Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1877-10-27

Bermuda GIaSs-Its Origin and VaIu elin
the south.
In your issue of the Weekly Courier
Journal, bearing date of the 9th inst,
appeared my letter in reply to an inquiry
made through your columns in regard TO
Bermuda grass. Since its publication, !
have received a number of letters IRON
Kentucky, Indiana and other states,
making further inquiries relative TO this
peerless grass, its growth, yield and ad-
vantages over other grasses, | have
chosen to reply to many of these letters
through your columns, inasmuch as my
attention is so closely occupied at present
as to force me to forego the pleasure OF
answering many of them through the
regular channel Of epiStolary correspond
enCe.
In the beginning of this letter | desire
to say | am not e%ndeayoling to create a
sensation or a demand for this grass that
will advance my ~pecuniary interest, but,
on the contrary, to introduce a grass into
4 stock country, that will eventually
prove Of paramount value Of those
engaged III SuCl all tHu6l Illot'
In view, then, of these facts, ] have
chosen this medium to communicate my
knowledge of Bermuda grass to those who
have already intimated their desire to
try it, etc.
Bermuda grass, when FIRST introduced
into this part of Mississippi, was brought
by carloads to plant on railroad embank'
ments to prevent them from washing,
and has proven to be an intallible pre-
v~entiye.
1t was imported from the island OF
Bermuda in South America. A geo
graphical examination will show this
island to be situated in latitude 33 deg,
and Clinton, Miss, in 81. In view OF
the fact that it grew luxuriantly in a
more northern latitude when it was
scattered on the em~bankments, | am
forced to believe it will grow in other
more northern states. As a forage for
stock, it is equal if not superior to
red clover, because it is of an
everlasting growth, and not quite 50
woody. 1t furnishes fine grazing for
cattle, sheep, hogs, etc, during the
winter in this climate, and with a favor.
able spring can be mown as early as April
1t resembles blue grass in foliage, and
grows from six to fifteen inches high, and
so dense that it isa difficult task to cut
it with a scythe. 1t is 50 tenacious OF
life and of such vigorous growth that Is
regarded among some classes of cotton
planters as a great pest. 1t grows luxu-
riantly in q lazy farmers cotton fields
when the cotton is young, and under
these circumstances crowditout. 1t was
brought here twenty-five years ago, and
for reasons stated above it soon became
unpopular with the more irdOlent classes
of cotton planters, while the industrious
and successful farmers claim that 1t Is
very valuable, because it furnishes
nutritious food for their stock, enrlches
their lands, and, when once broken, the
land,will produce more cotton, corn, ETC,
per acre than other land. Its immense
Weld, its rapid growth, its nutritious
properties, its endurance of cold or heat,
It's ability to grow and spread even on
our poorest soil, while undergoing the
ordinary process of blowing, force me to
claim tnat it is the peer of any gras,
grown in the south or southwest. Since
It's introduction into this community ii
has spread for miles north and south Of
the railroad, and now covers many thou.
sand acres of valuable land. ! have re-
ceived many letters propounding the
following interrogations Chow is Der
muda grass prOpagated? Will it grow
on clay lands Will it grow in sedge
other grasses or weeds? and what time
is best to plant it?" etc. In reply tt
these questions ] will say Bermuda grass
is produced in the island of Bermuda
from seed but in this latitude they dc
not mature, consequently it is produced
from the roots. ! have reason to believe
it will grow on any soil that will produce
peas, corn, oats, wheat or clover. ]
may he planted in a field of sedge, othe
grasses or weeds, and it will eventual!
crowd them out and no other impIe
ment of less capacity than a two-hors'
pillow can turn over the grass sod. ]
hourishes here when planted in an.
season of the year, but in Kentucky
north Alabama and more northern
states, | do not think it would grow onl.
when planted in spring and summer. A
to the advantages it has over Othe
grasses, | am unprepared to set forth il
full however, | will venture to subml
a few of its claims, etc.
First: The roots are as large as whea
straw, measuring from two to five feet j
length, running in every conceivabl
direction, and in the spring when tn
root Joint sends out a sprig or shoot, tina
portion of the root between the joint
decays and enriches the land.
Second: Because it can be mOwn thrt
or four times per annum and will yiel
from three to five tons of hay.
Third: 1t will enrich land an
flourish under constant pasturiug OF ca
tie and sheep. 49,
Fourth: Because it will grow (unlil
all other grasses) when once planted unit
YOU kill it by constant blowing in mi
winter or summer.
Prior to the introduction of BermuC
grass into this country the fearful malaC
Of murrain, dry murrain, bloody mural
stsggers, ETC., prevailed among cattl
but such a disease is scarcely know
to cattle raisers. The disappearance
{ these cattle diseases is imputed to ii
fact that Bermuda grass grows lux
riantly during the entire summer ar
fall seasons, 30 that there is compar
lively little dry or decayed grass f
them TO eat TO produce these diseases.
am Of the opinion that it will act as
preventive in sections where cattle a
afflicted with the above maladies. Th
conclusion is based upon the fact thu
when other grasses are perishing frOl
excessive drouth this grass will be foun
to retain its green color, and a close il
yestigation will show the earth moi
where it grows. This grass grows 4
dense as to protect the roots from hea
and the roots are so compact as to retail
the moisture in the earth. Upon tn.
hypothesis, and IN view Of Us willingne,
to grow, spread and crowd cut weed
etc, and flourish when ordinary pastu,
ing, ! am prompted to recommend it [
others who need such a grass in the.
enterprises. 1t cannot be made a con