236 SOILS AND PLANT LIFE 



regions of little rainfall. Moreover, they are used for 

 forage to a limited extent in the humid sections. 



176. Where each Grass thrives. — It is apparent 

 from our study thus far that each grass has its own pecul- 

 iar range which should be recognized by farmers generally. 



In the Corn Belt and eastward, when a meadow crop is 

 desired, fertile land that is well drained should be put into 

 timothy. If the land is not well drained, redtop thrives 

 better. If a pasture grass is wanted, however, Kentucky 

 blue grass is easily the first choice. 



In the gulf states, Bermuda grass is preeminent, while 

 redtop is also grown. 



Brome grass is extensively grown in the states of the 

 Northwest because of its pecuUar adaptation to the 

 climate and soil. 



In the western parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, 

 Texas and New Mexico, as well as in other dry farming 

 regions, annual grasses, such as millet or sorghum, take 

 the place of perennial grasses. 



For lawns, Kentucky blue grass is the best where it 

 can be grown ; but in the South, Bermuda grass must be 

 used instead. 



177. Why Clovers should be grown with the Grasses. — 

 Grasses feed largely upon nitrogen, notwithstanding 

 they do not have the means of taking this element from 

 the air as do the clovers. If red clover, then, is sown with 

 timothy, we find that the yield of timothy is ordinarily 

 increased, since the grass obtains a part of the nitrogen 

 which the bacteria on the clover roots gather from the air. 

 In the same way, burr, or white clover, sown with Bermuda 

 grass, causes the latter to thrive better than when sown 

 alone ; and brome grass succeeds much better when sown 

 with alfalfa. There are few other classes of plants which 



