JOHNSON GRASS. 255 



stock before the heading out stage, and while it is also 

 valuable for milk production, it does not stand well con- 

 tinued pasturing and yet long pasturing does not com- 

 pletely destroy it. It only reduces the return in pasture. 

 The plants thicken up again in time when the pasturing 

 ceases. When the pasturing is thus reduced, the land 

 is frequently ploughed and sown with winter oats. One 

 effect of the ploughing is to aid in renewing the grass. 

 It is of but little use for pasture after the seed forms ; 

 it becomes so woody. 



Swine are fond of the ro.ots. They search for them as 

 diligently, it has been claimed, as for sweet potatoes or 

 artichokes. An occasional ploughing will greatly aid 

 the swine in searching for the roots. 



Harvesting for Hay. Johnson grass is ready for be- 

 ing harvested for hay when it comes into bloom. It 

 ought not to be allowed to pass this stage before being 

 cut, as later it turns woody very quickly. In such a 

 condition live stock do not eat it readily. Some advocate 

 cutting it as soon as the heads appear and before it comes 

 into blossom. 



The plan is considered a good one which cuts it in the 

 forenoon, following in due time with the tedder and 

 raking and putting into cocks the same afternoon or 

 evening. It is drawn when ready and stacked or housed, 

 and is fed or baled from the stacks as circumstances war- 

 rant. When curing, it is the aim to preserve the green- 

 ness to the greatest extent possible. 



In the Gulf States from 3 to 5 cuttings may be ob- 

 tained from it each season. The first of these is ready 

 about the middle of May. Each of the subsequent cut- 



