40 & 
cum colonum after the wheat crop has been removed, it would give a 
crop of at least 2 tons of valuable hay per acre from land generally 
left to the weeds. If cut just as the seeds were beginning to form 
and thoroughly cured, such hay would be excellent to feed with 
Alfalfa (lucerne), and, if properly mixed, the two would make a first- 
class combination. A little corn added would produce an almost typical 
ration.” (Some New Meaico Forage Plants, Bulletin No. 18, March, 
1896, p. 65.) 
The late Dr. George Vasey, in “ The Agricultural Grasses of the 
United States,” says of the Barnyard Grass :—‘‘In the Northern States 
it is esteemed as a rough coarse weed ; in the South it is often utilised 
and considered a very useful grass. He quotes Dr. Charles Mohe, of 
Mobile, Alabama, who says :—‘ It grows luxuriantly, particularly in 
the lowlands of the coast, is greedily eaten by horses and cattle, and 
makes a hay of good quality. It is justly regarded as an excellent 
‘grass, particularly before it ripens its seed, as in the latter stages of 
its growth the long and stiff awns of its spikes tend to make it some- 
what unpalatable.’ He also quotes Professor Phares, of Mississippi, 
who says:—‘In Louisiana, Mississippi, and some other States, it 1s 
mowed annually. Some farmers assure me that they harvest 4 or 5 
tons of hay per acre. It may be cut twice each season by making the 
first mowing as soon as it begins to bloom. I know no one who plants 
it; but it annually re-seeds the ground and requires no cultivation 
or other care, save protection from live stock and the labour of 
harvesting. Being a coarse grass, with long leaves and large succulent 
stems, it requires care to make into hay. In one county of Missis- 
sippi, hundreds of acres are annually mowed on single farms. Cows 
and horses are very fond of it whether green or dry. Farmers who 
have tested it most thoroughly for many years prefer it to the best 
corn fodder.’ ” 
Here is a Canadian opinion of it :—“ A tall coarse grass, producing a 
great quantity of succulent feed, which is highly relished by stock. 
It grows in low land and around dwellings throughout the country. 
In the early stages of growth it is excellent and nutritious feed ; but 
as it reaches maturity, in common with most grasses, it deteriorates 
rapidly—indeed somewhat more rapidly than any other.” (Fletcher, 
Bulletin No. 19, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.) 
Mr. Fletcher also gives an analysis of a Canadian specimen of this 
grass. The sample selected was in flower. Following is its percentage 
composition :— 
In fresh or green | Calculated to water 
substance. free substance. 
Water ate wie al A tec a sie 85°30 |) 2 eaapesrens 
Ash... aoe ae noe SO a ee dss 1°64 11°16 
Protein (albuminoids) ... ioe is ae aA 2°02 13°75 
Fibre en eh eas Aysd se sts ae 4°48 31°09 
Nitrogen free extract (carbo-hydrates) bee aid 6°25 41°87 
Ether extract (fat) ba Ob ae sa aS “31 2°13 
