316 



GRASSES OP IOWA. 



Fig. 148. Perennial Rye Grass, LoUum perenne. (Div. Agrostol. U. S. Dept. of Agrl.) 



cially in irrigated districts. At the beginning of this century it 

 was cultivated in France. Lawson introduced it into Scotland 

 in 1840. In England Dickinson introduced it somewhat later, 

 the moist climate of England being suitable to its growth. 

 Although this grass is valuable in some sections of our coun- 

 try, it has never commended itself to Iowa farmers. It is not 

 hardy, nor a drouth resister, and is at most a very short-lived 

 grass. 



In the eastern states it is highly recommended for calcare- 

 ous soils or for moist, loamy sands. Even then the grass only 

 lasts for two or three years. 



Prof. P. Lamson-Scribner says: "Italian ray, or rye, grass 

 is an excellent grass for rich and rather moist lands. It is a 

 very rapid grower, forms a dense turf, and in Europe is 

 regarded as one of the best grasses for hay." 



