Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-11-11
LESPEDESA STRIATA-JAPAN CO.
WEIR; OR, KING GRASS.

From the Athens (Ga.) Farmer and Artisan.
In recent number of your paper see
piece taken from the Nashville UNION AND
AMERICAN in reference to the Japan clover,
or wild clover as it is Familiarity called In
this region. While think that piece is an
exaggeration in reference to some OF its
qualities, yet l am prepared to concede for
it several things that do not apply to any
other plant we have ever seen grown In this
latitude.
1. 1t grows on poor land with more luxu-
rance than any other grass or weed have
ever seen; and as it has small leaf, rather
contrayenes the general idea of vegetable
PSYCHOLOGISTS, that large leayed plants feed
mostly on the atmosphere. | suppose, how
ever, that this deficiency is counteracted to
a large extent by the number Of leaves, for
they are legion.
2. 1t has great powers of endurance, so
far as the roots are concerned; but
the branches and leaves will parch and
die out under a burning sun very
soon. especially where it grows sparsely.
During a wet summer it luXuriates where
ever propagated on poor hill-sides as well
as meadow lands. 1t loves, however, rainy
seasons on thirsty lands, and fear will not
prove to be all we desire in such localities.
1t, however, reminds us Of an anecdote of
Mr.. Dickson, when he was showing some
gentlemen his farm during the prevalence
of severe drought. As they passed
through cornfeld in which some Of the
stalks were actually dying for lack OF moiS-
ture, one of them called his attention to
several in that condition. eyes," said he,
81 perceive the fact-but ii dies game"
And so of the Japan clover, it dies from
severe drought, but rallies again as soon as
the rain sets in.
3. 1t is a good pasturage for stock, and
think would make good hay, if cut and
cured. This l intend TO test the present
season. But l do not believe that our stock
like it as well as the native grasses, and l
doubt whether it is as nutritious as the
Bermuda. As cattle love variety, however,
this may subserve a good purpose in that
way. My opinion, however, is, from not a.
very close observation in the matter, that
they would soon tire out on it exclusively.
4. 1t furnishes a large supply of vegetable
matter to the soil, and believe will prove
to be the best humus making plant we have
at the South, where so much is needed from
our clean cotton culture. | intend to test
the matter Thoroughly the present winter in
this way, and hope others will do the same.
As it is said to be difficult to gather the seed
in large quantities, intend to plow up the
surface where it has seeded, and rake up
the grass and top soil, and SOW this dirt over
my oat and wheat fields, and especially on
the poor places. My opinion is that most
luXuriant growth Of this clover will follow,
which can be turned under in the fall while
green, and thus furnish not only humus
but nitrOupn TO the soil,
5. Another rare quality of this plant is
indicated in the name have givenit-King
grass-in the fact that it absolutely roots
out and destroys every living plant in its
widespread path. Not even old Bermuda,
which has so long held undisputed sway
over his circumscribed fields, cannot re-
sist its encroaches. ! have a bottom
long since given up to the Bermuda.
Recently l passed through it and found
! that the LespedeSa had almost completely
| throttled it, though like Mr.. DicksOn's corn,
| 1t died game, as here and there, peering
above its enemy, could be seen an isolated
sprig of Bermuda, which, as it cannot stand
shade, will have to yield entirely before the
| close of another season. | have but little
doubt that any pest like Coco or Bermuda
could be rooted out by this King grass in a
few years in any locality, and would re-
| commend it to be sown on such fields if for
no other purpose. intend to give it a fair
! trial myself on one or two similar localities.