162 NORTH -CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 



want of good perennial pasture grass. ISTor is there the least 

 doubt but that it can be generally cultivated in the eastern 

 and midland counties of the State. As for the western coun- 

 ties, no farther proof is required than what is already known 

 of its ability to thrive there. This grass continues green and 

 fresh in Western New York, frequently as late as December, 

 it is probable, therefore, that in a large portion of Western 

 Carolina, it will continue growing most of the winter. Al- 

 though it continues to grow during a long period, yet it sends 

 up its spike of flowers but once in the year, which, in this 

 climate is from about the first of June to July. It continues 

 afterward to spread at the bottom and furnish a thick mat or 

 growth of leaves. It, therefore, makes a good turf. It is not 

 so particular in its selection of soils as it grows on dry knowles 

 as well as moist places. But still it flourished best in a good 

 soil, but here it is important to obtain a grass which will en- 

 dure a drought and grow on poorish soils. 



The produce is ordinarily small, but it is of a fine quality. 

 For lawns and door yards, it is probably better adapted than 

 any grass in cultivation. One of the difficulties it has to con- 

 tend with in this State is its consumption by the hog. This 

 would not be so formidable to surmount if it attained perfec- 

 tion at an earlier period, requiring two or three years to get 

 perfectly set. 



As it requires time to attain perfection, it is not well adap- 

 ted to an alternate system of husbandry, or when land is to 

 be ploughed every two or three years. Shaded pastures fur- 

 nish the best examples of this grass in Kentucky where it 

 ripens its seed about the tenth of June. In August it takes 

 another vigorous shoot and continues to grow till stopped by 

 the cold of winter. When it dries up in the drought of sum- 

 mer, it is still nutritious. It continues to furnish under the 

 snow pasturage for mules, horses and sheep. 



If designed for hay, it should be cut late in flower, and if 

 mixed with clover, the yield will be at least midling in quan- 

 tity. It is eaten and relished by all kinds of stock. It seems, 

 however, to flourish best on what are called limestone soils, 

 similar to those uf the Kentucky limestone belt. It is main- 



