GRASSES. 201 



In the more temperate climates it makes excellent 

 winter pasture by keeping stock off it a "while in the 

 fall. When thus dried standing it is a formidable 

 rival in nutritive qualities of the grasses of the arid 

 regions. 



Its greatest fault is a lack of supply of good pas- 

 turage during July and August. During hot, dry 

 periods, the growth almost, if not entirely, ceases. 

 The return of wet weather brings the apparently dead 

 grass to life again, and it continues its growth until 

 late in the fall. 



It stands a large amount of tramping and very close 

 pasturage without injury. On lawns the close and 

 frequent cutting is an apparent improvement. As a 

 lawn grass it is unexcelled. 



The plant throws up seed stalks, usually about two 

 feet high but varying greatly under different condi- 

 tions. It ripens seed in June. The quantity of hay 

 produced is small although of excellent quality. It 

 is seldom cut for hay. 



The plant not only reproduces by seed, but spreads 

 by underground root stalks. It often takes possession 

 of the soil when the land is put in pasture. Probably 

 few of the blue grass pastures have been artificially 

 seeded. 



For commercial purposes the seed is obtained by 

 stripping the heads with hand or horse machines 

 made for the purpose. The heads thus obtained are 

 dried in sheds and afterward cleaned by improved 

 machinery. 



Commercial seed is frequently poor, either because 

 it is stripped when too green or is allowed to heat 

 after stripping. It is easier to strip and clean when 

 gathered green. 



