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ITAIilAN RYE GRASS (Lolium italicum) . 



A well-known, excellent hay and pasture grass introduced into this 

 country from Europe about thirty-three years ago. It grows in broad, 

 compact tufts, producing an immense growth of foliage from a single 

 root cluster. Owing to its extremely rapid growth, cuttings may be 

 obtained within three or four weeks from seeding, and at intervals of 

 a month or six weeks successive crops may be harvested. Although 

 it can be grown in almost all the States, it is better adapted to the 

 middle latitudes and thrives best from southern Pennsylvania to Vir- 

 ginia. Because of its very rapid growth it is, like alfalfa, a good crop 

 to rid land of weeds, as it quickly overshadows them, preventing the 

 ripening of seed. This grass should always be cut for hay while in 

 full bloom, as the stems rapidly become wood}^ and unpalatable. It 

 is not to be recommended for permanent pastures, as its duration is 

 only two or three years; but for temporary meadows, and where a 

 green growth is desired in a very short time it is an excellent grass. 

 During the year 1898 twenty packages of the seed of this variety 

 were distributed, and live reports have been received, two giving 

 satisfactory results. 



PERENNIAL RYE GRASS (Lolium perenne) . 



A vigorous perennial grass introduced into this country from Europe 

 many years ago. On marshy lands, where the soil is good, it is one of 

 the best pasture grasses. In such situations it will last from five to seven 

 years, but on dry, sterile, upland soils it is short lived, rapidly dis- 

 appearing after the second year. It stands pasturing well, and makes 

 a quick recovery after having been closely cropped. The quality of 

 the forage is very fine, being relished by all kinds of stock. For pas- 

 ture on heavy soils in moist climates it is especially valuable, and 

 under such conditions is largely used in mixtures for permanent pas- 

 tures. As it grows very rapidly, a line stand can be secured in a few 

 weeks from the time of seeding. It is especially valuable when quick 

 results are wanted and for covering the ground while other and more 

 permanent varieties, like redtop or orchard grass, are becoming estab- 

 lished. The form known as Pacey's perennial rye grass is said to 

 be more vigorous than the species. Since 1896 twenty -five packages 

 of perennial rye grass have been distributed, but only live experi- 

 menters have reported the results of their trials. The following are 

 two of these reports: 



Mr. Henry Wehry, North Vernon, Jennings County, Ind. : 

 The soil used was a rather stiff clay, underlaid with slate and inclined to bake after 

 hard rains. The ground was plowed and harrowed before sowing. The seed was 

 sown April 24, 1897, in drills 6 inches apart, and cultivated twice between the rows 

 during the season. The late sowing was altogether against it, so that it grew to be 

 only about 4 inches high. I secured a good stand, and think it will be a valuable 

 addition to our hay-producing grasses. We had plenty of rain during the entire 

 season. 



