18 



than Kentucky blue grass; but if this be regarded as a fault, it is fully 

 counterbalanced by its superior turf-forming habit. When a lawn is 

 desired within a short space of time and a small portion of turf Is 

 accessible, it may be carefully cut and divided into pieces i! or 8 inches 

 square, and transplanted about 6 to 8 inches apart. If the soil has been 

 properly prepared, the grass will spread entirely over the whole surface 

 in less than three months, and make a more certain and satisfactory lawn 

 than can be obtained by seeding. 



When seed is used, it may be sown from the middle of March to the 

 middle of April, when it will produce an excellent turf by September, 

 providing the soil has been well prepared. Seed may also be sown in 

 the fall, but it must be done early enough to secure a good strong 

 growth before winter sets in. Twenty pounds of seed per 100 feet 

 square or 3 bushels per acre is recommended for the best results. 

 In the far South and Southwest, creeping bent can not be successfully 

 grown. 



Thirty -four experimenters have been supplied with trial packages 

 by this Division since 1896, 9 of whom have complied with the request 

 for a report. In 3 cases the seed germinated well, but was killed out 

 by long-protracted drought, while in the other cases the seed failed to 

 germinate. 



"Iff. B." SORGHTJM (Andropogon sorgliuin vulgaris).' 



This variety of sorghum was originated by Miss Mary Best, of 

 Medicine Lodge, Kans.; hence the name "M. B." Sorghum. A con- 

 siderable quantity of seed was sent by her to the Department, and a 

 portion of it was distributed by this Division as follows: To 3 experi- 

 menters in Florida, 6 in Georgia, 2 in Mississippi, 2 in Nebraska, 2 in 

 South Dakota, 1 in Texas, and 1 in Virginia. Eleven out of the 17 receiv- 

 ing the seed sent in reports, of which the following are representative: 



Mr. Philip D. Cory, Keller, Bryan County, Ga. : 



This plant impresses me favorably. It is earlier than Orange and is a more 

 vigorous grower. I regret that circumstances have prevented me from making a 

 sirup test. Our stock — horses, cattle, hogs are unequivocal in their commendation 

 of it as a forage plant. 



Mr. A. T. George, Cuthbert, Randolph County, Ga. : 



It is very fine; nothing better. As it grows very quickly, its value cannot be 

 excelled. There is nothing better either to feed green or to cure and feed dry. It 

 makes more forage to the acre than anything else we sow, and is excellent for all 

 kinds of stock. 



Mr. J. L. Stevens, Waldo, Alachua County, Fla. : 



I think it is a good forage plant for Florida. It did very well, even though it was 

 planted late in the season. 



'For discussion of "Sorghum as a forage crop," see Farmers' Bulletin No. 50, U. S. 

 Department of Agriculture. (Agros. 13.) jfl 



