8 THE GRASSES 



the farming system ; and the farmers themselves must make 

 the change. 



" Providence helps thoso who help themselves." 



So, also: 



" Providence neglects those who neglect themselves." 



It is not to be expected that this most desirable change 

 will be made in one year, pr in any small number of years ; 

 it is not even assumed that the change could be made in a 

 short time. All that can be reasonably hoped for is that 

 some of the more enterprising farmers may take the 

 initiative and make a beginning. By examining the list of 

 grasses given elsewhere, it will be seen that Tennessee bears 

 an abundant harvest, and that a large selection is offered 

 the farmer. But it will not be in attempting experiments, 

 in new or untried grasses that such enterprising farmers 

 will find their interest. For years to come it will be; wise 

 and prudent for the great majority of farmers to confine 

 themselves to the improved grasses. Fortunately among 

 the grasses that have been tested are kinds adapted to each, 

 even of the widely various soils of Tennessee. 



From the circumstance of the peculiar position of Ten- 

 uessee as a border State to the cotton belt, she has lost much 

 time in agricultural progress. The large returns of the cot- 

 ton planters South, and the wonderful ease with which they 

 achieved great wealth, induced those living near to attempt 

 the same role that succeded so well further south. 



With how much success this plan met, can be seen in the 

 dilapidated farms, the huge gullies yawning with their ugly 

 yellow faces on every hill-slope. This condition of our 

 State is the more reprehensible when, by our side, are seen 

 the lovely meadows and the sloping, grassy hill-sides of 

 Kentucky, with the inevitable accompaniment of fat cattle 

 and browsing sheep. 



Tennessee possesses in her bosom all the elements of a 

 grazing country. Scarcely a foot of land exists in all her 

 borders that will not in an eminent degree meet the wants 



