126 How THE FARM PAYS. 



" One of the greatest wants in Florida is that of food for live stock. 

 Northern grasses and clovers are of small value ; they are not adapted 

 to the climate. Lucern, or Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), has the reputa- 

 tion of succeeding well in warm climates, and would doubtless 

 flourish in the rich bottom lands when once they are fitted for 

 culture. This being a perennial, noted for a propensity to send its 

 roots deep into the soil, would be almost as permanent a plant as the 

 dwarf palmetto, and infinitely more useful. Lucern is one of the 



LESPEDEZA STRIATA (JAPAN CLOVER). 



most ancient of cultivated plants, and as a forage plant for dry, warm 

 climates has always been held in high estimation. (For further in- 

 formation on this crop see page 87.) 



" Among rapid growing grasses none excel the Italian Bye Grass, 

 Lolium italicum. Seeds of this grass, sown in November, would pro- 

 duce a crop fit for cutting in April for hay. The winter season being 

 also the dry season, would be so far unfavorable to continued growth, 

 but the want of rain could be met by a proper selection of soil; the 



