the pastures of the South could soon be well stocked with it. But 

 earnestness of purpose and energetic effort will accompMsh the object 

 in spite cf the disadvantages existing. 



The same fact exists as to the Bermuda grass. It rarely matures 

 any seed in this country, being propagated almost wholly by division 

 of the plants and stolons ; yet it is the most widely diffused of any grass 

 in the South, and is everywhere regarded as the best grass for pastures, 

 furnishing good feed throughout the summer and fall. If this were 

 supplemented by winter pastures of Texas blue grass, or some other 

 suitable kind, it would seem that permanent green feed for stock would 

 be insured throughout the entire year. 



From the reports here presented it would seem that there should be 

 little difficulty, in the Southern States and in Texas, in making a selec- 

 tion of grasses that would give a constant succession for pastures 

 throughout the year. In Florida the problem is perhaps not yet well 

 solved, but even there continued investigations and experiments will 

 doubtless be successful. To that State, and to the immediate Gulf 

 coast, must probably be restricted some of the more tropical grasses 

 and forage plants, as the Guinea grass (Panicum maximum). Para grass 

 (Panicum barbinode), Beggar- tick (Desmodium), Mexican clover (Rich- 

 ardsonia scabra), and Teosinte (Euclilcena luxurians). 



As to annual grasses for hay and forage, there is no lack of product- 

 ive and nutritious kinds. Under the most favorable circumstances 

 which can be attained it will be a matter of prudence and good man- 

 agement to provide a stock of forage for unusual and unexpected 

 droughts and accidents. 



In those parts of the country where irrigation is practiced, there 

 seems to be no forage plant at all comparable to Alfalfa. It is not,, 

 however, generally applicable to pasturage. 



The best and most productive grasses for the arid plains and table- 

 lands of Texas, [New Mexico, and Arizona are yet to be ascertained 

 through a series cf well-conducted experiments, which should be under- 

 taken by the Government. 



The reports here given include a number of forage plants, which are 

 not properly called grasses, as Alfalfa, Japan Clover, Cactus, &c. 

 They also present the views of many persons as to the needs of their 

 particular sections. 



A number of the circulars were distributed at the [North and in the 

 West, in order to compare results on such kinds as have there been exper* 

 imented with ; and, in order to make the history more complete, some in- 

 formation is added from other sources. The common cultivated grasses, 

 such as Timothy, Kentucky Blue Grass, Eedtop, and Clover, are not 

 here included. 



Eespectfully, 



GEO. VASET. 



