The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1853-04-05

the most valuable grain which -four.
ishes in our climate, as it always
make good crop if properly put in,
from tho winter moisture in the
earth. 1t is not liable to be cut off
by spring droughts like wheat and
oats, and its ripened grain fed,
ground into barley meal, or simply
swelled by stceping in water, is
far better food than Indian Corn or
oats, for all kinds of stock.
Guinea Grass is one of the most
luxariant Of the grasses, growing on
our ordinary pine land seven and
eight feet high, in less than three
months. The history Of this grass is
not we'll known, although it has been
successfully cultivated by some of
our best agricusturists, for long time.
1t was first discovered on the coast of
Guinea, from whence it was brought
to Jamaica, where, in poirt Of utili.
ty it ranks next to the sugar cane.
The stock raising farms throughout
the island were chiefly by means of
Guinea Grass, and in that arid eli
mate it bestows verdure and fcrtili-
ty on soils which otherwise would
not deserve occupation. Cattle eat it
both in fresh and dry state, and it
makes a coarse but most excellent
hay. We first received information
Of Guinea Grass from our friends, the
late Hon. J. R. Poinsctt and Col.
Perry e. Duncan, of Greenville, in
this State. We planted it in u
small wet corner. to keep it out Of
the way of spreading, and in the
spring of 1852, we planted six rows
six feet apart and fifty yards long,
with thin stocking of the roots. This
ground would now furnish roots sufti.
cient to plant out several acres. 1t
has sent its long succulent roots in
every direction. completely investing
the ground; and we find that these
roots are relished by all kinds of
domestic animals. It grew upward of
seven feet high before -iS fio&Seresat: +:
We are not certain but IT. did per-
feet seed, although it is asserted that
the climate here is too short for
this plant to perpetuate itself in that
way. 1t would furnish the very best
pasture in summer, and as o win
ter pasture for swine and sheep, the
roots are fine. For soiling, to our
mind, it would furnish more food, by
double, than any other production of
the earth. Some might object to
the perpetual occupation of the soil
by this grass, when once it is plant
ed in it, but to any one who wishes
good supply of herbage, this would
be no bar to its culture. To ensure
heavy crop, the field should be plow-
ed up in winter, and the roots fed off
by hogs or sheep. These animals
would add good coat of manure in
thus thinning out the roots, which is
necessary, as it soon dsgenerates
when allowed to get too thick in
the ground. A deep plowing in the
spring, with liberal top dressing,
will always convert the field into the
best of meadows fer moving either
hay or soiling food. This grass cf:
fectually prevents the land from
washing, and as it delights in
dry, deep soil, would succeed in
all parts Of the State; for if tho soil
we're not sufficiently dry and deep, it
could made so by draining and
good plowing. 1t is as easily propa-
gated as the Jerusalem Artichoke,
and in a few years we hope to see it
extensively cultivated, as means of
furnishing a bountiful supply of
green food to stock during the sum-
mer months, as we'll as for hay grass.
Dourba Corn and the kindred va.
rietics, Guinea Corn, (Holcus) ,Sor-
ghuns) the Great Indian Millct, (.Sor.
ghum,) Valgore, are extremely val
liable ANIMALS for fair production, and
yield large quantities of green food,
rich in saccharine matter. They al.
so make good hay for stock. 1t is
our opinion, tested by experience,
that these gigantic grasses are indis.
pensable to the planter, and their
more extended cultivation should be
encouraged. The seed of all these
plants are valuable food for poultry,
pigeons, &c. In another article we
have given our experience with these
grasses, in sustaining hogs during
the summer months. The Indian
Pea should not be overlooked, when
we recommended products furnish.
ing good material for soiling and for.
age. When planted on rich lands, it
affords large supply of nutritious
green food, which, though not ex.
ceedingly rclished by all stock, is
extremely valuable. DR.. Geo. Bat
tey, Of Rome, Georgia, recommends
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