For the Southern States. 83 



GRASS AND FIELD SEEDS, 



I have often been asked what kind of Grass Seed is the best for 

 this hititude, but so far I have never been abk:; to answer this question 

 aatisfactorily. For hay I do not think tiiere is anything better than 

 the Millet. For permanent grass I have almobt corae to the conelusion 

 that none of the grasses used for this purpose 'North and West will 

 answer. Eye, Ked Oats and Rescue Grass will make winter pasturage 

 in this latitude. Different kinds of Clover answer very well during 

 spring, but during the hot summer months I have never found any- 

 thing to stand and produce except the Bermuda andCrabgrass, which 

 are indigenotis to the South. The Bermuda, in ray opinion, is better 

 suited for pasturage than hay, as it is rather short and hard when 

 cured. I have had so many applications for Guinea Grass that I have 

 been induced to import some from Jamaica, where it is used altogether 

 for pasturage. It seems to grow rank, but so far I am nat enabled to 

 pass an opinion upon it ; it looks rather coarse for hay. Having tried 

 Guinea Grass I have come to the conclusion that it will not answer 

 here, from the fact that it will freeze out every year. It will pro- 

 duce a large quantity of hay or green fodder, but has to be resown 

 every spring. The seeds that are raised here are light, and do not 

 germinate freely. To import seed every year is rather troublesome. 

 The Johnson Grass, advertised by some as Guinea Grass, is not Guinea 

 Grass ; it is much coarser, and can hardly be destroyed after having 

 taken hold of a piece of ground. Some are enthusiastic about Alfalfa 

 or Lucerne ; others, whose opinion ought also to be respected, say it 

 will not do here. There exists a great difference of opinion in regard 

 to which grass seed is most suitable for the South. 



Red Clover. Should be sown either during fall or early in 

 spring. Six to eight pounds to an acre. 



White Dutch Clover. A grass sown for pasturage at the rate 

 of four to six pounds to the acre. Should be sown in fall and early 

 spring. 



Alfalfa or Chill Clover, or French L,Mceriie. Thib variety 

 does well here, but the ground has to be well prepared and deeply 

 plowed. It will not do in low wet ground. Should be sown in the fall 

 of the year, or January and February ; eight to ten pounds per acre. 



Kentucky Blue Orass. (Extra Cleaned.) Should be sown 

 in dry soil. Two bushels per acre. 



Meadow^ Fescue, Festaca pratensiti. As a pasture grass I con- 

 sider this one of the most valuable. It is not affected by dry weather, 

 as its roots penetrate the earth 12 to 15 inches ; it is much relished by 

 all kinds of stock on account of its long and tender leaves. It yields 

 a very superior hay when cured. It has been grown very little in this 

 country and is deserving of much morf:^ attention. Sow in spring or 

 fall. 2 bushels to the acre. In some sections it is called Eandall 

 Grass. This should not be confounded with the English Eye Grass, 

 offered by some dealers as the same variety. 



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