562 THE SMALL GRAINS 



lytic ferments most probably owe their origin to the 

 same organ. The ideal grain of barley is one that is 

 broadly oval with a scutellum extending well over the 

 edges of the adjacent endosperm. Barley grains with 

 pointed ends and a narrow scutellum are to be avoided 

 (Fig. 170). Pedigree varieties are essential for securing 

 barleys of superior morphologic and physiologic quality. 



OTHER USES OF CEREALS 



615. Rye straw for drinking purposes. There is 

 produced a special kind of straw, utilized for drinking 

 purposes, obtained from rye which is cultivated especially 

 for the straw, and not for the grain. 



After bleaching, the straws are assorted by hand, each 

 individual stalk being examined, and the imperfect ones 

 removed. They are then cut, the five lower joints only 

 being utilized for drinking purposes. The sheaths are 

 then removed, and the straw washed and bound into 

 bundles ready for the market. 



Drinking straws are, however, only a by-product, as 

 the upper portion, which constitutes the larger part of the 

 rye stalk, is utilized in the manufacture of straw braids. 

 Drinking straw could not be produced profitably were 

 it not for the utilization of the other portion of the straw, 

 as the rye must be cut before the grain is developed, the 

 straw being the only product of the land. In parts of 

 Switzerland rye is grown wholly for these purposes. 



616. Other uses of rye. Rye straw has an extensive 

 use for stuffing horse collars, for which purpose it must be 

 given special care to bring a high price. The straw is 

 also much used as bedding for live-stock, for packing trees, 

 and in making paper. 



