124 GRASSES AND HOW TO GROW THEM. 



aim should be rather to grow Texas blue grass or some 

 other grass to provide winter grazing. 



AVith many other grasses close grazing should be 

 avoided , but Bermuda should be grazed somewhat close- 

 ly during the season of growth, except when it is becom- 

 ing established, at which time close grazing Avould hin- 

 der the runners more or less from pushing out and form- 

 ing new plants. It should be thus grazed for the reason, 

 first, that it is then more palatable; second, to prevent 

 the stems from becoming hard and wiry and so indigesti- 

 ble that their nutritive value is much impaired; and 

 third, to keep down briers and weeds that might other- 

 Avise injure it by their shade. With this object in view, 

 it has been recommended to graze sheep on it early in 

 the season. ^ Wlien grazed close, no other grass is able 

 to dislodge Bermuda gTass unless it be carpet grass 

 (Paspalum platycaule) found in Louisiana and other 

 parts. When the grazing does not keep the grass down, 

 the plan of mowing it when necessary in conjunction 

 with the pasturing has frequently been advantageously 

 adopted. The wiry condition of the stems when too long 

 ungrazed has, it is claimed, in some instances, led to loss 

 in the animals grazed upon them. 



In seasons of much drought the plants will, on some 

 soils, appear to die, but when rain comes they will re- 

 vive again with surprising quickness. Overflow during 

 the growing season rather encourages the growth of this 

 grass, but for a time it usually injures grazing by the 

 sediment deposited on it. 



Harvesting for Hay. — Bermuda grass should be cut 

 for hay when the greatest number of stems are in bloom. 



