280 GRASSES AND HOW TO GROW THEM. 



given an important place except in Sontliern Ontario 

 and western Britisli Colnmbia the winter climate is too 

 cold for growing it in the very best form, and in these 

 orchard grass and especially timothy are considered su- 

 perior. 



Soils. — The best soils for perennial rye grass are 

 those that are moist, that contain a considerable content 

 of clay, and at the same time are rich in nutriment. 

 Light sands, low in fertility, are ill adapted to its 

 growth. Xor is it well able to fight its battle on the 

 stiffest clay. In Europe the many variations which 

 characterize this grass have given it varied adaptation 

 to soil conditions which are not easily specified. But 

 few grasses respond more readily to applications of ma- 

 nure, solid or liquid, or to suitable dressings with com- 

 mercial fertilizers. 



Place in the Rotation. — Where the conditions are fa- 

 vorable for the growth of this grass, its place in the ro- 

 tation would be much the same as for timothy. (See p. 

 57.) Briefly stated it would be in a rotation extend- 

 ing from 3 to 7 years. It would come in properly after 

 a cleaning crop, and would precede a crop which feeds 

 well on decaying vegetable matter in the soil. 



Preparing the Soil. — The preparation of the soil suit- 

 able for perennial rye grass is about the same as what 

 is suitable for timothy. (See p. 58.) Stated briefly 

 the seed bed should be clean, finely pulverized near the 

 surface, firm and moist, and may be made fall or 

 spring. But since the seed is relatively high in germin- 

 ating power, a stand may be more easily secured though 



