PERENNIAL GRASSES OF MINOR IMPORTANCE 231 



Reed-canary is adapted mostly to cool climates, but 

 the ribbon grass form, at least, succeeds well in the Southern 

 States. It is never injured by severe winter weather. 

 Though naturally a wet land grass, it succeeds well in 

 ordinary cultivated land, especially in clays and clay 

 loams. It also succeeds well in sand if there be an ade- 

 quate moisture supply, but is said not to thrive in peaty 

 soils. Owing to its moisture-loving proclivities, it is 

 well adapted to irrigation. 



Growth begins early in spring and continues late into 

 the fall. Seed is produced in abundance, but shatters 

 easily. This, perhaps more than anything else, has 

 militated against its general use. 



273. Culture. Reed canary-grass is sparingly culti- 

 vated in Europe. If cut before bloom, three cuttings 

 may be secured, but only two if allowed to bloom. At 

 Arlington Farm, Virginia, the second crop of plants in 

 rows is about two-thirds as large as the first. The hay is 

 palatable if cut young, and yields of 12,000 to 17,000 

 pounds an acre are recorded in Europe. These yields, 

 however, are based on very small plots. 



Seed is gathered by cutting oft the panicles before they 

 are ripe, and the yield is stated to be about 180 pounds 

 an acre. It weighs 44 to 48 pounds to the bushel. 



It is best adapted to pure cultures, as its habits do not 

 coincide with other grasses. Commercial seed germinates 

 as a rule but 60 per cent, and 20 to 25 pounds to the acre 

 should be sown. 



This grass would be worthy of serious attention if its 

 seeding habits could be improved. It is possible that 

 a strain may be found or developed which will not seriously 

 shatter its seed. 



