25 





FiQ. 23.— Bnffalo-^rasa (Bui- 

 bilisdactyloideg). a, female 

 plant; b, male plant. 



family; wheat is less likely to change into cheat in a single generation than 

 into the more nearly allied oats, or than -wheat is to change into barley, with 

 which it is very closely related. 



No. 58. Bromus unioloides Willd. Eescue-grass. (Fig. 22.) 



This Bromu8, which is a native of South America, and probably also of the extreme 



southwestern portion of the United States, is a strong-growing grass, with 



rather broad, much flattened, usually bearded spil^elets. It grows to the height 



of 1 to 3 feet, and in the more vigorous plants the 



branches of the nodding panicle are widely spreading. 



It grows rapidly, seeds freely, and dies after seeding. 



If, by frequent mowing or close grazing, it is prevented 



from going to seed, its duration may be continued 



over two or three years or more. If the seeds are 



allowed to fall, as they frequently do when mature, 



young plants soon appear, and a fairly continuous 



growth of this grass may thus be maintained. In 



many parts of the Southern States, where it has been 



most cultivated, it has come to be regarded as one of 



the best winter grasses, as it makes its chief growth 



during the cooler months of the year. Sow in August 



or September, at the rate of 30 to 40 pounds to the acre. 



No. 59 Bulbilis dactyloides (Nutt.) Eafin. Buffalo- 

 grass. (Fig. 23.) 



This is the true Buffalo-grass of the Great Plains region, 



which is reported to have been much more abundant and more widely distributed 

 in times past than It is at present. Now, however, it is known to extend from 

 the British Possessions southward into Texas, where it is considered an invalu- 

 able grass and one of the best constituents of sheep pastures. It has a low habit 



of growth, rarely more than 5 or 6 inches high, and pro- 

 duces numerous creeping and widely spreading branches 

 or stolons, which root at the joints, each joint forming a 

 new tuft, and in this way the grass often covers large 

 areas with a close mat of fine-leafed herbage, which is 

 greatly relisshed by all grazing animals. As a winter for- 

 age, it is without an equal. The habit of growth of this 

 plant is very similar to that of Bermuda-grass, but the 

 stems and leaves are much finer and the turf formed more 

 compact. Live roots transplanted from Nebraska to the 

 grounds of the Department of Agriculture at Washing- 

 ton, D. C, have grown with remarkable vigor, and it may 

 be possible to utilize this most palatable and nutritious 

 grass in portions of the Ea^ern or Southern States. 



No. 60. Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. Blue- 

 joint. (Fig. 24.) 

 A native grass common in the Northern and Northwestern 

 States, extending clear across the continent, usually 

 Fig. 24.— Blue-joint (CaJ- growing in moist meadows. The leafy stems are 3 to 5 



amagroitis canadensis). feet high, and the open brown or purplish panicles have 



some resemblance to those of Redtop. Occasionally it is 

 found occupying considerable areas to the exclusion of other grasses, and under 

 such conditions it yields a large amount of excellent hay, highly prized by farm- 

 ers and eaten with avidity by all farm stock. This grass grows naturally on low, 

 moist meadows, and has succeeded well under cultivation. In the northern por- 

 tion of the United States its more extended culture for hay is recommended. 



