326 



FIELD CROPS 



should be cut when it is in flower, for it rapidly decreases in 

 palatability and food value after that time. The yield of 

 hay is fairly good, and the hay, if cut at the right time, is 

 valuable for feeding. It is seldom or never found on the 

 market, since only small quantities are produced, but where 

 it is known, it is well regarded. Orchard grass produces 

 an abundance of basal leaves early in the spring, so that it is 

 valuable for early pasture. As it does not form a close turf, 

 it does not stand pasturing as well as blue grass or even 

 timothy; it lasts only three or four 

 years when closely grazed. 



BERMUDA GRASS 



411. Origin and Description. Ber- 

 muda grass, Cynodon dactylon, was in- 

 troduced into southern United States 

 from the West Indies about two hun- 

 dred years ago; it is a native of tropical 

 and semitropical countries throughout 

 the world. It is a low-growing grass 

 which spreads by means of running 

 stems both above and below the sur- 

 face of the soil, forming a thick sod 

 which is not easily injured by grazing, tramping, or clip- 

 ping. The culms grow from 6 inches to 2 feet high, 

 the latter height being reached only under the most favor- 

 able conditions. Though the culms bear few leaves, the 

 numerous running stems are leafy, and the total quantity 

 of herbage which is produced is large. The flowers are 

 borne in one-flowered spikelets in one-sided spikes, the culms 

 producing from three to five of these spikes. The seed sel- 

 dom matures in the United States, most of that which is 

 sown being imported from Australia. 



Fig. 102. Bermuda 

 grass. 



