14 THE CULTURE AXD USES OF BEOME-GRASS. 



humus to the soil to return it to good condition. The grass is also 

 very valuable for preventing sandy land from blowing. 



Brome-grass is an excellent crop for combating such weeds as fox- 

 tail, or squirrel-tail {R-ordeinn 'juhatum) . and on moist land, where 

 the latter flourishes, the former excludes it very effectually. 



THE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OF BROME-GRASS. 



Little has been done in the matter of extending the growing of 

 Bromus inermis farther east at the same latitude as its present region. 

 Experiments that have been conducted with it in various sections east 

 of Minnesota and north of Kansas indicate that it is worthy of exten- 

 sion. It will doubtless prove valuable on sandy soil in "Wisconsin, 

 New York, and Xew England, but will probably be of use mostly as 

 a pasture grass and in mixtures with other grasses. In parts of Ohio, 

 "West Virjrinia, Pennsvlvania, Marvland, and Virsfinia where tested 

 it has shown considerable promise. South of these States it is of 

 questionable value. 



Brome-grass should l^e given a thorough test as a sand-binding 

 e^rass alons: the Lakes and near the seacoast, as its extensive root 

 system and its ability to thrive on sandy land make it well adapted 

 to such situations. Some very striking results have been obtained 

 with it on sandy soil on the upper pe.iinsula of Michigan. Lender 

 similar conditions in "Wisconsin its value, especially as a pasture 

 grass, has been quite thoroughly demonstrated. In these States it is 

 said to be at least ten days earlier for pasture in the spring than the 

 ordinary standard grasses. 



"\"\liile the thorough testing of brome-grass by farmers in the States 

 mentioned is strongly urged, its use on a large scale is not considered 

 advisable until its value as compared with the standard grasses com- 

 monly grown in these States has been more definitely demonstrated. 



SUMMARY. 



Brome-grass {Bromus inermis) is at i^resent of most importance 

 in the Dakotas and sections adjoining these States, but is grown to 

 some extent througliout the general region from Kansas north to the 

 Canadian boundary and west to the Pacific coast. Its importance 

 in the timothv region is as vet verv limited. 



It is the common practice to sow the seed in the spring about the 

 1st of April, or as soon as the weather is favorable. One bushel of 

 14 pounds is considered a sufficient quantity to produce a satisfactory" 

 stand, and good results are obtained with 10 to 12 pounds. Heavier 

 seeding is recommended in sections where the grass is being tested or 

 where it is intended for pasture alone. 



Ill— V 



