Standard broom corn

"Broom corn is used in the manufacture of brooms and brushes; it has no other value. It will grow in some part of almost every State in this country, but brush of good quality can be produced only under favorable climatic conditions and the right sort of handling, and, like the fox, it is its brush that counts. Broom corn belongs to the sorghum family and makes its best growth in a warm sunny climate. The varieties are divided into two groups, the Standard and the Dwarf. The Dwarf varieties are adapted to the high altitudes and dry climate of the southern Great Plains States, and the Standard vanities to the humid conditions in the Eastern and central Western States. A well-prepared mellow seed bed, pure seed of high germinating power, and clean cultivation are essential to the production of the highest yield of good brush. The time of harvesting, the care exercised in thrashing, the method of curing, and the condition of the brush when marketed are important factors in determining its value. The price of the brush is governed largely by quality and supply. The demand has been about constant for the past 20 years. When production exceeds the demand, the prices of all grades fall very low. When the crop i short, prices are much higher, sometimes reaching $400 or more per ton for brush of the best quality."--Page [2].