For the Southern States. 



73 



pasture, sheep will keep rolling fat the year rouud, and conse- 

 quently, give a much heavier clip of wool iu tlie spring than if 

 only fat during summer. 



I have never known a winter, in this climate, so cold but that 

 this grass would continue to grow and furnish pasture or soiling 

 the entire winter, and large cotton-fields might be kept covered 

 with this grass by once sowing them, and in the spring, when bed- 

 ding up for the next crop, leave about two or three furrows un- 

 broken, to be broken out after the seed are ripe in May, which 

 would furnish seed enough for the entire land, and the ploughing 

 and harrowing necessary to make the cotton crop would suffi- 

 ciently scatter the seed over the land, and my word for it, they 

 will not germinate until the cotton is laid by in the fall. Thus 

 many a poor old cow and horse would be ^^ Rescued ^^ from starva- 

 tion during the winter that would otherwise be '' gathered home 

 to their fathers." 



I agree with you perfectly that *' The Grass Question'- is one 

 of vast importance, and especially is it so to the farmers of the 

 South, and if they would give it more attention, in a few years 

 their cotton crops would be entire profit, and not go Jl^^orth and 

 West to buy corn, bacon and mules. 



But for fear you may think me too much of an enthusiast, I 

 will close my letter by saying that if you find anything in it you 

 think of any value to your many friends of the South, you are at 

 liberty to use it as you see proper, and I remain, as ever. 



Your friend. 



THOS.B. HOPKINS. 



The following extracts have been taken, by permission from 

 the author. Dr. D. L. Phares, from his book just published, 

 " Farmers' Book of Grasses." It is the most valuable work of the 

 kind ever published in the South, and should be in the hands of 

 every one who takes an interest in the cultivation of grasses. 



Copies for sale at publisher's price. Paper covers, 60 cents ; 

 Cloth, $1.00 postage paid. 



OECHAED GEASS. 



{JDactylis Glomerata. ) 



Of all the grasses this is one of the most widely diffused, 

 growing in Africa, Asia, every country of Europe and all our 

 States. It is more highly esteemed and commended than any 

 other grass, by a larger number of farmers in most countries — a 

 most decided proof of its great value and wonderful adaptations 

 to many soils, climates and treatments. Yet, strange to say, 

 though growing in England for many centuries, it was not appre- 

 ciated in that country till carried there from \^irginia in 17G4. 

 But, as in the case of Timothy, soon after its introduction from 

 America, it came into high favor among farmers, and still retains 

 its hold on their estimation as a grazing and hay crop. 



Kor is this strange when its many advantages and points of 

 excellence are considered. It will grow well on any soil contain- 

 ing sufficient clay and not holding too much water. If the laud 

 5 



