MISCELLANEOUS HERBS USED AS FORAGE 573 



shallow, and without a good supply of soil moisture the 

 growth is exceedingly slow. Prickly pears are like other 

 plants, in that the best growth is secured on the best soils, 

 although the plants will make some growth on any type 

 of soil so long as it is well drained and there is sufficient 

 moisture for growth. All of the species thrive best in 

 regions' where there is a season of low moisture supply dur- 

 ing which the plants become semi-dormant. 



Prickly pears may be propagated either by seed or by 

 plant joints. Propagation by seed is, however, more 

 costly and a longer time must elapse before the plants can 

 be harvested. Griffiths finds that there is considerable 

 difference between plants of the same species grown from 

 seed and propagated from cuttings. The latter tend to 

 be tree-like, while the former are headed on the ground 

 and without distinct trunks. In propagating vegetatively, 

 single joints 1 to 3 years old should be used, as younger 

 joints are not as certain and do not start off as vigorously 

 as the older ones. Old trunks which have lost their joint 

 character are also satisfactory. It is preferable to cut 

 the joints below the articulation. In planting, the best 

 plan is to have the joint covered \ to f of its length. In 

 plantings thus far made the plants have been put 3 feet 

 apart in rows 6 feet wide, but with the larger sorts 8-foot 

 rows are probably more advantageous. When thus 

 planted they can be easily cultivated, and better results 

 are secured by cultivating fields often enough to maintain 

 a good tilth and destroy weeds. 



The prickly pears can be harvested and fed at any time 

 of the year. Cattle, however, do not like the young 

 joints and there is therefore considerable waste in har- 

 vesting the plants while growth is active. In California 

 it has been found inadvisable to harvest them in winter 



