BKOME-GKASS. 29 



superior yield of Kursk millet when grown in cultivated rows is a 

 marked character of the variety. This is no doubt partly due to its 

 strong stooling habit and vigorous growth. It has been noted by the 

 writer that in seeding millets broadcast a much heavier stand is secured 

 in the Kursk variety than in others when the same amount of seed is 

 used per unit area. This makes it desirable to seed somewhat less of 

 this per acre than of other varieties, especially under dry-land 

 conditions. 



In 1910 the seed of the best progeny rows grown in 1909 were 

 l)lanted in -j^-acre plats in com])arison %vith standard varieties. 

 These tests will be continued until the forage value of the different 

 selections as compared with one another and with other varieties 

 under conditions of severe drought can be ascertained. 



BROME-GRASS. 



Smooth or Hungarian brome-grass (Bromus inermis) is one of the 

 most drought-resistant grasses grown in the northern Great Plains. 

 It is well adapted to cultivation on account of its abundant seed 

 production and vigorous habit of growth, and it has come into 

 general favor in the Central Northwest since its introduction into the 

 United States. ° Several stocks of seed were tested at the Highmore 

 substation previous to and during the time cooperation was carried 

 on between the Bureau of Plant Industry and the South Dakota 

 Agricultural Experiment Station. One of these stocks, listed as 

 South Dakota No. 26, appeared to be decidedly superior to the others 

 in forage production. This strain is rather distinct in type of plant 

 and has light-colored outer glumes or scales around the seeds which 

 give the mature panicle an exceptionally light-colored appearance. 

 The plants are strong and vigorous and remain productive for several 

 years; that is, the strain does not "run out" quickly. Bulk seed of 

 this strain was planted broadcast and in double-cultivated rows at 

 the Belief ourche Experiment Farm in 1909. A breeding nursery 

 occupying two ^-acre plats was also planted. The seed was planted 

 in hills 42 inches apart each way and the hills were thinned to indi- 

 vidual plants in early summer. An excellent stand was secured in 

 all the plats. There is great (Uversity in the manner of growth of the 

 individual jdants in the breeding nursery. Many of them are erect 

 and close growing, while others are inclined to spread greatly by root- 

 stocks. There is also great diversity as to amount of leafiness and 

 amount of stooling. Altogether tliere is great opportunity for 

 selection of superior types. In addition to the work in the breecUng 

 nursery tests are being made of several indivi(hial selections of 

 Bromus inermis furnished by the Office of Foragc-Croj) Investiga- 

 tions. These are planted in progeny rows. 



a For a chemical analysis of brome-grass, see Table IX. 

 196 



