BERMUDA GRASS 



305 



Most of the seed is produced in a small section in the vicinity 

 of Louisville. The crop is cut with a binder as soon as the 

 heads turn hght yellow, and the bundles are set up in small 

 shocks to cure. When cured, m about two or three weeks, 

 the seed is threshed with an ordinary threshing machine 

 which has been provided with special screens. 



396. Utilization. When grown for 

 hay, orchard grass should be cut when it 

 is in flower, for it rapidly decreases in 

 palatability and food value after that 

 time. The yield of hay is fairly good, 

 and the hay, if cut at the right time, is 

 valuable for feeding. It is seldom or 

 never found on the market, as only small 

 quantities are produced ; but, where it is 

 known, it is well regarded. Orchard 

 grass produces an abundance of basal 

 leaves early in the sprmg, so that it is 

 valuable for early pasture. As it does not 

 form a close turf, it does not stand pas- 

 turing as well as blue grass or even timothy. It lasts only 

 three or four years when closely grazed. 



BERMUDA GRASS 



397. Origin and Description. Bermuda grass, Cynodon 

 dactylon, was introduced into southern United States from 

 the West Indies about two hundred years ago. It is a native 

 of tropical and semitropical countries throughout the world. 

 It is a low-growing grass which spreads by means of running 

 stems both above and below the surface of the soil, forming 

 a thick sod which is not easily injured by grazing, tramping, 

 or clipping. The culms grow from 6 inches to 2 feet high, 

 the latter height being reached only under the most favor- 

 able conditions. Though the culms bear few leaves, the 

 numerous running stems are leafy, and the total quantity 



20— 



lire 106. — Bermuda 

 grass. 



