TEXAS BLUE GRASS. 299 



tried in all the states of the South and Southwest, and 

 for all or nearly all of these it has much promise. 

 It has been found hardy as far north as Ames, Iowa. 

 In Kansas, it has given no little satisfaction 



It has not been fully determined as to how far north 

 it may be grown with profit, but it would seem safe 

 to say, that it would not be necessary to grow it where 

 full crops of Kentucky blue grass can be grown, since 

 the latter will doubtless be more valuable in its own 

 proper field. 



Soils. — Texas blue grass will, grow on any good soil. 

 It does best on alluvial soils, but all soils that will 

 grow corn and cotton will grow this grass. It will 

 also grow on worn lands, but it requires a longer time 

 to establish it on these. 



Preparing the Soil. — The preparation of the soil is 

 virtually the same as for Bermuda grass (see p. 119), 

 especially when the root cuttings are planted. This 

 means that it is possible to establish it on worn land, 

 that is now growing such products as sage brush and 

 sassafras. 



Sowing or Planting. — Texas blue grass is frequently 

 sown, but owing to the woolly character of the seed it 

 is not easily sown. It may be sown in the spring or 

 the early autumn, preferably the latter, and with or 

 without a nurse crop, but preferably with one, if the 

 nurse crop is not too thickly sown. The woolliness of 

 the seed makes it difiicult to sow even by hand. It 

 may be, however^ that the improved seeder which is 

 driven like a wheelbarrow will sow it all right and 



