34 



has ceased. As a whole, the Jnsfi(i«s are more nearly worthless in the South than 

 any other group of grasses, though none of them become troublesome weeds. 



Purple-Top {AntJuvnanlia rufu). — Perennial, from astout rootstock; stems usually 

 single, 2 to 3 feet tall; root leaves abundant, long, narrow and smooth, stem leaves 

 few and short; panicle compact, 3 to 5 inches long; spikelets very hairy and usually 

 bright purple. 



Common on the pine barrens of the coast region, although nowhere making a dense 

 growth. It is eaten well, even when quite mature, and it is an important element in 

 the natural jiasture. There is another species {A. villosa) which is found on damp 



soils. The root leaves are short 

 and few, lying flat on the ground, 

 so that it has little grazing value. 

 Redtop {Afirostis alha). — This 

 grass is found in nearly all parts 

 of the United States and presents 

 many forms by some regarded as 

 distinct species. Its greatest 

 value in the Gulf States is as a 

 pasture plant for damp soils. For 

 this purpose the form having 

 long, underground rootstocks 

 {Ayrostis utoJonifera) is the best, 

 as it is least injured by tramp- 

 ling. It does best on a soil which 

 is rich and moist, but will grow 

 fairly well on a dry clay soil, al- 

 though not on dry sand. It bears 

 continued overflows without in- 

 jury, even when covered by water 

 two or three weeks, and on most 

 soils is more persistent and pro- 

 ductive than Kentucky blue 

 grass. It is one of the best grasses 

 for winter and early spring graz- 

 ing, and should be used on the 

 damp places in every i^astnre. It 

 makes a moderate yield of fair 

 hay and isespecially A'aluable for 

 mixing with orchard grass, alsike 

 clover, and other moisture-loving 

 sorts. It makes but little show 

 the lirst season after seeding, but 

 becomes stronger and more dense 

 with age, and holds its plai'C well 

 against other grasses and weeds. 

 In seeding, one bushel \mv acre 

 should be used, and to that it is 

 well to add half a bushel of perennial rye-grass, which will occupy the ground the 

 first year, but will disappear as the redtop becomes stronger. 



Rescue Grass { livomun iniioloides) (lig. 9). — Annual or perennial; stems single or 

 ill small tufts, creet, not l)ranched, 2 to 4 feet high; leaves numerous, long, tender; 

 panicle large, loose, and spreading, spikelets drooping. 



This is apparently a native of the southwestern part of the United States, and was . 

 one of the first of the native grasses to bo brought into cultivntion. It is known as 

 Australian oats, Australian brome, Arctic grass, and Schrader's brome. Although 

 usually ail ;iniiiial, repeated cuttings or persistent grazing will prevent seed-bearing, 

 and so enable the plant to live several years. It grows best on a rich, loamy soil, and 



J} J s^ 0/ 



Fig. 9. — Rescue grass {Broinus unioloides). 



