GRASSES 37 



vated in the northwestern part of the Mississippi Valley 

 and grown with success in the Dakotas and Canada. In 

 these regions it is a heavier yielder than blue grass and has 

 higher feeding value than timothy, especially for growing 

 stock and for dairy cattle. It is also good for pasture. 



Bermuda Grass. — This grass grows in the cotton belt 

 states where it is more valuable for pasture than is blue 

 grass. It is so persistent in its habits of growth that it is 

 considered a pest in cultivated fields. If made into hay it 

 should be cut early, because it becomes woody as it ap- 

 proaches maturity. 



The Cereals as Grasses. — The cereals are usually grown 

 for their seeds or grain. When pastures are poor or in 

 case of insufficient land, the cereals may be used for feeding 

 green as soiling crops, or they may be grazed off for pas- 

 ture. If cut while the grain is still in the milk, a bright, 

 nutritious hay may be made. Oats are the best substitute 

 for grass, making the best pasture and the best hay. Barley 

 is next in value and rye stands last. 



The Legumes. — The legumes are plants which produce 

 their seeds in pods. When the proper bacteria are pres- 

 ent in the soil they have the power of fixing the free 

 nitrogen of the air and storing it in nodules which develop 

 upon their roots. In this way these plants add nitro- 

 gen to the soil upon which they grow. They utilize nitro- 

 gen in the growth of their stems and leaves. Hence they 

 contain a high percentage of protein. They form the prin- 

 cipal source of high protein roughages. 



The principal legumes are alfalfa, the clovers (medium 

 red, mammoth, alsike, Japan, white, sweet, and crimson), 

 peas, cowpeas, beans, peanuts, vetches, sanfoin, and 

 seradella. 



