[3] The necessary properties of grasses suited to this climate differ
from those required in higher latitudes. They should have deep running
roots if erect, to withstand the scorching heat of the sun, or their
stems should lie prostrate and cover the ground. This is the peculiarity
of grasses in the West Indies and Egypt. The grass peculiar to them, and
well adapted to this country--the cynosurus AEgyptus--grows in South
Carolina and Georgia, and is highly esteemed. Among the small variety of
grasses cultivated here, is the Washita winter grass, perennial, and the
Natchez winter grass, an annual. The latter is a phalaris, not known at
the north. It is a rich grass and very succulent. There is a variety of
this grass termed striped grass, cultivated in yards at the north, which
is unknown here, and which from its peculiar properties is excellent to
bind banks, and would be of great service on plantations where there are
bayous. The Bermuda grass has large succulent leaves and runners, and is
better adapted to this climate than any other. Lucerne and esparcette
have the same properties, but have never been tried. The white clover of
Kentucky, known by the name of Buffalo clover, is also admirably
adapted, upon the above principles, to this soil and climate. Hay as an
article of culture is unknown here. White clover is abundant upon the
commons. There are several grasses peculiar to this country unknown at
the north; but they are never transplanted from the fields and woods,
and are scarcely known and never cultivated. There is properly but _one
plant_ in the south, if planters are to draw up the botanical catalogue,
and that is the _cotton plant_!
[4] I have lying before me a letter, bearing date July 1, 1806, from a
distinguished German botanist; in which, at the close of an article upon
the plants of this country, he inquires of Wm. Dunbar, Esq. to whom the
letter is addressed, "if the cotton plant has ever been tried in
Mississippi? _It seems to promise much!_" Mississippi planters of the
present day will certainly coincide with this gentleman in his opinion.