BERMUDA grass is the most important perennial grass in the 

 Southern States. It was introduced into the United States at 

 least as early as 1806. 



Besides the common Bermuda grass, there are several varieties, the 

 most important of which are the Giant, characterized by a very large 

 growth, and St. Lucie grass, similar to ordinary Bermuda grass, but 

 lacking underground rootstocks. 



Bermuda grass grows well mixed with lespedeza for a summer crop. 

 Bur clover, black medic, and hairy vetch as winter crops alternate 

 well with it. 



The best Bermuda-grass pastures of the South will usually carry 

 two head of cattle per acre for eight months of the year. On poor soils 

 the carrying capacity is not more than one cow per acre. 



On rich bottom land Bermuda grass grows tall enough to cut for hay. 

 Under exceptional circumstances three or more cuttings may be se- 

 cured in a season, giving total yields of from 6 to 10 tons of hay per 

 acre. It will grow well on soils so alkaline that most other field crops, 

 as well as fruits, will fail. 



The feeding value of Bermuda-grass hay compares closely with that 

 of timothy hay. 



Bermuda grass frequently is used to bind levees and to prevent 

 hillsides from washing. 



The grass usually can be eradicated by growing two smother crops, 

 a winter one of oats or rye, followed by a summer crop of cowpeas or 

 velvet beans. 



