THE THREE LEADING FORAGE GRASSES 73 



South, of any now in cultivation, except on mucky soil 

 along the coast where carpet grass and St. Augustine 

 grass may be used. Both these grasses are much coarser 

 than Bermuda and do not produce a surface so pleasing 

 in texture. 



St. Lucie grass is a form of Bermuda especially adapted 

 for lawns. It is somewhat finer in texture and the pro- 

 pagating stems are more upon the surface. This form 

 is much used in Florida. Giant Bermuda is a rank- 

 growing form producing stems two feet or more in 

 height, and is adapted to rich moist soils. 



A lawn may be started by transplanting sod or by 

 sowing the seed. If sod is used, care should be taken to 

 select a pure stand of a fine-textured strain. If seed is 

 used, the soil should be carefully prepared, pulverized 

 and leveled. To insure an even stand, the seed should 

 be sown evenly and rather thickly. Usually under favor- 

 able conditions, the Bermuda will soon completely occupy 

 the soil. If necessary, the lawn should be watered and 

 the weeds removed. Like all lawns it is improved by 

 mowing and rolling. 



Methods of Eradication 



The ease with which Bermuda becomes established, 

 and the aggressiveness with which it spreads, render it a 

 troublesome weed in cultivated soil, and make it difficult 

 to eradicate when it has once occupied the soil. Methods 

 of eradication depend upon the fact that it does not 

 thrive in the shade. Therefore the easiest and quickest 

 method is to smother it with some quick-growing crop. 

 A very good way to convert Bermuda pasture or meadow 



