332 FORAGE CROPS 



is not necessary, it is sufficient to plow shallow 

 furrows every two to four feet and drop the cut- 

 tings therein, covering them with the foot or by 

 turning the soil back over them with the plow. 

 "Professor Tracy remarks: — 'So easily may 

 Bermuda- grass be propagated that good stands 

 can be secured by scattering a dozen or more 

 sods to the acre and cultivating the land in corn 

 or cotton two or three years, when the grass 

 becomes distributed in the field.' " 



Yield and value of crop 



Bermuda -grass is relished by all kinds of live- 

 stock, and in all stages of growth, making a 

 palatable and nutritious pasture and hay. Owing 

 to its drought - resisting qualities, it provides 

 pasture throughout the entire summer season, 

 which ranges from seven months, in North Caro- 

 lina, to nearly the entire year in the far South. 

 It is not desirable, however, to graze throughout 

 the entire year, as grazing naturally reduces the 

 vitality of the plant. Neither should it be grazed 

 too closely soon after planting, as this has a 

 tendency to destroy the runners, thus prevent- 

 ing the formation of new plants. On established 

 pastures, however, close grazing is desirable, 

 because the pasture is more palatable, — the stems 

 not becoming hard and wiry and less digestible. 



