CANADIAN BLUE GRASS. 63 



Climate: It is rather insusceptible to climatic conditions. 

 Severe drought that would be disastrous to most other forage plants 

 makes it die down, but with the advent of rain it starts again, ap- 

 parenth' unharmed, developing new stems and leaves from its root- 

 stock. It is resistant to frost and stands freezing and thawing without 

 injury. This explains the frequent occurrence of Blue Grass patches 

 in low-lying parts of poorly drained Alfalfa fields in the Blue Grass 

 sections of southern Ontario. 



Habits of growth: In its manner of propagating itself and bear- 

 ing unfavourable conditions without injury, Canadian Blue Grass 

 closely resembles certain weeds, especially Couch Grass. In rich 

 soil where forage plants such as Alfalfa can be successfully grown, 

 Canadian Blue Grass is really nothing but a weed, hard to get rid 

 of, and many farmers look upon it as a pest. 



Agricultural value: In yielding power and general feeding 

 value it cannot compete with Kentucky Blue Grass, and on rich 

 limestone soil the latter is superior beyond comparison. On poor 

 clays, however, Canadian Blue Grass is apt to succeed much better 

 than Kentucky Blue Grass. 



Fodder: On account of the rather low yield, it is not much used 

 for hay though it is claimed to be wholesome and highly nutritious 

 for horses. 



Pasture: Its chief value is as a permanent pasture grass. It 

 should not be allowed to get too old as it becomes less palatable. 

 There is no danger in pasturing it close; close grazing encourages 

 the growth and makes it more attractive to stock. As a pasture 

 grass it is rich and nourishing, especially for the production of beef 

 or mutton; it can also be used to advantage for milk production. 

 It is recommended as a lawn grass for stiff clay soils deficient in lime, 

 and it is commonly used as an ingredient in commercial lawn mix- 

 tures. Twenty to thirty pounds of seed are sufficient for an acre. 



Seed growing: When grown for seed the heaviest yield is 

 generally obtained from new fields or from volunteer crops after 

 wheat or other grain. It should be cut when the panicles are deep 

 yellow. Curing and threshing are easy and can be done in the same 

 way as for Timothy. The grain thresher or clover huller may be 

 used, the latter being preferred as a rule. 



