THE AGRICULTURAL GRASSES OF THE UNITED STATES. 29 



quirements of the grasses, especially during the early stages of their 

 growth. 



Mr. J. J. Barehiy, of Wheeler, Ala., says: 



I have experimented on my place with most of the cultivated grasses, and find 

 they do well if protected from the tramping and depredations of stock for one season. 

 * * * I am confident of their success and feel that their introduction into this 

 portion of the South will be of incalculable benefit to the country and people, and 

 especially attractive to the immigrant, whose first question is, ''Do grasses grow in 

 your State ? " 



Another says that orchard grass, tall meadow oat grass, and Johnson 

 grass will do well if properly attended to and the ground suitably pre- 

 pared. Mr. Hawkins says that his experiments show that any of the 

 grasses will do well upon rich loam, or on moist, stiff land, or on moist^ 

 sandy land. Mr. D. P. Hurley, of Pike County says : 



I would add, on the important subject of grasses, that their cultivation is sadly 

 neglected, not because the climate is hostile or the soil unadapted, nor because they 

 cannot be successfully cultivated, but for the reason that diversified agriculture is 

 practically disfavored. 



Mr. P. M. Morehouse sent from Texas a sample of Kentucky blue 

 grass, ^rown on the open prairie, without shade or extra care after well 

 set. It has withstood the heat and drought of summer for three years 

 extremely well. Yet there are large tracts of country, often embracing 

 counties, where a meadow of grass is not to be found. Mr. Hawkins 

 says that he does not know of a meadow of cultivated grass in South- 

 eastern Alabama. Similar statements come from Louisiana. This un- 

 favorable condition has arisen from several influences which can only 

 be referred to here. Among them may be mentioned the custom of 

 exclusive cotton planting which has been so sedulously followed for so 

 many years, leaving but little time for anything else ; also the habit 

 of "turning out" fields when depleted instead of recuperating them 

 by ameliorating crops. 



Another is the reluctance and hesitation which persons naturally feel 

 about changing old-established ways for untried methods, without the 

 encouragement and aid of example to guide them in their new enter- 

 prise. The want of seed has been quite an impediment to increased 

 attention being given to the grass crops. The correspondents say that 

 a liberal distribution of grass seed would relieve a deeply-felt need and 

 do much toward determining the important question of extending grass 

 culture. 



Fifth inquiry. " Please suggest any grasses that might be useful in 

 your section." 



The replies to this request were somewhat limited, and often rather 

 suggestive than definite. There are but few to be added to those al- 

 ready mentioned. But for convenience, all of the grasses recommended 

 for trial will be given here, together with such suggestions as the gen- 



