of 1884 I planted some seed when the season opened, which grew five feet high and tasseled. (I send specimen.) It was cut by frost Sept. 22, 1884. The climate seems to be too cold for sorghum, as there were only 90 days between frosts in 1883, and 100 in 1884. B. F. SLOCUM. BEAR LAKF, Dec. 19, 1884.

I planted the seed on new soil,-sandy loam,-no manure. It grew very thrifty, from six to seven feet high, very large stalks. It was as fine as any Indian corn I

ever saw. Cattle liked it very much. It stood dry weather as well as corn did. I want to try some more next year. It will yield twice as much fodder as millet. DANIEL HERRINGTON.

CRAWFORD COUNTY.

GRAYLING, Dec. 20, 1884.

I planted the carly Amber seed May 10, on sandy soil, in rows 3 by 3 feet, using a small handful of a mixture of hen manure and rotten barnyard manure to each hill. Only about one-eighth of the seed grew; cultivated the same as for corn. It made a very fair growth until the August frost cut it down to the ground; then it sprouted again, and I never saw anything grow as it did till the frost of 8th of September killed it. Some of the stalks grew four feet in a month, and were in blossom when frost killed it.

I harvested the cane and fed it to my cattle; they ate it with the same relish that they would cornstalks. I had too small an amount to make any estimate how it would compare with cornstalks. I should say it is equally as good; think it will do as well on light soil as corn. It stood the dry weather as well as corn. Would prefer it to millet to feed cattle. J. G. MARSH.

GENESEE COUNTY.

THETFORD, Feb. 11, 1885.

I planted the seed on sandy soil-no manure. The dry weather did considerable damage, but the cane did very well: about 15 tons per acre.

To compare it with Indian corn, it has greater value for fodder; cattle, horses, and hogs relish it and thrive faster than on corn fodder. I made 17 gallons of syrup-very nice.

́HILLSDALE COUNTY.

JOS. CUMMINGS.

HILLSDALE, December 15, 1884.

The soil was a light, sandy knoll, and the poorest spot on my farm. In 1883, corn grown on the same spot, with thorough cultivation, did not exceed 3 feet in height. 1 planted May 15, first soaking the seed to insure more rapid germination. It came up well and had a fair stand, although the worms hurt it some. I cultivated it the same as corn in every respect except to cut off the suckers in August. After cultivating the first time I put on each hill a handful of air-slacked lime and leached ashes, equal parts. The canes averaged 6 to 8 feet in height, compared to 3 feet for

corn.

I gave the leaves and suckers to my cattle and they ate them greedily. Saved the seed for my poultry which they eat as readily as corn and seem to thrive on it. For a fodder crop I am convinced of its superior value over corn or millet when grown on poor soil, and especially in a dry season, as the extreme drought of last summer did not seem to hurt it in the least, while corn was severely injured in this locality. LEOLA VAN AUKEN. CAMBRIA, December 12, 1884.

Soil, light, gravel, with small amount of barn manure. I did not weigh my stalks, but should say they were equal to Indian corn. Stock relish the stalks, leaves, and seeds. I do not think it is as good fodder as corn or millet. Stands dry weather better than corn. I planted 24 rods of ground and had 34 gallons of fine syrup, equal to six barrels to the acre. E. VAN VLACK.

INGHAM COUNTY.

LESLIE, December 29, 1884.

Soil, sandy loam; no manure. Planted half the seed with garden drill May 10, and at the same time an equal number of rows of yellow dent corn; the balance of the seed was planted with the hoe May 16, and an equal number of rows of dent corn.

I planted too early for the season, as the heavy frost about 30th of May injured the crop so that only about one-third matured. I estimate the gross weight of stalks, leaves, and seeds at 12,000 pounds to the acre, while the dent corn grown by the side of it on the same kind of soil and with equal chances would scarcely bear an estimate of 10,000 pounds.

I dried and stored the stalks with the leaves and seed on before feeding them; then fed to the cows, giving them a chance to choose between sorghum and corn-stalks. They always showed a decided preference for the sorghum, always ate the sorghum stalks entire, leaving nothing; while they only ate the leaves and husks of corn-stalks.

They seemed to thrive well, and do better in milk and butter when fed on sorghum.
I estimate it as 20 per cent better, pound for pound, than corn fodder. It stands
drought full as well as corn.
L. F. BROWN.
FOWLERVILLE, December 18, 1884.

We did not feed it to any stock except hogs. Commenced to feed it to them when it was breast high, and fed from that time till it was ripe. They gained on it all the time, and had no other feed except the slop from the house.

We planted on sandy loam; no manure. It grew slowly at first, but wonderfully fast after it started. The drought did not seem to affect it at all, while the corn beside it drooped on those hot days.

It is better for hogs than corn cut green and fed to them; they like it better. We shall test it more fully another year. H. CROOP.

IONIA COUNTY.

IONIA, December 18, 1884. Soil, rich loam, heavily manured from the pig pen. The yield was very large. It seemed to sucker from the ground like red blaze corn, but outyielding any corn I

ever saw.

Value for fodder—I think it splendid. Stock seems to relish it better than hay; think one pound of cane worth three of common corn-stalks. It is capable of standing a longer drought than corn. F. C. MILLER.

ISABELLA COUNTY.

MT. PLEASANT, January 9, 1885. Soil, sandy loam, manured with stable manure at the rate of twenty loads to the acre. Good results this year. Estimated weight of stalks, leaves, and seed sixty cwt. per acre. Compared with Indian corn it is worth fully three times as much. Worth three times as much as corn fodder; stock relish it and thrive when fed with even the bagasse or compressed stalks. One acre of sorghum will equal three of Indian corn or millet, providing it does not want for care the first month. It stands drought equally as well as Indian corn after the first month. I made sufficient test to satisfy me that it would yield on an average here seven barrels of syrup per acre when it is as good a season as 1884. The only drawback is early frost.

JACKSON COUNTY.

G. L. DICKERSON.

RIVES JUNCTION, January 7, 1885. Soil, light sand, but quite rich, from which I had cut two heavy crops of clover the year before; no manure, as we have learned by experience that fresh manure injures the syrup. We made one gallon of splendid syrup from each square rod of ground planted. We treated it the same as corn in the same field, except that we planted it closer (rows three feet apart and hills two feet apart in the row). Planted in that way we thinned to four or five stalks in each hill, but when we came to gather it we found it had suckered until there were fifteen to twenty in each hill. There was at least five times the amount of stalks and leaves that there was on the same amount of ground planted to corn, and we estimated the seed at sixty bushels per acre. Every kind of stock seems to relish the sorghum; my sheep and cattle prefer it to corn fodder. I never grew millet, but I think sorghum worth at least twice as much as corn, acre for acre. I have noticed one thing much in its favor, and that is, its power to withstand drought on light land. Last year when the corn leaves were curled and turning yellow, the sorghum was doing its best. Many noticed it as they passed the field. We think the blades and seed pay for the growing at least. Pigs, poultry, and horses all seem to relish the seed and do well on it. T. P. SMITH.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY,

VICKSBURG, December 11, 1884.

Clay soil: light coating of well composted manure. Seed did not come up well, but I had a splendid growth of what did come. I can raise more sorghum in weight to the acre than I can of corn, but the stalks contain so much woody fibre and have so small amount of leaves that I would give corn the preference.

Stock relish sorghum better than corn, and thrive better on what portion they eat on account of the large amount of saccharine matter.