TIMOTHY 



141 



with erect stems, bulbous at the base. It forms more or less 

 indefinite tufts or stools as new stalks originate from the crown 

 (Fig. 42). 



Timothy occupies more than half of the area upon which 

 forage crops in the United States are grown. It is the chief 

 cultivated hay grass in all regions north of the 

 Ohio River. It is adapted to a great variety 

 of soils, although the best yields are produced 

 on rich, moist loams and clays. The growth 

 is less prolific on sandy soUs. 



Timothy is valuable for hay rather than 

 for pasture. It is often used in pasture mix- 

 tures for early or temporary pasturage, but 

 the stand soon gives way to sodgrasses. 

 Moreover, it does not long withstand close 

 grazing or trampHng, and its period of life is 

 not extended. As a meadow grass, how- 

 ever, there is none better. In most locahties 

 timothy is grown in a 4- or 5-year rotation 

 and is usually seeded with clover in wheat, 

 oats, or rye. In such seeding, clover is much 

 in evidence the first year, but in the second 

 year timothy predominates. 



The summer period (August or early Sep- 

 tember) is the most favorable time to seed 

 timothy. A clean, well-packed, moist seed 

 bed is best. If such land is not available, a 

 nurse crop should be used. Fifteen pounds of 

 timothy seed to the acre is sufficient when 

 seeded pure. When clover and timothy are 

 sown together, a good stand may be obtained 

 by using 6 to 8 pounds of timothy, 7 pounds 

 of red clover, and 3 pounds of Alsike clover. 

 The seed should be harrowed in lightly. 

 When scattered with small grain, the seed may be distributed 

 by means of a grass seeder attached to a grain drill which drops 

 the timothy in front of the drill rows. 



Fig. 42. — timothy 



(Phleum pratense). 



