.i'-iti FARMER'S, BOOK OF, GRASSES 



all containing much nutrition. The fodder of blades and the 

 ears are very convenient for feeding, and the green plant is one 

 of the best for ensilage. 



Coix. 



C. LACRYMA. Job's Tears, Corn Beads. 



This plant is cultivated to a limited extent ; but it has no 

 agricultural value, notwithstanding its branching stems and 

 broad leaves. Its fruit is interesting, consisting of a fertile 

 spikelet enclosed in a consolidated involucre which becomes os- 

 sified, very hard, polished and perforated so as to be used for 

 beads. And this is about the only use found for it ; for these 

 beads are too bone- or horn-like and indigestible to serve as food. 



CHAPTER X.' 

 Miscellaneous . 



A few other forage plants, omitted in their regular order as 

 little cultivated in the southern States, yet too important to ig- 

 nore wholly, are briefly mentioned here. The several species of 

 mustard, (Sinapis), are worthy of some care as stock-food. The 

 several species of Brassica with its many varieties of turnips, 

 cale, ruta-baga, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli etc. are very val- 

 uable, as are also the various beets and magelwurtzels. The 

 leaves of all these plants are relished by live stock as are also 

 the fleshy roots. They are valuable at all times but especially 

 in the winter, when succulent food is so much needed by live 

 stock. Immense crops of these fleshy roots may be produced 

 on a single acre of land and they are not difficult to preserve 

 during winter. 



COTTON SEED. 



This one of the most valuable of nutrients produced on any 

 farm, demands a paragraph. It is very valuable in the crude 

 state as it falls from the gin-stand, for feeding cows, sheep and 

 swine. Five or ten cents worth with a little hay or grazing 

 will keep a large sheep in fine condition all winter. A few 

 serve to keep hogs in good condition at all times. 



In feeding they should be scattered thinly on the ground or 

 mixed with' other feed to prevent the animal taking too large 

 quantity in the mouth and endangering choking. They may be 

 wetted, and better boiled for hogs ; but never rotted. Mules 

 sometimes take to them and continue in good condition. De- 



