RICHARD FROTSCHER SB^D CO., I/td. 



87 



and southward, firmly holding all conquered territory until at the present date it has 

 invaded almost the entire of the Southern and Middle States. From the Atlantic seacoast 

 across the Mississippi River into the interior of Texas it has spread, and it is but a question 

 of time w^hen it may be found over the entire Southern territory. 



Lespedeza will grow almost on any soil from the poorest sand in which it retains it 

 dwarfish habit to our rich alluvial bottoms where it attains a great magnitude; on cultivated 

 as well as uncultivated soil it will take hold, often even holding equal contest with our 

 almost indestructible Bermuda Grass. 



As to its value as a forage plant, opinions greatly differ. Some assert that it is the 

 most valuable forage plant for our Southern climate, while others consider it valueless as 

 stockfood and even assert as Mr. H. Stewart in the Country Gentleinan for January, 1886, 

 that unless starved to it neither cattle nor pigs woiild eat it. In our experience Japan 

 Clover has proven to be without exception one of the most valuable plants for stockfood, 

 giving good nourishing pasturage from beginning of May until the first frost makes its 

 appearance and although cattle may not take kindly to it at first, but tasting it a few limes 

 they relish it and become very fond of it for grazing and ha}'. 



Lespedeza should be sown not sooner than the end of February and not later than the 

 middle of March, at the rate of a measured half bushel to the acre. 



RBD TOP GRASS. 



Agrostis Vulgaris. 



This is the best grass of England, the 

 herd grass of the United States; not in 

 honor of any man, but probably, because 

 so well adapted to the herd. It is called 

 also Fine top, Burden's and Borden's 

 Grass. Varying greatly in character, ac- 

 cording to soil, location, climate and 

 ciilture, some boto.nists have styled it A 

 Pohrnorpha. It grows two to three feet 

 and often four feet high. It grows well 

 on hill tops and sides, in ditches, gullies 

 and marshes, but delights in moist bot- 

 tom land. It is not injured by overflows, 

 though somewhat prolonged. In marshy 

 land it produces a very dense, strong net- 

 work of roots capable of sustaining the 

 weight of men and animals walking over 

 it. 



It furnishes considerable grazing dur- 

 ing warm "spells" in winter, and in 

 spring and summer an abundant supply 

 of nutrition. It has a tendency, being 

 very hardy, to increase in density of 

 growth and extent of surface, and will 

 continue indefinitely, though easily sub- 

 dued by the plow. 



Cut before maturing seeds, it makes a 

 good hay and large quantity. It seems to 

 grow taller in the Southern States than it 



Red Top Grass. 



does further North, and to make more and better hay and grazing. Red Top and Timothy, 

 being adapted to the same soil and maturing at the same time, do well together and pro- 

 puce an excellent hay. But the Red Top will finally root out Timothy, and if pastured 

 much it will do so sooner. 



Sow about two bushels (28 lbs.), per acre, if alone, in September, October, February 

 or March; if with Timothy for hay, from 6 to 10 pounds; if with other grasses for pasture, 3 

 to 5 pounds. It is an excellent pasture grass, and will grow on almost any kind of soil. 



ORCHARD GRASS. 



Dactylis glonierata. 



Of all the grasses this is one of the most widely diffused, growing in Africa, Asia and 

 ever}' country in Kurope and all our States. It is more highly esteemed and commended 

 than any other grass, by a large number of farmers in most countries — a most decided 

 proof of its great value and wonderful adaptation to many soils, climates and treatments. 

 Yet, strange to say, though growing in England for many centuries it was not appreciated 

 in that country till carried there from Virginia in 1764. 



