‘eS 
at the South, and in severe winters it is killed outright. It is occasion- 
ally more or less winter-killed as far south as the northern portion of 
Texas and Alabama. Its chief value is for hay, in regions where other 
grasses fail on account of drought. If cut early the hay is of good 
quality, and several cuttings may be made in the season; but if the 
cutting is delayed until the stalks are well grown the hay is so coarse 
and hard that stock do not eat it readily. The seed may be sown at 
any time when the soil is warm and not too dry. Failures often occur 
from sowing the seed too early. If there is danger that the soil should 
dry out before the seed can germinate, soaking the seed may be resorted 
to with good results. Thick seeding gives a heavier yield and a better 
quality of hay. From 1 to 2 bushels are usually sown per acre, accord- 
ing to the cleanness of the seed. In case of failure to get a good stand. 
the crop may be allowed to go to seed the first year, after which the 
vacant places will be found to be self-seeded. On small patches in such 
cases the ground is sometimes plowed up and the underground stems 
scattered along in the furrows over the vacant spots. In most localities 
it is generally considered desirable to plow the land set in Johnson 
grass about every third year; otherwise the root stocks become matted 
near the surface, and the crop is more affected by drought. Plowing 
causes it to grow more thickly and vigorously. If desired, a large por- 
tion of the root stocks may be removed at the time of plowing without 
injuring the stand. The greatest objection to Johnson grass is the diffi- 
culty of eradicating it. Care should be taken not to introduce it into 
fields intended for cultivation. It spreads rapidly, both by the root 
and by seed, and is apt to enter fields where itis not wanted. On stoek- 
farms this feature is not so objectionable as elsewhere. The grass is 
not well adapted to pasture, and close pasturing is one of the means of 
getting rid of it. Its succulent, subterranean stems are usually well 
liked by hogs after they have become accustomed to them, and by 
keeping hogs closely confined upon it, it may be eradicated. Another 
method of eradication which is recommended is to plow in the fall, so 
as to expose it to the action of frost. In the South, where the grass is 
most largely grown, this is only partially successful. 
There has been much discussion in the Southern papers respecting 
this grass, some considering it a great blessing, others a curse, the fact 
being that itis a blessing where a permanent grass is desired, and a 
great pest in land desired for general cultivation. It is probably too 
tender for the Northern States, but needs further trial. (Plate 31.) 
Sorghum vulgare. 
This name as at present applied includes several varieties quite dif- 
ferent in appearance, as the variety saccharatum, or ordinary sugar 
sorghum, millo maize, Kaffir corn, dourra, and broom corn. The 
broom corn variety we need not discuss here. Some of the other vari- | 
