26 



Tliey cure readily on the ground, and remain more nearly intact 

 throughout the winter months than any of the other grasses of the 

 region. The species of most importance are given as follows: 

 Slender Wheat-grass {Agropyron tenernm Yasey). — This wheat- 

 grass is very generally distributed throughout the area. It is 

 found in all parts of the desert, as well as in the better soils of 

 the summer range. It grows in dry, poor soil, but thrives better 



in good soil, and responds 

 readily to cultural advan- 

 tages. A moderate 

 amount of water in irri- 

 gation produces best re- 

 sults on this grass. It 

 will hardly stand flooding 

 at all. For pasture pur- 

 [>oses there are grasses 

 that will endure more 

 hard treatment than this, 

 but as a meadow grass it 

 must be given first place. 

 It often forms a close, 

 uniform growth that 

 yields as much per acre 

 as an average field of 

 timothy. Considering its 

 high nutritive value, no 

 more profitable grass can 

 be found than this for the 

 desert region, especially 

 on saline soil and where 

 the (J uantitj^ of available 

 water is limited. While 

 not seeding very freely, 

 the re(iuisite amount for 

 sowing can easily be ob- 

 tained after the first crop 

 has been harvested. It 

 is easily thrashed out in 

 a machine, or maybe Hailed out if no better method is at hand. 

 Seed of tliis grass is now on the market. 

 Colorado Blue-stem, Western Wheat-grass {Af/ropi/ron sjiica- 

 tioit S. & S., tig. 1). — This grass is (capable of enduring drought to 

 a remarkable degree. Naturally, however, it nuikes a very sparse 

 growth. Distributed rather generally throughout the region, it is 

 found occupying the driest banks ami bench lands. It is capable 

 of rank and dense growth under favorable conditions, as sho\\ n in 



Fl(i. 1. — Wcstcni Wlicat Kiass {Aijinjiiiron njn'ratinii) 

 I'luiily };lmii('S; b, llori'is. 



", 



