136 



PRINCIPAL INTRODUCED FORAGF. GRASSES 



same rank as Kentucky bluegrass in the more northerly States. 

 Bermudagrass occurs abundantly throughout the cotton belt 

 and Gulf coast region. In some parts of the South it has been 

 regarded as a pestiferous weed, but it can be held in check or 

 even eradicated by growing on the Bermuda lands such crops as 

 cowpeas, velvet beans, and sorghum, which produce a dense 

 shade. Eradication is also accomplished, after a perfect sod i? 



Fig. 39. — BERMUDAGRASS (Capriola Dactylon). 



formed, by shallow ploughing, followed by intensive tillage dur- 

 ing the dry, hot summer months. 



Bermudagrass is a strong perennial with extensive, creeping 

 rootstocks (Fig. 39). In good soils the foliage develops sufficient 



