CHAPTER XII 

 SOUTHERN GRASSES 



THE climate of the cotton region is not closely paralleled 

 by that of any portion of Europe, and European grasses 

 are therefore ill adapted to the conditions in the South. 

 Most of the grasses useful in the Southern States have 

 originated in countries having humid subtropical climates. 

 Several of the most valuable have poor seeding habits, but 

 are easily propagated vegetatively. 



BERMUDA-GRASS (Cynodon dactylon) 



278. Botany. Bermuda-grass is native to India and 

 perhaps other parts of the Old World in tropical and sub- 

 tropical localities. In India it is a most valued pasture 

 grass and called ' doob or hariali. In Virginia, where its 

 growth is not sufficient to make it valuable, but only 

 troublesome, it is generally known as wire-grass. It is 

 also known locally as dogs'-tooth grass, Bahama-grass 

 and Scotch-grass. 



Several varieties have been named by botanists, some 

 as distinct species. The interrelation of the numerous 

 forms is not, however, clear. 



279. Characteristics. Bermuda-grass is a long-lived 

 perennial with numerous branched leafy stems 4 to 6 

 inches high, or under very favorable conditions 12 to 18 



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