62 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 



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

 ver}^ valuable for preventing sandy land from blowing. 



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

 tail, or squirrel-tail {HordeuTn 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 worthj^ of exten- 

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

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

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

 "West, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia where tested 

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

 questionable value. 



Brome-grass should be given a thorough test as a sand-binding 

 grass along 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 peninsula of Michigan. Under 

 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 daj^s earlier for pasture in the spring than the 

 ordinary standard grasses. 



^Miile 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 present of most importance 

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

 some extent throughout the general region from Kansas north to the 

 Canadian boundary and west to the Pacific coast. Its importance 

 in the timothy region is as yet \Q.vy 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 



