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89 Richard Frotscher’s Almanac and Garden Manual 1 
GRASS AND FIELD SEEDS. 
I have often been asked what kind of Grass Seed is the best for 
this latitude, but so far. I have never been able to answer this question 
satisfactorily. For hay I do not think there is anything better than 
the Millet. For permanent grass I have almost come to the conclusion 
that none of the grasses used for this purpose North and West will 
answer. Rye, Red 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 and Crabgrass, which 
are indigenous to the South. The Bermuda, in my 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 growrank, but so far Iam not 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 cut 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. 
Bed 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 theacre. Should be sown in early spring. 
Alsike Clover. This is also called Hybrid Clover. It is a na- 
tive of Sweden, a cold climate, and does not succeed so well here as 
the other kinds, because of burning out in summer. 
Alfalfa or Chili Clover, or Fremch. Lucerne. This va- 
riety 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 Janu- 
ary or February; eight to ten pounds per acre. (See letter of E. M. 
Hudson at end of Seed Catalogue.) 
Kentucky Blue Grass. (Extra CLEANED.) Should be sown 
in dry soil. Two bushels per acre. 
Meadow Fescue, Festuca praiensis. Asa 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 more attention. Sow in spring or 
fall. 2 bushels to the acre. In some sections it is called Randall 
