246 GRASSES AND HOW TO GROW THEM. 



way Avhen practicable by work hands engaged in the 

 varioiis processes of cultivation. 



JOHNSON GEASS. 



Johnson grass (Sorghum halapense or Andropogon 

 halapensis) is a large, strong, coarse grass of the sor- 

 ghum type that has been grown for many years in many 

 parts of the South. It is also known by the names 

 Means grass, Cuba grass, Guinea grass, Alabama Guinea 

 grass, Syrian grass, Egyptian grass, St. Mary's grass, 

 Green Valley grass, Arabian Millet and Egyptian Mil- 

 let. It was introduced into South Carolina in 1835 by 

 Governor Means of that state, who obtained the seed 

 from Turkey, hence the name Means grass. Some years 

 later AVilliam Johnson of Marion Junction, Alabama, 

 who obtained the seed from Governor Means, gave much 

 attention to placing its good qualities before the farmers 

 of the South, hence in time it came to be known gener- 

 ally as Johnson grass. It has frequently but erroneous- 

 ly been called Guinea grass, since these grasses have but 

 little in common, except that both under favorable con- 

 ditions produce a large amount of hay, and both are 

 easily injured liy close pasturing. Unlike Johnson grass, 

 Guinea grass has no creeping root-stocks and will not 

 produce seed in the United States. It is also more deli- 

 cate in winter. 



This grass is perennial and it closely resembles yoimg 

 cane until the plants are a foot high. The stems are 

 usually from 3 to 6 feet or more in height, but they 

 have been known to grow to the height of 10 to 12 feet. 

 They are amply supplied with leaves, large, long and 



