102 THE GRASSES OF TENNESSEE. 



it would seem to be superfluous to notice it. But as little 

 as it may appear, it is one of our most valuable indigenous 

 grasses. 



Crab grass is an annual, and so full of seeds is it, that it 

 is never necessary to sow it. It is never cultivated alone, 

 which could be easily done by sowing the seed on a smooth 

 surface about Ihe first of June. When the cultivation of a 

 piece of ground ceases, it at once takes possession of it, and 

 soon furnishes a fine pasture. It grows not only in the cul- 

 tivated fields, but in old pastures, yards and woods. 



It is a fine pasture grass, although it has but few base 

 leaves, and forms no. sward, yet it sends out numerous-- stems, 

 branching freely at the base. It serves a most useful pur- 

 pose in stock husbandry, and the northern farmers would, 

 congratulate themselves very much if they had it to turn 

 their cattle on while the clover fields and meadows are parched 

 up with summer heat. For want of it they have to resort 

 to soiling with green forage raised for the' purpose. It fills 

 all our cornfields, and many persons pull it out, which is a 

 tedious process. It makes a sweet food, and horses are 

 exceedingly fond of it, leaving the best hay to eat it. 

 Should it be desired to secure a good crop of it, do not pas- 

 ture the wheat or oat stubble, except with hogs, until the 

 crab grass gets a good start, then take off the hogs, and 

 allow it to get into bloom, and if the land is good, there 

 will be a paying quantity to save. But be extremely par- 

 ticular about getting it wet, as from its porous character it 

 will not stand the slightest rains after it is cut. Or if it is 

 desired to fallow a piece of land for wheat, break it up in the 

 spring, allow the weeds to come up a few inches, and about 

 the first of June break again, plowing under well the weeds, 

 and then harrow and roll, and in September there can be 

 cut a large quantity of good, though light hay, from the 

 piece. The freedmen of the State secure large quantities 

 of it from surrounding fields for their stock. 



