72 FORAGE CROPS 



annual, the land being re -seeded each year. It 

 makes excellent pasture, relished by all stock, 

 and yields an abundant crop of hay of good quality 

 for dairy cows. 



Composition of Italian Rye -Grass 



^ . An average 



<^^« t°" acre-yield 



coutams furnishes 



Per cent. Lbs. Lbs. 



Water 73.2 ... ... 



Dry matter 26.8 536 6,432 



Ether extract 1.3 26 312 



Crude fiber 6.8 136 1,632 



Protein 3.1 62 744 



Ash 2.5 50 600 



Nitrogen-free extract 13.3 266 3,192 



The large quantity of dry matter, over three 

 tons per acre (assuming an average yield of 

 twelve tons), that may be obtained from a careful 

 growing and handling, and its capability of being 

 cut several times, make it a most desirable crop 

 when the conditions favorable for its best develop- 

 ment are present. In order that these large yields 

 may be secured, however, it should not be allowed 

 to ripen, but cut when in the blossom stage. After 

 each cutting it should be top-dressed with fertili- 

 zers rich in nitrates, particularly on light soils. 



