APPENDIX. 485 



finely, which were sown over ten years ago and that one crop of corn 

 and two of wheat have been grown on these fields since they were 

 sown. 



I might multiply instances of this kind, but Fdeem it unnecessary to 

 you who have seen in the past so much of this county and know its 

 adaptability to the growth of grasses and all the cereals. Coupled 

 with these advantages, we have a large amount of pure running water 

 upon the surface of our lands, so it is not a matter of surprise that we 

 should ship such large numbers of stock of every kind, and that we 

 should claim this as one of the best stock-growing counties in the State. 

 Our people are freer from debt than those of any county of our 

 acquaintance, and the fact that lands where blue and orchard grasses 

 grow have, in more than one instance, sold from $50 to $55 per acre, in 

 payments, almost equal to cash, without scarcely a dwelling on them 

 above a cabin, but having good barns, speaks well for our prosperity. 



As farmers, we have learned to feel that grass is our sheet anchor 

 and with it we will continue to sail on to greater prosperity each year. 



I have already made this letter too long, and will cease to write more 

 for the present, hoping to see you with us soon, I remain your friend, 



THOMAS H. COLDWBLL. 



GEASSES IN ROBERTSON COUNTY. 



Cedar Hill, Tennessee, June 21st, 1878. 



J. B. KUlebrew, Commissioner of Agriculture: 



Dear Sir— Your letter was received some time since asking me to give 

 you a few items on the grasses and their adaptability to the soil of Bob- 

 ertson county, and, although I entertain your doubts about the value of 

 what I can say on the subject, still will try to give you the result of my 

 observation and short experience. 



Owing to the nature of our soil, blue grass is not so spontaneous or lux- 

 uriant in its growth as in the counties lying in the Central Limestone 

 Basin of Tennessee, nevertheless, it flourishes in this county, and wherever 

 the timber has been removed and the seed sown on the virgin soil, this 

 grass grows with great vigor. The leaves of our white oak timber are so 

 abundant and decay so slowly that they will smother out all the grasse 



