Pastures in Xkw ^'oRK. 479 



Kentucky blue-grass should always be included in a seeding intended 

 for permanent pasture land except on very poor or wet soils. 



Canadian blue-grass. — This species is classed as a weed by many 

 writers. The seed is cheaper than Kentucky blue-grass and looks so 

 much like it that it is often used as an adulterant. The plant has many 

 features in conmion with the Kentucky blue-grass. It is difficult to 

 distinguish the two except in large masses, unless one is very familiar 

 with both. Canadian blue-grass is a darker green in color, has flattened 

 stems which are zigzag in form and shorter than the stems of Kentucky 

 blue-grass. (See Fig. 153.) The seeds are also a week or two later in 

 maturing. It will thrive on a poorer soil than Kentucky blue-grass 

 but will not replace it in this state when conditions are favorable for 

 the growth of the latter. It is relished by stock equally as well as Ken- 

 tucky blue-grass. The only reasonable objection that can be raised 

 against it is that it does not produce a large amount of herbage. There 

 are two reasons for this: the plant is shorter than that of Kentucky 

 blue-grass and there are fewer stems per given area. Sheep and cattle 

 will thrive on a Canadian blue-grass pasture even though the grass 

 has reached maturity and has become dried. In this respect it resembles 

 the buffalo grass of the western plains. 



It is safe to include this grass in a permanent pasture mixture intended 

 for poor lands. 



Meadow fescue. — Although this grass is never found in very large 

 numbers in permanent pastures it is present in about three-fourths 

 of the old pastures throughout the central and southern parts of the 

 state. It thrives best in rich lands and when found in permanent pas- 

 tures it occupies the most fertile places. It does not do well on soils 

 that are excessively dry or in poor condition of fertility. Its habit of 

 growth is similar to that of timothy. It is a nutritious grass and very 

 much liked by cattle. The fact that it is not a native of this state but 

 has appeared as a volunteer in many sections would indicate that it 

 is well worth trying in mixtures. The chief objection to using it would 

 seem to be that the seed is rather expensive. It may be included in a 

 seeding intended for rich lands. 



Orchard-grass. — This well known grass is often found in well-drained, 

 fertile soils. It will not thrive in poor soil nor on land in need of drain- 

 age. It is much earlier than most pasture grasses. Its habit of growth 

 is tufted, even more inclined to this habit than timothy. It is a vig- 

 orous grower and -when young and tender is liked by cattle. If not 

 browsed when young, it soon becomes tough and unpalatable. It is 

 wise to sow this grass in mixtures on rich, well-drained soils. 



