18 



over that small spot for experimentation; it was cleared of brush 

 and the past year's growth of weeds, the surface broken with an iron- 

 tooth harrow, and the soil about the roots loosened. By March 1 there 

 was a splendid growth of grass that kept at least two weeks ahead of 

 any other variety. During June a heavy crop, well headed out and ripe, 

 was cut. A month later a second growth of this wild rye was ready to 

 be cut, and bundles that measured from 20 to 30 inches in length were 

 secured. Later a third crop was cut from the same plot, measuring 15 

 inches in length, that, when cut, was as green as in springtime, not- 

 withstanding the fact that since October 26 tliere have been several 

 freezes. During the long, hot, dry spell from early in July to late in 

 October the wild rye grass gave little evidence of injury from the 

 drought and was about the only grass in this section that continued 

 green. There is no better native hay grass in this section. Stockmen 

 and farmers in all parts of Texas are recommended to secure seeds of 

 wild rye and cultivate the grass for both hay and pasturage. A 

 l^astnre of 100 acres of it as it is now growing near the station would 

 furnish abundant, rich pasturage for from 30 to 40 head of cows, after 

 having produced two crops of hay during the year. 



MEADOW FESCUE. 



{Fesluca pratensis. ) 



Only one planting was made (November 15), affording a fair stand, 

 and the grass lived through the summer, but by September 1 was to 

 all appearances dead. The roots are still alive, but have made little or 

 no autumn growth. 



GRAPEVINE MESQUITE. 



(Panicum ohinsum.) 



The sowings of this grass were made March 17 and April 10. Every 

 seed must have germinated, as splendid stands were secured. The 

 seeds were saved by me in 1898. The grass is native to this sec- 

 tion of Texas and grows in most of the counties of central Texas. It 

 seems to prefer low, moist ground, but frequently grows luxuriantly 

 on high ground. Both of the plots in the station garden this year 

 were on high land. It has long, creeping, jointed stems that root 

 wherever they touch the ground. The leafage is rather scanty and 

 harsh. The seed is produced abundantly and clings to the stems far 

 into the autumn. The native growth in this section is from 18 to 24 

 inches in height. Two bales of the cured hay were secured. Stock 

 seem to relish it. None of the grasses grown this year in the station 

 garden resisted the drought more successfully. One plot planted to it 

 was not cut this year and is now covered with the grass, dried up of 

 course, but the roots are alive. It is well worth cultivation for pasture 

 as well as hay. 



