WESTERN RYE GRASS. 91 
they turn straw-coloured. A spikelet generally contains from four 
to six flowers, each enclosed within two glumes. The outer glume 
is similar in shape and texture to the sterile glumes at the base of 
the spikelet. It is generally awnless but sometimes carries a short 
awn at its top. 
Geographical distribution: It is indigenous to all Canada, 
from coast to coast, and to the northern and western parts of the 
United States. As its name indicates, it is especially common in the 
west, extending from the dry belts of British Columbia to New 
Mexico and southern California. 
Cultural conditions: Western Rye Grass grows naturally in 
dry soil and thrives best where only a limited amount of water is 
available. It cannot stand long flooding but responds readily to 
careful irrigation. It is one of the few grasses that are not checked 
by a large amount of alkali in the ground. The root being rather 
deep and very strong, it stands severe drought without injury. It 
is insusceptible to extr2me cold, and, generally speaking, bears 
unfavourable climatic conditions better than most other fodder 
grasses. 
Habits of growth: It is easy to grow and makes a ready start 
from the seed. If sown in spring, it is well-established in one season 
and might, if conditions are favourable, head out late in the fall of 
the same year. It generally gives the heaviest crop the third year, 
the yield depending to a certain extent on the amount of seed sown. 
Agricultural value: It is no doubt the most valuable of the 
western native hay grasses, and, like most other fodder grasses, in- 
cludes many different types. Some of them give only a small quantity 
of poor fodder; others produce much nutritious, succulent hay. As 
grown at present, Western Rye is a mixture of types and the return 
is therefore comparatively small. By proper selection and breeding, 
varieties could be produced which in yield and nutritive value would 
far surpass the average grass now grown in the Prairie Provinces. 
Fodder: Western Rye is preferably a hay grass. It should be 
cut just when it begins to bloom, or even earlier, as it is most palat 
able and has its greatest nutritive value before flowering. After 
that it becomes tough, hard and decidedly woody. Only one crop 
of hay can be taken each year. It has its greatest value as horse feed. 
It is, however, not as much relished as is the hay from Brome Grass, 
