AWNLESS GROME GRASS 83 



where more valuable grasses would make a poor stand. Although it 

 succeeds in medium wet soil, it is generally used where moisture is 

 rather scarce. It is highly prized on account of its drought-resisting 

 qualities; in dry summers it produces more green feed than any 

 other grass. Especially in those parts of the Prairie Provinces where 

 the rainfall is light, Awnless Brome Grass is desirable. It is adapted 

 to western Canada on account of its hardiness and its ability to stand 

 sudden and great climatic changes. It is extensively grown in 

 Hungary, where the climate is much like that of the Canadian west. 



Habits of growth: Like most other perennial grasses, Awnless 

 Brome Grass grows rather slowly the year it is sown. The second 

 year the crop is heavy and the third year it usually reaches its 

 maximum. Owing to the great stooling power of the rootstock, the 

 ground soon becomes sod-bound and it is necessary to renew the 

 field in order to keep up the yield. When once established it is per- 

 sistent and thorough cultivation is required to suppress it. It starts 

 growth early in spring and keeps on producing stems and leaves until 

 late in fall. 



Agricultural value: Its ability to furnish green feed, even in 

 a hot, dry summer, makes it valuable for pasture, although its nu- 

 tritive value cannot be compared with that of Kentucky Blue Grass, 

 for instance. Its indifference to the tramping of cattle and sheep 

 makes it especially important in sandy and gravelly pastures. 



Fodder: Although opinions of the feeding value of the hay differ, 

 it is safe to say that it can scarcely be compared to medium quality 

 Timothy. In a dry climate it is generally advisable to sow it alone 

 for hay and without a nurse crop. Ten or twelve pounds of seed 

 to the acre have been found sufficient at the Indian Head experi- 

 mental farm. More seed will give a better crop the first year but 

 less afterwards, as the roots thicken up and produce a dense sod. 

 It should be cut before flowering as it becomes hard and less palat- 

 able after that and leses much of its nutritive value. Under favour- 

 able conditions, two crops of hay can be secured during the season, 

 the second, however, being rather light and consisting chiefly of 

 leaves. The hay is relished by all kinds of stock. It may be fed 

 for milk as well as for beef production. On account of its laxative 

 properties it is less suitable for working horses. 



Seed: Awnless Brome Grass should be cut for seed when the 

 spikelets have a brownish-violet tint. If cut too early the seed will 



