Historic, archived document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. BOTANIUAL DIVISION. Wie ee eEIN IN Ord: GRASSES OF THE SOUTH. i A REPORT ON CERTAIN GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS FOR CULTIVATION IN THE SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST. Dr. GEORGE VASEY, BOTANIST. | PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, WAS ELEN G:TOwN : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. fi L388. laegen di POE PARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. BOTANICAL DIVISION. BU Eee TiN NO. 8s. GRASSES OF THE SOUTH. A REPORT ON CERTAIN GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS FOR CULTIVATION IN THE SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST. BY Dr. GEORGE VASEY, BOTANIST. PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1887. 20265—No. 3 CONTENTS. ‘i Page AGES See ieeatcge at arnt ciotcteen a Senne eicas scion pects © ales on welccew cues es wasioes 7 HeISpaluny CULata UM, lal <2 Seelseis niece nes ce ean Syloes eS wiole disiia ets etsine ape aa eter a DULY COUUC Bee Rope e eae sey ieee i eain a ciayeie Gwt's eet Gninees, cowlesi se ciciee 8 ONC MALIN, OUIMe AiGTaSsy be lalh oan eis ) Soe . sede SAEs borers we meee a peat 7 - — - r =. = fe > = Ae 5 ee aC > Tt ees a. eos E Satie - Lh i eS Ce ana ore oe ae en” Oe a ae Ce ce (ei. 2 a.” Ar SSO aie pes he ee ae er oe ere eS PET ELT A PANICUR MAR IMUAL 9 Bexar County. These springs furnish stock with water during droughts for an area of 12 or15 miles. I feel certain that for two or three months of each year not less than 1,000 or 1,500 stock water there, besides which it is a favorite nooning place for freighters. And yet in this little valley, hardly half a mile wide, and about 1} miles long, adjacent to the spring this grass has gone on thickening and growing until now the valley is the best sodded piece of land I know of, and undoubtedly the worst tramped. The habit of growth of this grass is very like the Bermuda, but it has not quite such long runners. The culms and seed spikes can hardly be distinguished from those of the Bermuda. I have recently noticed some small patches in the Gua- daloupe and Medina valleys, and it would, I think, with attention, prove as valuable in this dry country as the Bermuda does elsewhere. Charles N. Ely, Smith Point, Southeastern Texas: Iregard Paspalum platycaule as the most valuable grazing grass in this part of the State. With the salt-marsh grasses of the low lands on the coast it furnishes the best pasture in this part of Texas. It has been spreading here for the last thirty years, and is supposed to have come originally from some part of Louisiana, hence by some it is called Louisiana Grass. It will stand more tramping and grazing than any other grass in this part of the State, and on old uplands it forms a solid and perpetual past- ure. Asa drought-resisting grass it has no equal here, and on any dry sandy or loamy soil its limits of usefulness will only be determined by its ability to stand severe cold. It does not make hay of commercial value, but it is cut by the farmers and used as rough food during severe weather. Asa general thing I think it is cut tooripe. If eut when first coming into bloom I think the quality of the hay would be much im- proved, and the sward sooner recover itself, and the new growth be of more value for pasture than if left uncut. Like Paspalum dilatatum this is slow in Starting, but after it gains strength it spreads over the surface, multiplying by suckers, and by the seed which is scattered by the wind. It spreads very fast, but is easily destroyed when the land is desired for cultivation. GUINEA GRASS, Panicum maximum, Jaq.; (P. jumentorum, Pers.), | Pi Le This is a native of Africa, which has been introduced into many trop- ical countries, and in the West Indies is extensively cultivated. It has been introduced into Florida and other places along the Gulf coast, but is still little known in the United States. It requires a long season, is very susceptible to frost, and ripens seed only in the warmest part of the country. It has often been confounded with Johnson grass, and many of the replies intended for this evidently referred to that plant. The two, however, are entirely distinct. A sufficient point of distince- tion is the fact that Johnson grass spreads by underground stems, while Guinea grass does not, but remains in bunches. Its chief value is for hay or soiling, and it should be cut frequently to prevent it becoming too coarse and hard. ‘The roots are perennial, if protected from severe freezing, which may be done by a covering of earth if necessary. The plant is propagated either by divisions of the crown or by seed. By the former method they may be started earlier in the season, and will furnish an earlier cutting. In 1873 the Department procured from Jamaica, West Indies, a sup- ply of seeds of this grass, and distributed it for trial. Hon. Thomas 10 Reame, United States consul at Kingston, Jamaica, through whom the seed was purchased, said in regard to it that of the two kinds of grasses grown on the island almost exclusively (Bermuda and Guinea) the Guinea is cultivated the more extensively. It grows tall and rank, reaches the height of 8 or 10 feet when mature, and yields a coarse seed, very much resembling millet. It grows anywhere on the island up to the top of the highest mountains, growing rankest where the rain- fall is most abundant. In St. Mary’s Parish, which has more rains than any other, it is coarser than when grown elsewhere. It is propagated by “sets” and by seed. All stock thrive upon it. M. C. Codrington, of Florida, formerly of Jamaica, says: In coming to Florida I perceived that the great need of the State was a good grass adapted to the climate. I wrote to Jamaica for some seed of the hardiest variety, called there ‘‘St. Mary’s Grass.”” This I planted in the spring of 1872, and got about twelve plants to grow. As fast as the roots became sufficiently large I took them up, separated them and replanted, some roots giving me twenty-five to thirty plants; but I found that the planting should be done immediately after a heavy rain, when the earth was quite wet. I continued this operation until September, when I allowed the plants to go to seed. The plants stood several frosts before being killed. I then cut the fodder, and found, even then, that stock ate it with avidity. This spring the old roots sprouted again, and all around them innumerable young plants came up from seed. The land I used was poor worn-out pine land—too poor even to grow sweet potatoes. The grass grew eight feet high in some places, and the second season I cut some of it three times. The success of this grass I consider established beyond a doubt. J. G. Knapp, Limona, Fla.: This very valuable grass found its way into Tampa many years ago from Cuba, or some other of the West India islands. Though it ripens seed here, it is generally propagated by dividing the roots, and by the stolons springing from the lower joints of the stems, which are used as plants As it sends forth no creeping root-stocks it does not form a tuft, but grows in clumps or bunches, leaving bare spots. When planted in hills three feet apart each way the blades will meet and shade the entire ground. It can be cut each month, from April to November, yielding a ton of hay at each cutting. It should be cut as close to the ground as possible to prevent it form- ing high tussocks, and for the same reason should not be pastured. A degree of cold that will make an inch of ice will greatly damage, if not kill it, but such a freeze is very unusual in this country. Few plants yield a larger amount of fodder, and for this county it may be considered among the most valuable that we have. The roots when placed on the surface readily decay. With proper fertilization a plantation will remain productive for many years. Jas. C. Neal, Archer, Fla. : A valuable addition to the ‘‘cut forage plants” for this locality. It rapidly forms great tufts of hard stems, however, and requires much fertilizing and constant cut- ting to keep in good shape. It is greedily eaten by stock, and makes fine dry forage. The first frost kills it to the ground, and this habit makes it of no value as a winter grass. It ripens seeds here. Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala: The cultivation of this grass was successfully tried a few years ago at the truck farm of the Zimmer Brothers in this vicinity. The severe winters of the last two years, however, killed the volunteer seedlings, which spring up during the fall, and which are depended upon for new plantings the following spring. This and the ravages of the army worm have caused its cultivation to be abandoned. : Plate ITI. PANICUM SANGUINALE. 11 In a previous letter to the Department, he says: It is planted with us in the begiuning of April, and admits of the first cutting the last week of May. It makes very large bunches, and should be cut before exceeding the height of 18 inches. In that stage it is very sweet, tender, and easily cured as hay. In moderately fertilized land and favorable seasons it may be cut every five or six weeks, yielding, by throwing out numerous stolons, increased crops until killed down by frost. The roots are easily protected during winter by a good covering of earth, like the rattoons of sugar-canes, and allowing of a manifold division, they afford the best means of propagation. These root-cuttings are set outin March or the begin- ning of April. CRAB GRASS, Panicum sanguinale, Pl. III. This grass was not mentioned in the circular of inquiry, but so many have referred to it in the reports that is here inserted. It is an annual grass, a native of the Old World, which has become spread over most parts of this country, and is the one commonly called Crab-grass in the Southern States. It occurs in cultivated and waste grounds, and grows very rapidly during the hot summer months. The stems usually rise to the height of 2 or 3 feet and bear at the summit three to six flower spikes, each 4 to 6 inches long. The stems are bent at the lower joints, where they frequently take root. Professor Kellebrew, of Tennessee, says: It is a fine pasture grass, but it has few leaves at the base and forms no sward, yet it sends out from its base numerous stems or branches. It fills all our corn-fields, and many persons pull it out for feed, which is a tedious process. It makes sweet hay, and horses are exceedingly fond of it, leaving the best of other hay to eat it. Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says: For a number of years I pursued the following plan with much satisfaction. A piece of land that had matured plenty of Crab-grass seed was prepared, and in the fall sowed with Bur Clover for winter and spring pasture. As usual, the clover ma- tured seed and died in May. Immediately the Crab-grass came up very thick. This was mowed in July and again in August and October. The process was repeated for a number of years without reseeding or any other work than mowing the grass. The Bur Clover was never mowed, but grazed from December until April, after which it was allowed to cover the ground and mature seed. The process was continned, with- out diminution of yield, until the land was wanted for another purpose. HK. W. Jones, Buena Vista, Miss. : Crab-grass is one of our best hay and pasture grasses. It will make two tons of first quality of hay per acre. All that is necessary is to plow and harrow the ground in April, May, or June, and you will be sure of acrop. It grows well on ordinary lands, but on sandy lands best. W.S. Harrison, Starkville, Miss. : It will not make permanent pastures or meadows, but requires the plow, and is almost inseparable from cultivation. After an oat crop it gives a good yield of hay, and after other crops are gathered it makes fine pasture. James B. Seger, Handsborough, Miss. : 7 Our natural ‘‘hay-grass” is Crab-grass, which comes on after spring gardens are marketed. A field set in Crab-grass and cultivated in any manner during the spring will never fail to grow a good hay crop without any seeding or other cultivation. One ton to the acre on our average coast lands is about the yield. We plant pota- 12 toes here in February, and in March corn is planted among the potatoes. When the corn is half grown the potatoes are dug, then the Crab-grass grows up, and after the corn is taken off the grass is cut. O. F. Mattox, of Homerville, Ga.: Our native Crab-grass, Crow-foot, and Field Pea supply our every want as forage plants. C. Menelas, Savannah, Ga.: Panicum sanguinale, or Crab-grass, is known all over the cotton belt, but is little appreciated, owing toits injury to growing crops, though it is often more valuable han the crops themselves. It is very nutritious, and yields heavily. What is saved as hay is from the corn and cotton fields, and it is not always secured in the proper condition. Few yet cultivate it as a crop. I have tried its cultivation by way of simply plowing and harrowing a few acres on our creek bottoms, and doing no more work until the time to mow it. In that way we not only secure a better quality of hay, but the yield is at the rate of fully one and a half tons per acre. TEXAS MILLET, Panicum Texanum, Pl. IV. This grass is a native of Texas, and was first described and named in 1866 by Prof. S. B. Buckley, in his Preliminary Report of the Geo- graphical and Agricultural Survey of Texas. It is frequently called Colorado Grass, from its abundance along the Colorado River in that State. In some localities itis known as River Grass; in others as Goose Grass, from its being supposed to have been introduced by wild geese. In Southern Texas it is sometimes called Buffalo Grass, and in Fayette County itis known as Austin Grass, from the fact that it was first util- ized as hay near Austin. The most numerous and favorable reports regarding it are from Lam- pasas, Burnet, and Travis Counties, along the Colorado River, and southward through the central part of the State. From no grass so little known have more favorable reports been received, especially from the section where it is most abundant. It is but little known outside of Texas. Of the thirty-five valuable reports in regard to it, all but six were from that State, and most of them from the region above indi- cated. The grass is an annual, growing usually from 2 to 4 feet high, and is especially valuable for hay. It prefers rich alluvial soils, but stands drought well, though on dry uplands its yield is much reduced. The plant is furnished with an abundance of rather short and broad leaves, and the stems, which are rather weak, are often produced in consider- able number from a single root, and where the growth is rank are in- clined to be decumbent at the base. It is valuable for all purposes for which the ordinary millets are used, and should be tried throughout the South. In Texas, where most largely grown, it generally overcomes other grasses and weeds, but in some of the other Southern States Crab-grass and weeds have interfered with its growth. Fleming Moore, West Point, Fayette County, Central Texas: IT learn from the Farm and Fireside that your Department desires information re- garding ‘‘ Southern grasses.” I will confine my remarks solely to the Colorado Grass, a j 4 d j : Plate IV. ATW Ad. PANICUM TEXANUM. 13 or Texas Millet, locally known as Austin Grass-—this name being given from the fact. that it was first utilized as hay near the capital of Texas. It was first discovered in DeWitt County, on the Guadaloupe River, the seed being supposed to have been deposited there by wild geese. Its cultivation in some sections is a profitable industry, which is assuming large proportions. It is rapid in its growth, and stands a moderate dronght well. It will stand almost dead for four months, and then, when rain comes on, be brought to perfection. It prefers light soils, but will grow in any part of the South except on black waxy land. On rich sandy soil it will yield 3 tons per acre, and in favorable seasons may be cut three times. It is only valuable for hay, and entirely unfit for pasture. It is easily sub- dued by cultivation. After the ground has become well seeded, by one crop being allowed to remain on the land uncut, it can be grown on the same land year after year indefinitely. . As a hay plant I believe this to have no superior. It 18 especially excellent for horses, mules, and milch cows. In summer, however, cows will not eat it unless forced to; but in winter they relish it, and it proves excellent for making milk and butter. In Travis County large farms have been devoted to this grass alone, the most of the hay being consumed in the local markets, where it sells readily at $18 to $20 per ton. To obtain a crop it is only necessary to remove the stalks from a corn-field. The grass will come of itself and give a good yield of hay. Some put in a crop of oats, and after these are taken off break up the ground, after which, upon the first rain, the grass comes up. Some set aside plats of unbroken ground, and when the weeds come up in April, break and harrow; this kills the weeds, and the grass then comes. up so thick that it gets ahead of the weeds and chokes them out. After cutting the grass the land is broken again, when, if there is any rain, a second crop is obtained with absolute certainty. It yields seeds enormously, but the seeds ripen at different times, those at the top first. The grass is cut and cured like any other hay, but must be left in the sun unraked at least two days. Care must be taken to cut it at the proper time; if too late the seed will drop off; if too soon you will still have good hay, but the seed will be chaff. Examine the seed at the top of the head ; if it con- tains milk, cut it; butif it contains green juice, wait a few days, but not until the dough state is reached. It might be inferred, from the grass being naturally in our fields, that it would be a pest, but such is not the case. It roots near the surface, indeed so shallow that in raking care must be taken not to pull up the stubble. A late rain in August brings it up in the cotton fields, and it frequently gets higher than the cotton, before that is picked, but beyond damaging the sample a little it does no injury. Inclosed I send you a sample of this grass which is cured as it should be; some of the seeds are chafty, but most of them will germinate. I repeat, it is my favorite of all grasses for mak- ing hay. A correspondent of Lampasas County, Texas, writing to the Depart- ment in 1883, says: It is undoubtedly the finest forage plant in existence. Jor horses, cattle, and sheep: it is excellent. They prefer it to any other kind of hay, or even to sheaf oats. It is. raised in this section by plowing the land after a crop of small grain has been har- vested. It is a sure crop, and produces two or three tons per acre. H. L. Raven, Secretary Morrelltown Grange, Morrelltowm, Travis. County, Texas: Said to have originated in this county on the river bottom below Austin. It comes voluntarily, and after the corn is cut from the field is mown and made into hay. Some plant no crop, but plow and harrow the land and get two cuttings. It is nota good pasture plant, as it comes late and the first frost kills it. 14 M. M. Martin, Comanche, Tex.: Colorado Grass has been introduced here on a small scale from the Colorado River. It will make both a spring and fall crop, ifit is seasonable. Like Crab grass, when land is once set with it, it is there to stay, but other crops can be successfully grown on the same land. I believe it would make a good fertilizer if it was chained down and turned under. It will grow wherever Crab grass will grow, and it outsuckers anything I ever saw, and every sucker has a head. I have been watching grasses for several years, and I like it the best of any that I have seen yet. S. B. Wallis, Wallisville, Southeastern Texas: Panicum Texanum is grown here from seed brought from Western Texas, and does splendidly on cultivated ground, standing drought remarkably well, and making a heavy crop of first-rate hay, besides the seed, which are very valuable for poultry feed. It is considered the most valuable summer grass to grow on cultivated ground. Specimens of this grass fully 10 feet in length have been received at the Depart- ment from Mr. Wallis. Prof. J. M. McBryde, Columbia, 8S. C.: A most promising grass, which flourished here the past season when Timothy, Or- chard Grass, and Kentucky Blue grass alongside of it, were destroyed by drought. F. M. Pierce, Farmington, N. Mex.: It does well on all dry lands along streams above the first bottoms. TEOSINTE, Huchlena luxurians. Seeds of this semi-tropical forage plant were distributed by the De- partment in the spring of 1886 and again in 1887. The plant consider- ably resembles Indian corn, but is more slender, suckers far more, and produces its seeds a few together in small tufts of husks instead of in ears. Each seed is inclesed by the peculiar hardened outer glumes, which would probably make it more difficult to digest than corn. The plant has not yet been extensively tried, owing to the difficulty of ob- taining seed, which has had to be imported, making it expensive and liable to be of poor quality, Experience has shown, however, that it will ripen in Southern Florida, and in afew other favorable locations in the United States. Professor Phares of Mississippi believes, from in- stances that have come under his notice, that the seed may be success- fully grown in some locations in the southern portion of that State, and over a considerable part of Southeastern Louisiana, and that in all parts of the Gulf States, even where it does not mature, it is destined to be- come a most valuable forage plant. [tis probable that by selection and continued trial it may be made to ripen where it now does not. J.C. Neal, Archer, Northern Florida: Often tried, and with much fertilizer makes a tremendous growth, giving a large amount of good forage, easily dried and available. The seeds I received from the De- partment of Agriculture last year were deficient in vitality and but few grew, but they showed that with good seed and care the Teosinte would be a valuable forage plant. It will not ripen seed. I have tried to ripen it for ten years and failed. J. G. Knapp, Limona, Southern Florida: Great difficulty has been exprienced in obtaining live seed of this most valuable fod- der plant, seed obtained from seedsmen, having been imported from Honduras, be- Plate V. ue 15 ing too old to germinate. But during the past season a neighbor of mine. has suc- ceeded in obtaining a few seeds which grew, and his plants have matured their seeds, all of which will be planted the present year. Seed has also been matured at Fort Meade, in Polk County. Thus the question can be considered as settled, so far as this locality is concerned, that Teosinte will mature its seed, and the country is placed in possession of the best soiling and fodder plant known to the agriculturists of the world. It endures heat, drought, and rains as well as sorghum and better than corn, and may be cured for hay. Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. : This tropical grass does not ripen its seeds in this latitude; it scarcely unfolds its blossoms before the advent of the first frost. Itis very tender, being easily affected by frost or drought. During a cold spring it is difficult to secure a good stand, and it is only after warm weather has fairly set in that it begins to make a rapid growth, affording three cuttings and over of rich fodder on well-manured ground in a season of genial showers. It is too succulent to be easily cured for hay. On that account, and from the difficulty in securing a good stand, and from the necessity of procuring each season a supply of seed from abroad, this grass has not found the favor with the © cultivators of this section with which it is held in the subtropical zone. J.S. Newman, Director Experiment Station, Auburn, Ala.: Teosinte was cultivated on our experiment grounds last season with very satisfac- tory results. It tillers like Cat-tail Millet, but makes a much more luxuriant growth. It responds promptly and vigorously under the knife, and may be repeatedly cut dur- ing spring and summer. It does not, however, withstand drought as well as Millo Maize or Kaffir Corn, and it died out completely during our seventy-five days of drought last fall. I have a few seeds which were matured on the grounds of Mre George W. Benson in the open air at Marietta, Ga. Heripened seed two years ago on a few plants which were forced in early spring and transplanted to the open ground. Last vear this seed was planted in the open ground, and produced plants which ma_ tured the seed which I have. He seems thus to have succeeded in acclimating the plant, which is therefore likely to prove a valuable acquisition. Edward C. Reed, Meridian, Miss. : Fine for green soiling. Could the seed be ripened in Florida it would pay farmers to cultivate it until it became acclimated, as did the Millo Maize. This result is cer- tainly worthy of the united etfort of the Department and the people of the South. Ed. MeD. Anderson, Dennis Mills, St. Helena Parish, East Louisiana, My experience with Teosinte is limited to last year, 1886. About May 1 my father received from the Department of Agriculture a few packages of this seed, which he distributed, keeping two for himself, which were planted the second week in May. The seed germinated well. Two seeds were put ina hill. The plant suckers more than any variety of sorghum that I am acquainted with. Four hills were cut down three times during the summer when over waist high. Horses and cattle appear very fond of it. It stood our severe drought during August, September, and Oc- tober remarkably well. The first tassel was seen November 1, and on the night of the 17th we had a heavy frost. The Teosinte was then silking and the seeds forming. I am confident that it would have matured seed had it been planted about March 1. I consider it a forage plant superior to sorghum or Millo Maize. JOHNSON GRASS, Sorghum halepense, Pl. V. This grass, which was introduced into cultivation in this country more than fifty years ago, has within the last few years attracted renewed attention. Itis a native of the warm temperate regions of the Old World, and has long been cultivated as a forage plant in the countries bordering } Se, nate ee eS ae i aera my se Ma 16 on the Mediterranean. The name Johnson Grass, which is the one now most generally adopted in this country, originated from William John- son, of Alabama, who introduced the grass into that State from South Carolina about 1840. It had previously been known as Means Grass, and that name is still occasionally used. It has also been largely grown under the name of Guinea Grass, but that name should be restricted to Panicum maximum, described in another part of this bulletin. It has also been called Egyptian Grass, Green Valley Grass, Cuba Grass, Ala- bama Guinea Grass, Australian Millet,and Morocco Millet. In California it is best known as Evergreen Millet or Arabian Evergreen Millet. There seems to be good evidence that some of these names have been used at times in order to sell the seed at an unreasonably high price. Johnson Grass seeds abundantly, and the seed may be obtained of nearly - all seedsmen under that name. This grass is best adapted to warm climates, and has proved most valuable on warm dry soils in the Southern States. It has been tested quite generally throughout the country, and is often recommended for cultivation even in the North, but in the Northern States its growth is much smaller than at the South, and in severe winters it is killed en- tirely. It is occasionally more or less winter-killed as far south as the northern portion of Texas and Alabama. Its chief value is for hay, in regions where other grasses fail on account of drought. Ifcut early the hay is of good quality, and several cuttings may be made in the season . but if the cutting is delayed until the stalks are well grown, the hay is so coarse and hard that stock do not eat it readily. The seed may be sown at any time that the soil is warm and not toodry. Failures often occur from sowing the seed tooearly. If there is danger that the soil should dry out before the seed can germinate, soaking the seed may be resorted to with good results. Thick seeding gives a heavier yield and a better quality of hay. From 1 to 2 bushels are usually sown per acre, according to the cleanness of the seed. In case of failure to get a good stand the crop may be allowed to go to seed the first year, after which the vacant places will be found to be self-seeded. On small patches in such cases the ground is sometimes plowed up and the up- derground stems scattered along in the furrows over the vacant spots. In most localities it is generally considered desirable to plow the land setin Johnson Grass about every third year. Otherwise the root-stockg become matted near the surface and the crop is more affected by drought. Plowing causes it to grow more thick and vigorous. If de- sired, a large portion of the root-stocks may be removed at the time of plowing without injuring the stand. The greatest objection to John- son Grass is the difficulty of eradicating it. Care should be taken net to introduce it into fields intended for cultivation. It spreads rapidly, both by the root and by seed, and is apt to enter fields where it is not - wanted. On stock-farmsthis feature is not so objectionable as elsewhere. The grass is not well adapted to pasture, and close pasturing is one means of getting rid of it. Its succulent subterranean stems are usually 17 well liked by hogs after they have become accustomed to them, and by keeping hogs closely confined upon it it may be eradicated. Another method of eradication which is recommended is to plow in the fall, so as to expose it to the action of frost. In the South, where this grass is most largely grown, this is only partially successful. J. N. Rune, Duffau Wells, Erath County, Northern Texas: Johnson Grass is the only cultivated grass that has been tried in this locality, but it spreads so rapidly, and is so difficult to subdue, that farmers are afraid of it. It can be kept from spreading by not letting it go to seed. It does not make choice fodder for cattle, but is excellent pasture for hogs in the winter. They work on the | roots, wich are large and very numerous, and do not seem to hurt the yield for the next year. G. W. Jenks, Stephenville, Erath County, Texas: Johnson Grass is susceptible to cold, hence is not an early grass, but when it does come it grows very fast. The roots are valuable for hogs, and they can be plowed up and saved for cow feed without injuring the stand for the following year. Stock_ raisers speak in high terms of it. It will no doubt prove a valuable grass for the ranches in Northwest Texas, asthe yield is immense, and it stands the dry summers exceedingly well. John Vernon, Willow Hole, Madison County, Texas: Johnson Grass makes very good pasture, all kinds of stock eat it freely, and hogs will eat the root to some extent. It makes very poor hay, and must be plowed and well harrowed every year even to make good pasture. It will grow and make seed without plowing, but the growth will be short after thesecond year. The plant, how- ever, is a great curse anywhere near cultivated land, say within half a mile. The seed gets scattered somehow, and it is impossible to subdue it on cultivated land, at least in the South. JI have been told that to plow it in the winter and let the roots freeze will kill it, but not such freezes as we have here. I have tried it, and the freezes only kill the few roots which lie on top of the ground. John A. Hill, Whitehouse, Tex.: We need something that will stand a long dry hot summer. Johnson Grass will do this, but it is too hard to subdue, A great many ranchmen and farmers are experi- menting largely with it; some praise it highly, others are not well pleased with it. J.C, Vaughn, Paraje, N. Mex. : It does well, and I think after the second year will make better pasture than Alfalfa, and need but little, if any, irrigation. Nothing but a perennial is of any use in this country, on account of our dry winters and springs. Bermuda, Timothy, and Redtop have failed with me. Other reports from New Mexico are less favorable. In a portion of the Territory it is liable to winter. kil. _ §. B. Parish, San Bernardino, Cal. : It has been largely experimented on here under the name of Evergreen Millet, but I know of no one who continues to use it. I have seen it flourishing on the sandy banks of streams where it had escaped from cultivation. W. A. Sanders, Sanders, Fresno County, California: The Sorghum halepense fails in furnishing winter feed. ‘There is also a more serious objection. It roots deep into the subsoil, and where that is at all alkaline it grows enormously, but at the same time absorbs so much of the unpalatable alkali that stock will not eat it. It is excellent for dry hills free from alkali. 20265—No. 3——2 SE ee Sts 2. er ce 18 Hiram Sibley & Co., Chicago, Ill. : We have sold it in small quantities to go into Iowa and Nebraska, but it did not succeed there. We consider it of value only in the South, to redeem swampy land or that subject to overilow. It is too coarse to give satisfac tion in northern latitudes either for hay or pasture. W. B. Averill, Herndon, Fairfax County, Virginia: I sowed some Johnson Grass a year ago last spring and it did well during the sum- mer; but failed to appear the following spring. Others from Virginia report failure on account of winter-killing, but on the grounds of the Department it has been grown successfully for many years, though in a somewhat sheltered location. Prof. J. M. McBryde, Columbia, 8. C.: On the Congaree flats, in Alabama, it is cultivated in meadows of several hundred acres. It is nearly hardy, but was killed on wet lands by the exceptionally cold weather of last winter. : J. N. Brashear, jr., Port Gibson, Miss.: : It was introduced into our section ten years ago, and has increased in favor ever since. Itis best adapted to moderately rich, sandy soil, as, if the land is very rich, it grows large and becomes too woody for good feed. Planting very thickly improves it for hay and increases its yield. Prof. F. A. Gulley, Agricultural College, Mississippi: ~ A most valuable hay plant on rich, well-drained land, but a pest on poor or wet land. A. B. Langlois, Pointe a la Hache, La.: lt has been introduced several times into cultivation here, but is now generally abandoned, though in many places it remains as a weed, particularly in corn and cane fields. J. W. Sylvester, Washington, Saint Landry Parish, Louisiana: There are, perhaps, fifty acres of it in this parish. Its yield is more uniform, tak- ing one year with another, than any other grass I know of. I have known it for about seven years, and am increasing my small plantation of it. It seems te succeed best in stiff black soils, where it will withstand almost any amount of drought or overflow. MILLO MAIZE, Sorghum vulgare (variety). This plant has been widely discussed within the last few years in the agricultural press, and is valued by many who have grown it as a fod- der plant in the South. There is considerable differenee of opinion, however, as to its relative value as compared with the other sorghums, and with Indian corn. The following from among the replies received are given as additional evidence in regard to it. J.S. Newman, director experiment station, Agricultural aud Mechan- ical College, Auburn, Ala.: The popularity of this plant is waning, it having no special advantages over com- mon corn, cat-tail, millet, or common sorghum. As evidence that Millo Maize has undergone acclimation, I will add that plants grown from seed freshly imported from South America do not mature seeds here. Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobiie, Ala.: In the last three seasons this has been grown sucessfully in this vicinity by several parties. It ripens its seed before the advent of frost, which kills the plants to the "4 Trea Tet eR ee a en Oe a 19 foots. It does very well in the light soils of the coast plain, and perhaps everywhere in the pine region where there is a clay foundation. The growth of this grass during the early part of the season is much retarded by the chilly nights and spells of con- tinued cold weather. It is only after the advent of settled warm weather that it enters upon its period of more vigorous growth. Four cuttings may be taken during the season. Plants intended for seed are left undisturbed, and grow to a height of 18 or 20 feet, ripening in October. Great trouble in securing the seed is caused by the ravages of numerous birds. The fodder obtained from the repeated cuttings, on account of its succulence, is difficult to cure, and in damp weather almost impossible. ‘To cure dry fodder for winter use the plants are, after the second cutting, left to grow until towards the end of the season, when, having obtained a height of 12 to 15 feet, and before opening their flowers, the stalks are cut and placed on end in small shocks. After being sufficiently dried they are placed upright under an airy shed or barn, protected from the damp. In that way sufficient ventilation is secured to prevent heating and molding, and to keep the fodder sweet and palatable. The fodder is said to be pre- ferred by all kinds of live stock to any other fodder or hay. As to its nutritious value as compared with corn fodder opinions differ. The seeds are planted in spring in beds, which can be covered over during cool nights, and from these are transferred, when 8 to 10 inches in height, to the field, and thereafter treated in the same manner as corn. J. B. Darthit, Denver, S. C.: It grows here very well, and matures seed since it has become acclimated. I have never planted anything for forage that yielded a finer crop, but as it is very exhaustiv to the land and is not of very great value for feed, I have quit raising it. James H. Fowles, Orangeburg Court House, S. C.: It is little grown here, but gives a large yield, and stands drought well. If planted late it fails to mature seed, but it does mature them in less time now than when first introduced. It is not very highly thought of, pearl millet being superior for cutting green, and araber sorghum better for seed, as well as for feeding in the dry state. William B. McDaniel, Faceville, Ga. : Millo Maize grows finely, I believe, all over Georgia. While green.and growing my stock would not eat it, but last fall after frost my oxen ate it greedily, eating the heads and blades, the stalk being too tough. H. W. Jones, Buena Vista, Miss. : It does finely here, and makes splendid green feed, aud may be cut for that purpose about three times a year, but stock do not relish it much after it is dry. H. D. Shaw, Carrollton, Miss. : Milo Maize (yellow variety) is the most profitable forage plant that can be raised in Mississippi. The seeds mature, and are excellent stock food. It grows luxuriantly in all portions of the State. The white variety does not yield so well, though this year I harvested 24 tons of cured hay of the white variety from 1 acre of poor hill land that would not have made to exceed 8 bushels of corn. The white variety does not mature its seed in this latitude. Leonard A. Heil, San Antonio, Tex.: Seed of this forage plant has been distributed in this section, and planted by quite a number of intelligent men, who pronounce it inferior to the common sorghum or to corn fodder, stock leaving it to go to either of them. It seeds very profusely, but, as poultry is not an object among the ranchmen, it has no value in that direction. ~ 20 AMERICAN CANARY GRAss, Phalaris intermedia, Pl. V1. - Also called Reed Canary Grass, Stewart’s Canary Grass, Gilbert’s Re- lief Grass, and California Timothy. This species resembles the foreign Canary Grass (Phalaris Canariensis) which produces the seed commonly sold for canary birds. It is, how- ever, taller and more robust, growing 2 or 3 feet high, with a stout erect stalk, and broad leaves from 4 to 10 inches long. The spike or head is oblong and compact, 1 to 2 inches long. There is a variety called angusta which is larger and more valuable, and in which the spike is more narrow and 3 to 4 inches long. This grass grows native from South Carolina through the Gulf States, -and across into California and Oregon. On the Pacific coast it is not considered of much value. From the South it has frequently been sent to the Department as a valuable winter grass. It is comparatively little known in cultivation, and the evidence on some points in regard to itis somewhat conflicting, but there is much testimony as to its value for winter and spring grazing and for hay. It is worthy of extended trial, and by cultivation and selection it will — no doubt prove of permanent value in some localities. Thomas W. Beaty, of Conway, S. C.: The inclosed specimen is from seed planted last September, and was cut on the 9th of the following March. You will notice that it is heading out, and is just now in the right condition for mowing. It is wholly a winter grass, dying down in the latter part of April or earlyin May. It seems to me that it would bea valuable thing for the South if properly introduced and cultivated, or rather the ground properly prepared and the seed sown at the right time. It would afford the best of green pasturage for sheep or cattle all winter. We call it Gilbert’s relief grass. A. B. Langlois, Pointe a la Hache, La. : It is killed nearly to the grouud by the first frost. Only the variety angusta grows here to any extent. It is found in damp swampy places, growing with great vigor. The typical species I have seen sparingly on drier poorer lands, but it is far from being as vigorous as the variety. S. B. Wallis, Wallisville, Southeastern Texas: — I consider it our most valuable grass for winter pastures and for an early crop of hay. It grows all through the winter, is not affected by cold, and makes a heavy crop of — seed very valuable for poultry. Dr. G. Lincecum, of Texas, in an article on Southern Grasses in the Patent Office Report of 1860, p. 235, says: The Phalaris is an indigenous biennial grass, superior forhay. It comes up during the autumnal rains, and in its odor, taste, habits, and mode of throwing off radical branches it so much resembles wheat, that it requires considerable familiarity with both to distinguish them during the winter and spring months. It matures towards the first of May. === () : g () g ARRHENATHERUM AVENACEU) ayes o Plate X. CYNODON DACTYLON. 25 It is best adapted to sandy loam or underdrained swampy land, where it yields 3 or 4tons per acre at the first cutting, and about 13 tons the second. It lasts from four to six years, and is not so easily subdued by cultivation as Timothy. Dr. W. J. Beal, Agricultural College, Michigan : It is cultivated ina few places in the State, proving perfectiy hardy, and doing best on deep porous soils where it stands drought very well, yielding perhaps 3 tons peracre. It makes good pasture and lasts a long time. J. J. Dotson, Cedarton, Tex.: It is very fair for early spring pastures, and to cut for green feed when it first heads in March, but it is not liked as hay. It is too light, and the seeds fall out too easily. I have never known it cultivated. ‘Thrives only on low bottom land. Prof. D. L. Phares, of Mississippi, says: It is widely naturalized, and well adapted to a great variety of soils. On sandy and gravelly soils it succeeds admirably, growing 2to3 feet high. On rich dry upland it grows 5 to7 feet high. It has an abundance of perennial long fibrous roots, pene- trating deeply in the soil, enabling it to resist drought and cold and yield a large amount of foliage winter and summer. These advantages render it one of the very best grasses for the South, both for grazing, being evergreen, and for hay, admitting of being cut twice a year. It is proabbly the best winter grass that can be obtained. 1t will make twice as much hay as Timothy. To make good hay it must be cut as soon as it blooms, and after cut, must not be wet by dew orrain, which damages it greatly in quality and appearance. For green soiling it may be cut four or five times in favorable seasons. In from six to ten days after bloommg the seeds begin to ripen and fall, the upper ones first. It is therefore somewhat troublesome to save the seed; as soon as those at the top of the panicle ripen sufficiently to begin to drop, they should be cut and dried, when they will mature and thrash out readily. It may be sowed in March or April, and be mowed the same season; but if sown in September or October, the yield the next season will be heavier. Not less than 2 bushels (14 pounds) per acre should be sown. The annual yield of this grass in the Southern belt is probably twice as great as in Pennsylvania and the Northern States. BERMUDA GRASS, Cynodon dactylon, Pl. X. This is undoubtedly, on the whole, the most valuable grass in the South. It isa native of Southern Europe, and of all tropical countries. It is acommon pasture grass in the West Indies and the Sandwich Islands, and has long been known in the United States, but the diffi- culty of eradicating it when once established has retarded its introduc- tion into cultivation. Its value, however, is becoming more appre- ciated now that more attention is being given to grass and relatively less to cotton, and better methods and implements of cultivation are being employed. Still, it seems probable, from the reports received, that at the present time a majority of farmers would prefer not to have it on their farms. It seeds very sparingly in the United States, and as the imported seed is not always to be had, and is expensive, and often of poor quality, those who have desired to cultivate it on a large seale have seldom been able to do so. It is generally used as a lawn grass, and to hold levees or railroad embankments, and for small pastures. In some localities, however, it has spread over a considerable extent of territory. Its natural extension into new territory has been slow, owing 26 - to the nearly or entire absence of seed, but it spreads rapidly by ist aerial and subterranean rooting stems when introduced. It is usually propagated artificially by means of the sets or rooting stems. These are sometimes chopped up with a cutting knife, sown broadcast and plowed under shallow; sometimes they aré dropped a foot or two apart in shallow furrows, and covered by a plow; sometimes pieces of the sod are planted about two feet apart each way. By any of these means, a continuous sod is obtained in a few months if the soil is good and well prepared. The chief value of Bermuda is for summer pasture. It grows best in the hottest weather, and ordinary droughts affect it but little. The tops are easily killed by frosts, but the roots are quite hardy through- out the Southern States. It-is grown to some extent as far north as Vir- ginia, but in that latitude it possesses little advantage over other grasses. In Tennessee, according to Professor Killebrew, its chief value is for pasture, there being other grasses there of more value for hay. farther south, however, it is highly prized for hay. -To make the largest quantity and best quality it should be mowed several times during the season. The yield varies greatly according to soil, being generally reported at from a ton and a half to two tons per acre. Much larger yields have been reported, however, in specially favorable locali- ties, where several cuttings were made. Bermuda is more easily eradicated from sandy land than from clay, ~and on such land may be more safely introduced into a rotation. To kill it out it should be rooted up or plowed very shallow some time in December and cultivated or harrowed occasionally during the winter. If severe freezes occur most of it will be killed by spring; or if may be turned under deeply in spring and the land cultivated in some hoed crop or one which will heavily shade the ground. M. M. Martin, Comanche, Comanche County, Central Texas: Bermuda Grass grows on any kind of soil in Texas, but will not stand the tramp- ing of stock on loose sandy soil. It is hard to beat for a grazing grass, though long droughts cause it to dry up. It is not very early to start in the spring. William I’. Gill, Kerrville, Kerr County, Central Texas : It is hardy against cold, but does not spread in this dry section, barely holding its own against our long droughts. George Iichols, Longview, Gregg County, Northeastern Texas : Bermuda thrives on dry soil south of 35°. It requires no cultivation, stands droughts well, and aftords green pasture eight months in the year. It will stand three months under water and not kill out. Whittield Moore, Woodland, Red River County, Northeastern Texas: Bermuda stands droughts well, is a good fertilizer, grows well from fifteen to twenty years from one planting, then only needs plowing in spring to renew it. It is toler- ably easily subdued by shallow turning in early winter, so that it will freeze. It yields heavy crops of hay and can be mowed three times a year. Itis the finest grass I have ever seen for summer grazing, and when inclosed from stock during the sum- mer it is fine winter grazing. It will stop washing and cause low wet land te fill up and become dry. 27 E. W. Jones, Buena Vista, Miss. : Bermuda has been a great terror to planters until recently. If plowed shallow late in the fall, and allowed to freeze during winter, there is no trouble to cultivate a crop the next season. The ground becomes perfectly mellow, and though the grass is not dead, it does but little injury to the crop. Dr. B. H. Brodnax, Brodnax, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana: There are no cultivated grasses in this parish. Bermuda, which was a “ fashionable craze” thirty years ago, has ruined several of the finest and largest plantations in the parish, rendering them unfit for cultivation. This is the only attempt at the cultivation of grasses here that I know of. G. A. Frierson, Frierson’s Mill, De Soto Parish, Louisiana: In my opinion this is the most valuable grass in the world, either for pasture or meadow, and the Southern stock-raiser has little need of any other if he understands how to use this. S. W. Sylvester, Washington, Saint Landry Parish, Louisiana : Bermuda Grass is largely cultivated here. It is scarcely affected by a drought of three weeks, and anything less than that does not affect it at all. It will grow on any soil, but is best suited to sandy loam. I have a pasture of 8 acres on clay soil, two-thirds of which is set in Bermuda, and from March to December I keep upon it from 10 to 12 calves, 7 to 10 hogs, several ponies, and now and then from 3 to 5 steers and heifers in addition. It is the best pasture plant I know of. Land set in Bermuda for pasture should be thoroughly plowed, harrowed, and rolled once in five years. An ordinary yield of hay is 13 tons per acre ina season. Bermuda is very difficult to subdue, but can be destroyed by close cultivation during several years. KE. Taylor, Pope’s Ferry, Ga.: Nothing kills it except severe freezing. It is the best of all grasses, and thrives on any soil, but best on clay. It furnishes good pasture from May until the middle of November. For winter grazing Bur Clover is taking its place. The yield of hay is about 2 tons per acre. It will reclaim the poorest lands, and is not very cimicult to subdue. It ripens seeds in this State sparingly. R. J. Redding, Atlanta, Ga. : Introduced here from Bermuda more than fifty years ago. Many fields in Middle Georgia are overrun withit. It was long considered a troublesome grass, because of its spreading propensity and the difficulty of eradicating it; but farmers are now earning to appreciateits value. It will root out most other grasses (not Japan clover, however). Itis the best summer grass we have; is half hardy against cold, but makes no growth in winter, the surface and underground stems remaining alive and putting out in March. Itis liable to be killed out in the extreme northern part of Georgia by very hard freezes. It never produces seed in this State, or only occasionally a head, but does well from imported seed. J. B. Wade, Edgewood, De Kalb County, Northern Georgia: This is about the most northern limit at which Bermuda Grass grows in this State. It is beginning to be highly appreciated both for grazing and for hay. It stands drought well, keeping green from May until November. It makes good hay, and can be cut two or three times a year, producing on an average 24 tons of hay per acre. While this is the most northern limit of Bermuda Grass, it is also the most southern limit of Blue Grass. The two growiug together on the same land produce a most per- fect pasture, as the Blue Grass is green nearly all the fall, winter, and spring months, while during the heat of summer, which prevents the growth of the Blue Grass, the Bermuda flourishes. ‘The two together in good strong soil make a perfect pasture, good all the year round. Sst SS ee —_ = Sears® 28 Mrs. J. A. Blanchard, Umatilla, Orange County, Central Florida: Bermuda Grass makes a permanent pasture after it is once rooted. A close sod can be made in two or three months for yard or lawn by, setting plants 10 or 12 inches apart each way inthe spring. It bears the lawn-mower well, growing under repeated cuttings like a piece of green plush. It requires constant care, however, to keep its roots from growing outside of its appointed bounds, and it is injurious if grown where trees or shrubs are cultivated. James ©. Neal, M.D., Archer, Alachua County, Northern Florida: It isabout the only lawn grass we have, but is easily killed by heat in pine or sandy lands, and the leaves are killed by cold anywhere. It is best grown on clay lands, but unless fertilized it grows slowly and is of little value. J. M. McBryde, professor of Botany, See and Mechanical College, Columbia, 8. C.: Bermuda Grass has been known here from the beginning of the century. It is widely distributed, and is being more and more cultivated. It covers barren fields and hillsides, does well in all soils, and grows luxuriantly in dry weather. On allu- vial soils it affords heavy yields of excellent hay, producing 4 tons during the season at two orthree cuttings. On high lands it grows short, but furnishes good pasturage. It is reported to ripen seed in Southern Georgia. I have tested this seed in wet sand, blotting paper, sprouting apparatus, &c., and found its vitality very low, not 10 per cent. germinating. Hence I believe the seeds to mature imperfectly in our section. Daniel Griswold, Westminster, Los Angeles County, California : Bermuéa Grass ripens seed here, but I would not undertake to gather it for $5 a pound. It does not grow more than 5 or 6 inches high. It has three prongs on the tep, with six or eight very small seeds on a prong, and the seeds fall before you hardly know they are ripe. We propagate it by dividing the roots. It is not much raised here; would do better where it rains in summer. W. A. Sanders, Sanders, Fresno County, Central California: Bermuda Grass is excellent, but usually not very productive. It is good for ponds that dry up in autumn, where it leaves a massive growth for feed. Prot. Marcus KH. Jones, Salt Lake City, Utah: It is cultivated here to a small-extent, and withstands cold, but not our droughts very well. It prefers loam, but will grow in sandy soil. Prof. 8S. M. Tracy, Agricultural College, Columbia, Mo.: It has been in cultivation near Saint Louis, in one locality only, for many years. It barely survives the winter and would doubtless be destroyed by pasturing. I have noticed it very carefully about New Orleans, where it is by far the most valuable per- manent pasture grass, and is thoroughly naturalized if not anative. It is almost the only grass grown there for winter pasture or for lawns. It stands drought well and grows anywhere except on very wet ground. It can be subdued by one year of thor- ough cultivation. Prof. W. J. Beal, Agricultural College, Michigan : It more than holds its own here, but starts very late. It is possibly worth an ex- tended trial. Prof. J. B. Killebrew, in “The Grasses of Tennessee,” says: Occasionally the traveler meets with patches of Bermuda Grass in the cotton fields of the South, where it is carefully avoided by the planter, any disturbance giving new start to its vigorous roots. Some ditch around it, others inclose it and let shrub- bery do the work of destruction. It forms a sward so tough that it is almost im- 29 possible for a plow to pass through it. It will throw its runners over a rock six feet across and hide it from view, or it will run down the sides of the deepest gully and stop its washing. It does not, however, endure shade, and in order to obtain a good stand, the weeds must be mown from it the first year. It would be a good grass to mix with Blue Grass, as when it disappears in winter the Blue Grass and White Clover would spring up to keep the ground in a constant state of verdue. This experiment has been tried with eminent success. It grows luxuriantly on the top of Lookout Mountain, having been set there many years ago. This mountain is 2,200 feet high, and has, of course, excessively cold winters. Mr. Affleck, in a letter published in the work above mentioned, Says: “The time is not far distant when all the rough feed consumed on plantations will be made of this grass, and when the planter will consider his hay crop of more im- portance than his sugar or cotton. No other grass will yield such an amount of valuable hay, surpass it in nutritious qualities, or support on an acre of pasture such an amount of stock. Its extirpation, however, when once established, is almost im- possble, though to check or weaken it so far as to grow a grain or cotton crop is easy enough. To do this, pursue the course of the best farmers of Kentucky in their management of Blue-grass sod: With a good breaking plow, having a wheel and coulter, and a stout team, turn over evenly and nicely a sod 4 inches thick and as wide as the plow and horses are capable of, following in the same furrow with an other plow, which casts the dirt well, and throws out as much of the fresh earth on _top of the sod as possble, or the depth of the soil willadmit. The crop that follows can be easily tended without disturbing the sod, the gradual decay of which will greatly benefit the crop. The crop should be a shadiug one if possible, such as corn, or peas, or pumpkins, or winter oats followed by peas. To the careful, judicious farmer, who wishes to improve his land and his stock, and who does not expect to grow anything without trouble, and who uses good plows and keeps a stout team, and that in prime order, we earnestly recommend to try an acre of this grass in a situation where it cannot readily spread. To the careless farmer we say, touch it not. In addition, the following brief points are given from various replies, showing the appreciation in which this grass is held. The State is in- serted when material to the evidence: ‘Not wanted” (California); ‘* Not good for calves;” ‘Too late in spring” (Texas); ‘Best on sandy bottoms” (Mississippi); ‘‘ Killed by shade ;” “Best on uplands” (Arkansas); ‘Seeds here” (California); ‘Only effigies of seed” (Georgia); ‘‘ Best grass in the world but regarded as a curse” (Alabama); ‘Little here outside of towns” (Texas); ‘Of no use” (Lilinois); ‘* Common in damp places” (California) ; ‘‘ Too long to get a start;” ‘ Especially good for sheep ;” ‘Total failure” (Kansas); ‘Tried it, but failed,” (New Mexico); ‘‘Our only summer pasture” (Texas); ‘‘ Our greatest blessing ” (Louisiana); ‘Our seed comes from Cuba;” ‘“ Prejudice giving way;” ‘Growing in favor;” “ Don’t do well” (California); *‘ Known only in one locality” (Connecticut); “A humbug except in bottom lands” (Florida); ‘‘ Red-clay uplands best” (North Carolina); ‘ Best on light soils” (Virginia); ‘ Largely cut for hay on the coast” (Georgia) ; ‘“‘ Have planted 400 acres of it ” (Louisiana); ‘ Called wire-grass ;” ‘‘Stops washes;” ‘ Our best pasture” (Virginia) ; ‘The more it is plowed the more it spreads.” 50 Texas BLUE Grass, Poa arachnifera, Py xe This grass was first described by Dr. John Torrey, in the uso of Captain Marcy’s exploration of the Kked River of Louisiana, as having been found in 1852 on the headwaters of the Trinity in Northern Texas, and named Poa arachnifera from the profusion of webby hairs growing about the flowers. This feature is variable, however, probably depend- ing somewhat on the amount of shade or exposure to which the grass is subject. The seeds, besides being very small, are especially difficult to sow from their clinging together by meaus of this lint er covering of webby hairs. There has been considerable complaint of the failure of the seed to grow, though some have grown it successfully. The grass is propagated with less care by means of the sets or fragments of the subterranean stems, and so long as the seed remains at its present high price this will often be found the most satisfactory way of getting a start. The time and methods of planting the seeds and sets are given in the subjoined extracts from correspondents. Texas Blue Grass, though still but little known, promises to become ~ the best winter grass throughout the South, wherever there is good soil and a fair degree of rainfall. It has been too little tried at the North for any satisfactory estimate to be formed of its value there. In Kan- sas it has been grown successfully for several years. A plat of it planted on the grounds of the Department last spring has stood the winter and is now (March 1) about 3 inches high, and looking as well as any of the grasses on trial. The plat was grown from the sets. Seeds sown at the same time failed to grow. Small quantities of the seed will be sent out for trial this season from the Department. Several parties in Texas and Alabama have seeds and sets for sale, but they have not yet become general articles of trade. W. C. Lipscomb, Crockett, Tex.: Texas Blue Grass is cultivated here on a limited and mostly experimental seale. lt has proved to be hardy, and to stand drought exceptionally well. I6 prefers ele- vated, rich sandy soil. The only obstacle I see in the way of its propagation is the difficulty of sowing the seeds, which cling together, owing toa lint surrounding them. Any invention or process overcoming this difficulty would be of great value to us in the future. James Perry, Whitesborough, Northeastern Texas: It seems to have sprung up here in the last few years by chance, and is being propa- gated as fast as seed can be found. It furnishes good early grazing, but is of no value after July, though it comes from the root again when the fall rains setin. I have had it on the same ground for ten years. It is about as easily subdued by cultivation as Kentucky Blue Grass. : S. W. Weaver, Simpson, Shelby County, Bastern Texas: I have had four years’ experience with the Texas Blue Grass. The older the sod the thicker and better it is. Itis almost worthless until about the fourth year. The people are taking hold of it here in good earnest. Plate XI. Wi N\ ZZ ae WEA Lo GEEZ E gE { = J Z = — SS WZ ae = ~ EZ on A = = See = = ny == ~ EEE S = Z SEZ = SSS SS / E >" ™ S—= SS S Sea VSS POA ARACHNIFERA. ie 31 George H. Hogan, of Ennis, Tex., who first siggested the nameé Texas Blue Grass, gave an account of it in the report for 1881-82, and now adds: Of all the grasses indigenous to our country the Poa arachnifera stands first as a winter grass. I have been trying it for elevea years, and each year am more con- vinced of its merits. I consider it better than Poa pratensis (Kentucky Blue Grass) for any locality. C. B. Richardson, Henderson, Rusk County, Texas, gives an account of this grass in the Agricultural Report for 1881-82, and in a letter to the Commissioner, December 23, 1885, adds: | The seeds are very light and troublesome to plant. Plant them about the 20th of February, as you would beets or fine garden vegetable seeds, in rows about 20 inches apart, and keep down the weeds and grass the first summer. The next fall and win- ter the plants will meet in the rows and occupy the whole ground. I prefer, how- ever, to propagate from sets. Plant them in the fall or any time up to February 20. First plow the ground, then with a narrow shovel lay off the rows 24 feet apart, and plant the sets 10 inches apart in the row, as you do cabbage plants or sweet potato slips. The seeds blow away quickly after getting ripe, and are difficult to gather without wasting. They have to be stripped from the stems by hand. Prof. i. M. Shelton, Manhattan, Kans., in the Industrialist of Jan- uary 22, 1887: Texas Blue Grass, in color and leaf, resemblesits near relative Kentucky Blue Grass, but is of greatly more robust and vigorous habit. Its blades are much wider and longer than those of Kentucky Blue Grass, and it seems to possess much more vitality. At this writing, January 20, when all of our other varieties of tame grasses and clovers are perfectly sere and lifeless, Texas Blue Grass is full of green shoots, while the base of nearly every blade is of the same lively color. Texas Blue Grass has other quulities, however, which make it especially valuable to Kansas. Iam confident that our longest, driest and hottest summer cannot injure it, and the fact that it has passed uninjured through the last three winters is a suffi- cient answer to the question of its capacity for withstanding cold weather. Moreover, this grass makes nearly or-quite as firm and consistent a scd as the com- mon Blue Grass, from which its suitableness for lawns may be inferred. Herbert Post, Selma, Ala., January, 1885: Thisremarkable winter grass, while it has been known for many years in Texas, has only been propagated here for two or three years. It goes to seed here usually by the middle of April. It promises to become as valuable for winter grazing as Ken- tucky Blue Grass is for summer. Its roots penetrate four or five times as deep as the Kentucky Blue Grass, and being perennial, when once established it lasts indefinitely, but can be as readily exterminated as any grass. Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. : Within the last two years this grass has been introduced into this section, and cul- tivated by a few farmers on a small scale. It has proved perfectly hardy during the last and the present winter, without receiving the slightest injury by frost, keeping fresh and green, and continuing its growth throughout the winter season. It ripens its seed here in June, after which the stems and foliage wither and dry up. From June until the close of the hot months of summer its vegetation slumbers. With the beginniug of the cooler season, the roots throw out new shoots, and the foliage begins to grow vigorously. The period of rest during the hottest part of the season insures a perfect immunity from the effects of drought. The plant is propagated by its . stolons, and after the second season forms a perfectly compact turf. It seems to re- quire a rich, loamy, somewhat caicareous, soil. ~ 52 Carlos Reese, sr., Marion, Ala. : I have grown Texas Blue Grass for six years. It will grow on any fertile soil from sand to clay. It will stand the greatest drought and any degree of cold without in- jury. Itis the first grass] have had that I could recommend as a winter grass that would not die out insummer. The seed should be planted as you would orchard or Kentucky Blue Grass, and at any time in the fall or spring that would do to sow either of these grasses. From early fall until the first of May will do to plant the sets; I prefer, however, to plant both seeds and sets early in the fall, as then they have fully six months to grow and get ahead of cther vegetation. John A. Cobb, in Georgia Farmer: Experiment made in Georgia and Alabama sho w that it is well adapted to this sec- tion. December 1, 1884, I planted Texas Blue Grass, one set in a place, 8 inches by 1 foot, ona strip of ground 12 by 100 feet. May, 1885, I sa ved seed enough from it to sow l acre. The grass had formed a mat over the entire space. December, 1885, I took up the roots from all except a piece 12 by 15 feet, and with them set out over an acre. In May, 1886, I gathered seed enough to sow between 15 and 20 acres. The land was well fertilized, and would make at least one bale of cotton per acre. On thinner land the increase of course would beslower. The seed ripens in May, and as the principal growth is from the first fall rains until May, the seed or sets should be put in as soon after September 1 as possible. W. P. Horne, in Florida Agriculturist: FS aes a After giving this grass a fair trial for two years, I am ready to say that Texas Blue Grass is a perfect success in Baker County as a grass for grazing purposes in the win- {i ter months; but it will not do so well for makiug hay, as it does not grow tail enough for mowing. Ihave a lot 40 or 50 yards square, and have kept two calves and one colt on it most of the winter. Whenever they have eaten it down I have taken them out for a few days and then turned them in again. They have eaten it down five or six times during the winter, aud in a week’s time it has grown up 4 or 5 inches high. It does not grow much during summer, but nothing will choke it out if the land is rich, and inthe fall it will come up and make the best of winter pasture. io RESCUE GRASS, Bromus wnioloides, Pl. XII. This grass has also been known as Bromus Schraderi, Bromus Will- denovii, Ceratochloa unioloides, Festuca unioloides, Schrader’s Brome Grass, Australian Oats, Australian Prairie Grass, We. It is an annual, winter grass, native of North and South America, and better known in Texas than any other part of the United States. It was early introduced into Australia, from whence it has been brought to England and the United States under the name of Australian oats and Australian prairie grass. It is closely related to chess (Bromus secalinus), but as it is only adapted to mild climates, where it makes its growth during the cool portion of the year, it is not likely to become troublesome in grain. It produces a large amount of foliage, which though not of the best quality, is eaten readily by stock in the absence of other green feed. If sown in the fall, at a favorable time for ger- mination, it will furnish pasture during winter and spring. It ripens its seed in May in most of the region from Texas to the Carolinas. It seems to withstand drought fairly well, but escapes the worst period of summer drought by ripening early in the season. A fall or winter = i o s (ely BROMUS UNIOLOIDES. | 30 drought, however, is liable to prevent the seed from germinating. The seed is sold in the markets, but only a few farmers cultivate it, though itis generally spoken of favorably by those in the South who have tried it. Leonard A. Hiel, San Antonio, Texas: An annual self seeding grass, that is spontaneous, and spreading rapidly in this sec- tion, but is not to be depended on as a winter feed, owing to the uncertainty of our seasons. Last fall and the fall before it was dry here, and not a spear of this grass grew until late in the winter. At this date, January 14, no Rescue Grass has yet appeared, but as soon as there is rain it will spring up all over the country and flourish until May. After dropping its seed it disappears until the fall or winter rains call it again into life. It is considered quite nutritious, but stock are not very fond of it, as it is somewhat bitter, but they eat it for the lack of other food. It is a persistent seeder, and will flourish in the densest Bermuda Grass sod, disappearing, and in no way inter- fering, when that grass begins to grow. William F. Gill, Kerrville, Kerr County, Central Texas: It is a native here, not cultivated, as it comes without cultivation. It is hardy, and being a winter grass is not affected by drought, except that in a dry fall it does not germinate. It will grow anywhere. I donot know its yield of hay, but about the same as a good stand of oats. It does not interfere with cultivation. Itis an annual, but may be depended on to reseed itself. I have seen it around and in the corrals at my ranch form a seed-pod when there would be only a blade or two of grass, and the dirt would have to be scraped away to see the seed-spike ; and again, when not pastured or tramped down, I have seen its culms two feet high. James A. Stevens, Burnett, Burnett County, Central Texas: Grown to some extent,and valued asa good spring grass, but easily killed by dronght. It is also used for ornamenting yards. Stock delight to eat it, it being suc- culent and tender. It grows here a foot or more high, but dies out on the approach of summer. Henry B. Richards, La Grange, Fayette County, Central Texas: A grass called by this name comes up in our fields and pastures in November, grows all winter, stools out like oats, and where not pastured after March ripens its seed the last of April or the first of May. It is a perfect God-send to us here for a winter and early spring pasture. I do not know of any one ever having gathered the seed and attempted its cultivation. C. W. Dame, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Northern Texas: Bromus unioloides is regarded very favorably as a spring grass. Soon after the cold weather disappears a dense growth of it covers the prairies everywhere within a mile or two of the city, and is ready for grazing before any other grass. It dies in May, and it is said that if the season be favorable, it will start up again in the fall and afford grazing during the winter. Accordingto my experience not much grass retains its verdure here during the cold season. The growth of this grass is confined to the vicinity of towns and old settlements. Professor Phares, of the Mississippi Aomenlonral College, says of this grass: Tt is an annual winter grass, but varies in the time of starting into growth. Ihave seen it ready for mowing the first of October and furnish frequent cuttings until April. Again, it may not start until January, nor be ready to cut until February. The time of starting depends upon the moisture and depression of temperature of the fall, the seeds germinating only at alow temperature. When once started its growth 20265—No. 3~--3 34 | after the successive cuttings or grazings is very rapid. It is tender, very sweet, and | 1H stock eat it greedily. It produces an immense quantity of leaves and makes good |} hay. On loose soil some of it may be pulled up by animals Brazing upon it. J. B. Darthit, Denver, S. C.: This is an excellent grass for an early spring’ pasture, coming in during February and lasting until May. It can be grazed until the 10th or 15th of April, and will then reseed itself, the seed ripening in May. The land may then be planted in any summer crop, and the next spring the Rescue Grass will be there again. Prof. J. M. McBryde, Agricultural and Mechanical College, Columbia, Sy ge Bromus unioloides is widely established here, growing abundantly along roadsides and fence-rows, and cultivated to some extent. It is remarkable for its earliness. I have noticed it fully headed out early in March. It matures so early as to be out ot the reach of droughts. It prefers strong soilsand attains only a moderate growth in our sands. It is valuable for early pasture; no yields of hay are reported. Stock do not relish it when old. It can be easily subdued. Se ee ee ee eee ae | ee ee oe ae Se M. J. Sutton, of England, in his valuable work on “ Permanent and Temporary Pastures,” says: a et ae ee ne It is not strictly perennial, and there is a prejudice against it because of the harsh- ness of its foliage; still, it is a valuable forage plant. From the sweetness of its taste and the readiness with which it is eaten by stock, there can be little doubé that it is highly nutritious. It is one of the earliest grasses to start in a temporary pasture, Me and I strongly urge its inclusion in mixtures for two or three years’ lay, which are mainly to be fed off. In warm moist seasons, especially, its usefulness will be mani- fested. It grows so strong as to crowd out weeds. It feeds on the surface and will thrive on the thinnest soil. It has not been sufficiently cultivated in England. a Mr. William Saunders, superintendent of the gardens and grounds of | the Department of Agriculture, in his Report for 1869, page 99, said: aie ! Tig: TE es am + S TR a This plant has lately been brought into prominent notice on the continent of Europe andin Great Britain as likely to supersede tae Italian Rye Grass for soiling and for irri- gated meadows. Although it produces a great amount of foliage it is neither so early nor so fine as the Rye Grass. The seeds are nearly as large as oats and yield heavily, but the ripening of the seeds entirely stops the growth until the stems are cut. Frequent mowing or constant grazing is necessary to reap the best results from this species. When young all kinds of stock eat it freely. OTHER FORAGE PLANTS. ALFILARIA, Hrodium cicutarium, Pl. XIII. This annual, supposed to have been introduced from Europe, does not seem to be mentioned in any work on forage plants. It occurs abundantly, and is of much value for pasture, over a large extent of territory in Northern California and adjoining regions. Elsewhere in the United States it is sparingly introduced and usually regarded only as a weed, though it is not very troublesome. Besides the above name it is known as Storksbill, Pin-clover, Pin-grass, and Filaree. It is neither a grass nor a clover, but belongs to the Geranium family. It Plate XIII. MQ sel 3D starts very early, grows rapidly, furnishing good eariy pasture, and ripens seed before the hottest weather. It is of little value as hay, and is not worth introducing where the ordinary forage plants can be grown. The seed is seldom sown, but the plant comes spontaneously each year from self-sown seed. A few have begun its artificial propagation, and it is undoubtedly worthy of introduction into other regions in the South and West having prolonged droughts. It is hardy at the North, but makes a much smaller growth there. Brewer and Watson, in The Botany of California, say in regard to it: Very common throughout the State, extending to British Columbia, New Mexico, and Mexico; also widely distributed in South America and the Eastern Continent. It has generally been considered an introduced species, but it is more decidedly and widely at home throughout the interior than any other introduced plant, and accord- ing to much testimony it was as common throughout California early in the present century asnow. It is popularly known as Aljilaria, or less commonly as Pin-clover and Pin-grass, and is a valuable and nutritious forage plant, reputed to impart an ex- cellent flavor to milk and butter. Prof. ki. W. Hilgard, in an article on the Agriculture and Soils of Cali- fornia, in the Report of the Department of Agriculture for 1878, page 488, says: Two species of Cranes’-bill (Zrodium cicutarium and moschatum) are even more com- mon here than in Southern Europe, and the first named is esteemed as one of the most important natural pasture plants, being about the only green thing available to stock throughout the dry season, and eagerly cropped by them at all times. Its Spanish name of Alfilerilla (signifying a pin, and now frequently translated into ‘‘ pin-weed ” ) shows that it is an old ci izen, even if possibly a naturalized one. Otanes F. Wright, Temescal, San Bernardino County, California : Alfilaria grows plentifully and is native here. Itis the best grass that we have during the wet season while green, but does not amount to much when dry, for it shrinks much in drying, and when dry breaks easily into very fine bits, almost to dust. Alfilaria and Bur-clover nearly always grow together on the same land; cold weather never kills either of them. Stock pick for the Alfilaria while growing (from January to June); but after it dies they hunt for the clover burs which are on the ground, and in their efforts to get the burs they roll the old dry stems into rolls some- times as big as winrows of hay. Bur-clover and Filaria (Alfilaria) grow on high land, and die when dry weather comes. I do not know but they might be kept green all the year if kept wet. They are about the only plants which grow on the high land that stock will eat. Our need is a grass that will grow on the high land all the year as Alfalfa does on the Jow lands. As nine-tenths of our land is dry land, you can see the extent of our needs. Daniel Griswold, Westminster, Los Angeles County, California : I think Alfilaria would be a good thing to raise in the Southern States, but it will be a rather bard seed to gather, though not so hard as Bermuda grass. It produces a small-jointed seed, with a beard or curl attached. Butte or Colusa County would be the best place to obtain the seed. The plant is native here. It is never cultivated, but comes up of itself whenever there is rain enough. It grows everywhere (except in swamps), in damp land, on the driest land, and en the tops of hills up to the snow- line, BP RTS « epg, J6 It has a root that runs straight downward, and it has to be very dry to prevent it making seed. On damp rich land it grows large enough to make a good swath of hay. On poor or dry land it is small and dries up, but even in its dry state stock eat it clean and are very fond of it. C. Rk. Orcutt, San Diego, Cal. : Lrodium cicutarium and Erodium moschatum (about equally used), grow abundantly in Southern California and through Northern Lower California, sometimes attaining a height of 2 feet or more. They grow on dry lands, but only in wet years, or where there is abundant rainfall do they attain any size. QO. F. Thornton, Phcenix, Maricopa County, Arizona: | It is not cultivated, but is rapidly spreading on the dry ranges (i. e., valleys and mountain sides), and is one of the very best wild grasses either green or dry. J. C. Tiffany, San Marcial, Socorro County, New Mexico: There is very little in this county ; what there is here has been brought in the wool of sheep from California. It grows well on uplands or low, and is spreading rapidly. It is excellent feed—one of the very best. I am trying to get alarge quantity of the seed to sow on my ranges. Can you inform me how it may be obtained? I would scatter it in localities over 20,000 acres if I could get the seed at a reasonable cost. Dr. A. Gattinger, Nashviile, Tenn. : It is not known here, but I have seen it in Germany. It is a vile weed, and ought not to be introduced into cultivation. J cannot understand how such a thivg can be seriously spoken of when so many realiy good native plants are tota¥y ignored. ALFALFA, Medicago sativa, Pl. XIV. This plant is called Lucerne, Medick, Spanish Trefoil, French Clover Brazilian Clover, and Chilian Clover. It is not a true Clover, though belonging to the same natural family as the clovers. Alfalfa, the name by which it is commonly known in this country, is the Spanish name, which came into use here from the fact that the plant was introduced into cultivation in California from South America under the name of Al- falfa or Brazilian Clover. The plant had previously been introduced into the Eastern and Southern States, but attracted little attention until its remarkable success in California. In Europe it is generally known as Lucerne, probably from the canton of Lucerne, in Switzer- land, where it was largely cultivated at an early day. It has been known in cultivation from very ancient times, and was introduced from Western Asia into Greece about 500 B.C. It is now largely grown in Southern France, and to a considerable extent in other parts of Europe. It has been introduced into several of the countries of South America, and on the pampas of Buenos Ayres it has escaped from cultivation and grows extensively in a wild state. Though known for a long time in the United States, Alfalfa is not yet cultivated to the extent that it should be. | In the Southern States east of the Mississippi it is especially desir- able that its merits should be better known. The climate of that sec- tion is nearly as favorable to its growth as that of Southern California, but much of its soil less suitable, hence reports from different localities vary somewhat as to its value. Ay pf L) ps h 1} i o/), [iv yl J \\ y } i] LA} IAN M7, WN y y, \, ANN hy fs WW YUP Z Vs WY LA \. W Wy i) | : RON), \ Cue Wii, QO) A: , eS \ Aa WZ LA y V) , CO \, £ \ \WHEZ i) = hs yy Vaal het 4 j ff Y Y\\\ yy WNW A { MEDICAGO SATIVA. (" e 37 CLIMATE. Alfalfa is less hardy than red clover and is adapted to a milder cli- mate; still it has stood the winters safely as far north as Vermont, New York, and Michigan, though farther west, where less protected by snow, it winter-kills more or less even as far south as Texas. 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