The Brunswick times. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 188?-1900, 1897-09-05

WV Va obOh OOnltCllu4 ODtutOuS,
only fair to state both sides of the ques-
ton and leave each individual to choose
whether It suits his special needs or
whether it is better to leave it's cultiva-
Walton to some one else.
In the first place then its advantages
are as follows: 1t is perennial, that is.
it will last for number of years. 1t
is unlike many other grasses in its de.
pendence on moisture at certain Pc
Rod of its growth. All through the
early spring, the summer and late fall
it responds to rains. If these are abund-
ant three or four cuttings are possible,
and even under adverse circumstances,
one cutting is always certain. Once
set, therefore, it may be depended on
for an almost certain yield for many
successive years.
On the other hand, among the disad-
vantages of having permanent field
| of johnson grass, are: It's certainty to
spread, both by underground stems and
by its millions of seeds, which, if al
! lowed to mature, are scattered in every
direction. The last may be entirely
prevented by moving clean as often as
the plants show a disposition to perfect
seed, three or four times during its sea-
son of growth. If the field in which
| this grass is grown is in measure iso.
lated from the rest of the farm, and if
no plow is put into it, whereby care
| less farm hand may transport the roots
from one part of the farm to another,
there is little danger of propagating it
in this way. Another disadvantage is
that, while Johnson grass. if cut at the
proper stage, that is, just aftef it has
doomed and is ready to form heads,
will make splendid hay, if the cutting
is delayed beyond this period the hay
becomes tough and woody and stock
will not eat it, Still another objection
is that it is very difficult to eradicate it.
Once it has taken possession of field,
it must be given over to it without
question. While under some conditions
this might constitute very serious OBJ
! lection, under others it might be re-
garded as positive advantage. The
hay, when cut at the proper time and
properly cured, is fine. the yield is GER
tain and generally abundant. In view
of these facts, if one has field suited
for its cultivation, why not let it take
possession and thus secure at little cost
and trouble nutritious hay, the de-
mand for which is never fully supplied.
We know some intelligent farmers who
are enthusiastic supporters of Johnson
grass when planted under the above re-
strictions. State Agricultural Depart
ment.
German, Crimson and Japan Glover.
QUESTION. Does German or Crimson
clover improve the land as much as the
Red or White clover? Is the gathering
OF nitrogen the only benefit which the
clovers render the land? Please tell me
something about japan clover. / have
heard that it will improve the land,
furnish good pasturage and that it does
not require as much manure or the same
care as the other varieties.
ANSWER The Crimson clover sends
its roots down deep in the earth, but be-
ing an annual it probably does not i'm.
prove the land as much as the biennial
Red clover. White clover, though le-
gume, does not benefit the land as much
as either the Scarlet or the Red clover,
the roots not penetrating the earth to
the same depth as the others. Where q
green crop is needed for turning under
in the early spring, the Scarlet clover is
the best of the three, as it makes very
heavy growth in the late winter and
early spring The clovers and other le-
gumes not only gather nitrogen for fu-
ture crops, but their strong, long roots
penetrate the subsojl and loosen it up,
thus rendering the succeeding crop less
liable to suffer either from excessive
rains or from drouth. In addition, their
decaying roots furnish humus to the
soil Japan clover (Lespedeza strata
belongs to the family of legumes and is
an annual. On poor land its growth is
| AOW 0llL Oub Oh BOOO Au1d ~
will grow from 10 to 20 inches tall and
yield fine crop of excellent hay. 1t
seems to prefer dry clay soils and will
grow on lands of this character that are
too poor for the other clovers. 1t is a
good renovator, sending it's roots deep
into the ground and holding its own
against all other plants. AS far as
tested it does not succeed we'll on sandy
lands. / advise its planting on thin
hillsides, where it can be pastured dur
ing the summer. all stock being fond Of
it. Sow in the spring. broadcasting
from 10 to Is pounds of seed to the
acre. State Agricultural Departments.
Use Rye.
QUESTION is there any cheap cror
that can cover my lanus with during
the winter? know 1t is a mistake tC
leave them bare. but clover and vetch
are expensive crops, and unless the land
is rich and all conditions suitable they