DESCRIPTION OF GRASSES. 151 



BERMUDA GRASS is a low, perennial creeping grass, with 

 abundant short leaves at the base, but a slender, nearly 

 leafless flower-stalk. It is the chief reliance for pasture in the 

 South. Its creeping root renders it difficult to eradicate in 

 cultivated fields. But, thriving in arid, barren drift-sands 

 of the seashore, it is appreciated and prized as a great 

 resource. It has the capacity to withstand great heat and 

 drought, being green and fresh when blue grass is dried 

 up. The analysis shows it to be very nutritious. It is not 

 reproduced from seed, but sections of its roots covered 

 shallow with the plow. 



THE CRAB GRASSES (Panicum sanguinale, P. filliforme, 

 P. proliferum, P. divaricatum, Eleusina Indica, etc.). are 

 all found to thrive in the southern climate and to assist 

 greatly in pasturage ; and it will be seen by their analyses 

 that they are well adapted to produce growth and flesh 

 upon animals. 



TEXAS MILLET (Panicum Tezanum), is an annual grass, 

 growing two to four feet high, very leafy, grows best in the 

 hottest part of the season, and reported to make most ex- 

 cellent hay. It is said in Texas to produce a larger crop 

 than millet, and to be well liked by all stock. 



QUACK GRASS (Triticum repens), considered a most 

 troublesome weed and a pest in cultivated fields, is seen in 

 analysis to be a very nutritious grass, and, in hay, cattle 

 are very fond of it. Its nutritive ratio shows it to be 

 superior to timothy, and creeping roots attach it so strongly 

 to the soil as to render it a success in all localities. We 

 have seen it so heavy in patches as to yield at the rate of 

 two tons per acre. In a permanent pasture it is one of the 

 most valuable grasses, and not at all objectionable in a 

 meadow. It is impartial, spreading its virtues and vices 

 over all soils and climates. 



