JAPAN CLOVER OR KING GRASS 211 



our clean cotton culture. As it is said to be difficult to 

 gather the seed in large quantities, I intend to plow up the 

 surface where it has seeded, and rake up the grass and top 

 soil, and sow this dirt over my oat and wheat fields, and 

 especially on the poor places. My opinion is that a most 

 luxuriant growth of this clover will follow, which can be 

 turned under in the fall while green, and thus furnish not 

 only humus but nitrogen to the soil. 



5. Another rare quality of this plant is indicated in the 

 name I have given it — King Grass — in the fact that it abso- 

 lutely roots out and destroys every living plant in its wide- 

 spread path. Not even old Bermuda, which has so long 

 held undisputed sway over his circumscribed fields, can 

 resist its encroaches. I have a bottom long since given up 

 to the Bermuda. Recently I passed through it and found 

 that the Lespedeza had almost completely throttled it, though 

 like Mr. Dickson's corn, it died game, as here and there, 

 peering above its enemy, could be seen an isolated sprig of 

 Bermuda, which, as it cannot stand shade, will have to yield 

 entirely before the close of another season. I have but 

 little doubt that any pest like Coco or Bermuda could be 

 rooted out by this King Grass in a few years in any locality 

 and would recommend it to be sown on such fields if for no 

 other purpose. I intend to give it a fair trial myself on one 

 or two similar localities." 



In like manner the Hon. H. W. Ravenel, of South Caro- 

 lina, regards it with great favor, and thinks its timely ap- 

 pearance will be ultimately a source of great wealth to the 

 people of the Southern States. Many places that were re- 

 garded as worthless before its appearance, are now made 

 profitable as a pasture, with the aid of this grass. 



Mr. Samuel McRamsey, of Warren county, says this 

 clover made its appearance in that locality in 1870. It is 

 fast covering the whole country. It supplies much grazing, 

 from the first of August until frost. It is short, but very 

 hardy. Sheep are very fond of it, and cattle will eat it. It 



