THE MONTHLY BULLETIN, 



259 



SUDAN GRASS. 



By O. W. Newman. 



A now forage crop, called Sudan grass, has recently been introduced 

 into the United States. The recommendation for its introduction has 

 come as a result of tests made by the United States Department of 

 Agriculture, which obtained the plant from Sudan, Africa, in ]\Iarch, 

 1909. 



These tests were begun with the idea of finding a forage plant with 

 the finalities of Johnson grass, but lacking the underground roiotstocks. 



Fig. 57. — The seeds of Johnson Grass and Sudan 

 Grass. (Original.) 



Sudan grass proved to be much superior to Johnson grass in every way. 

 It is not so tough, more prolific, stools more freely, is more succulent 

 and has the added advantage of being an annual with no tendency 

 toward the development of rootstocks. The follo\^^ng description, 

 contrasting its appearance with that of Johnson grass, is given by 

 H. N. Vinall, United States Department of Agriculture, Farmers' 

 Bulletin 605 : 



"Sudan grass when seeded broadcast or in drills averages about 

 3 to 5 feet in height and has stems a little smaller than a lead 



