RUSSIAN BROME GRASS. 169 



mass of foliage which completely hides the earth. The 

 roots push through the ground like those of quack grass 

 (Agropyrum repens), hence, they soon fill the soil. 

 Because of this quality, Russian brome, though it should 

 grow but thinly at the first, will soon so possess the soil 

 with its roots, that a thick and dense sward will be pro- 

 duced. The stems are surmounted by a panicle open 

 and spreading and that is usually 4 to 6 inches long, but 

 in some instances is considerably longer. 



This grass can endure any amount of cold. It would 

 also seem able to stand almost any amount of heat such 

 as is experienced in the temperate zone. It is probably 

 unequalled by any of the cultivated grasses in its ability 

 to grow in light soils and to withstand drought unless 

 it be Western Rye grass (Agropyrum tenerurn). It 

 comes up in the spring earlier than any of the valuable 

 grasses. It grows through much of the summer when 

 a reasonable amount of moisture is present, and it con- 

 tinues to grow until frost somewhat severe causes a ces- 

 sation in the same. It comes into head in the month of 

 June, in northerly areas, and earlier in those that are 

 southerly. In from three to five weeks after it comes 

 into head, the seeds are mature. Recent experience in 

 growing it at the Indian Head Experiment Farm, Assa., 

 Canada, would seem to indicate that it will grow well in 

 shade. 



Russian brome grass is essentially a pasture grass, 

 but it also makes good hay. All kinds of stock are fond 

 of it, and no other grass, unless it be orchard grass, will 

 furnish grazing for so large a portion of the year. Its 

 producing and feeding value for hay is about equal to 



