GAUDKX 31ANUAL, FOK THE SOUl'HERN STATES. 



9«* 



tober, it sprung up uniforralj^ and at the end 

 of November it was ready tor pasturage. 



If the date for planting can be fixed, we 

 would advise that plowing the land be de- 

 ferred until that time, October 20th, as dur- 

 ing the long spell of dry weather we are apt 

 to have during the fail, freshly plowed land is 

 apt to bake rapidly and become very cloddy. 

 Everything ready, we would advise that the 

 land be deeply plowed, harrowed at once, and 

 the sower or seeder immediately follow the 

 harrow. The covering should follow at once 

 for two reasons: 1st, to prevent the seed be- 

 ing picked up by birds; and 2d, to get them 

 in moist land. The covering should not be 

 effected with any ordinary harrow, but should 

 be done with a drag made of two boards fit- 

 ted to two or more cross pieces in the reverse 

 position of weather boards on a house. This 

 inexpensive implement dragged over the land 

 crushes small clods, covers the seed suffi- 

 ciently, and levels the ground very uniform- 

 ly, giving it a good surface drainage and 

 preventing the washing away of seeds by 

 small trenches or gullies. 



We have paid little attention to atiy of the 

 spring or summer grasses, as our native Ber- 

 muda, Crab Grass, White Clover and Pea 

 vines afford good summer forage and pas- 

 turage. Nothing that we have tried has 

 been as satisfactory'^ as the Rye for winter 

 pasturage, and we will not plant anything 

 else for that purpose. Any planter who has 

 from 25 to 100 mules to feed will find their 

 condition from December 1st to April 1st 

 much improved by a few hours grazing each 

 week on a Rye patch from five to twenty 

 acres. 



The Butter Plate, both in the fullness and 

 color of its contents offers the highest testi- 

 monials by its appearance to those whose 

 land means limit them to an area not meas- 

 ured by acres. 



We cannot speak of the relative merits of 

 Northern and Southern grown seed, as we 

 have not ,used any except those supplied 

 by you, and we do not know where they 

 came from. Confident that they were the 

 best, we have planted every year with uniform 

 good results. Any further information we 

 can give on this subject will always be at your 

 disposal. With kindest regards and wishes 

 for a prosperous business season, followed by 

 a bountiful harvest to your patrons. 



H. WILKINSON. 



Texas Seed Barley. Can be sown fall 

 and winter, but requires strong, good soil. 

 Used here for forage during its green state. 

 Two bushels per acre. 



Texas Red Rust Proof Oats. Have come 

 into general cultivation. They are very val- 

 uable, and will save a great deal of corn on a 

 farm. The seed of this variety has a reddish 



cast, a peculiar long beard, and is very heavy. 

 It is the only kind which will not rust in the 

 Southern climate. They can be sown as early 

 as October, but should be pastured down as 

 soon as they commence to joint, till February. 

 When the ground is low, or the season wet, 

 this cannot well be done without destroying 

 the whole crop. During January and February 

 is the proper time to cut it for green fodder, 

 if no pastm-ing can be done. One to one and 

 a half bushels per acre is sufficient. These 

 Oats have a tendency to stool, and therefore 

 do not require as much per acre as common 

 oats. Those who have not already tried this 

 variety should do so. 



Early Winter Turf Oats. Since a few- 

 years a new oats has come into notice. It is 

 claimed that they stool more than any otiier 

 variety; can be pastured the whole winter, 

 and are as hardy as Wheat. Claimed to 

 produce more and heavier grain than other 

 varieties ; I to 1 i bushels to acre. 



The following extracts have been taken by 

 permission from the author, Dr. D. L. Phares, 

 from his book, "Farmers' Book of Grasses.'" 

 It is the most valuable work of the kind 

 ever published in the South, and should b<^ in 

 the hands of every one who takes an interest 

 in the cultuvation of grasses. 



Copies for sale at publisher's price. Paper 

 covers, 30 cents; postage paid. 





Red Top Grass 



Pruning Saws, Knives, etc., an Extensive and Varied Collection. 



