TALL OAT GRASS. 217 



may be sown along with grain, but to this method of 

 sowing there is the objection that frequently it buries 

 the seed too deeply. 



For producing hay, tall oat grass may be sown with 

 orchard grass and medium red clover, as they are ready 

 for cutting about the same time. It is also sometimes 

 sown with alfalfa, but when thus sown it is rather to 

 lessen the tendency in the alfalfa pasture to produce 

 bloat than to increase the yield of the pasture. It may 

 of course be sown alone to provide pasture, but is 

 usually sown in conjunction with other grasses. It is 

 more frequently sown for pastures in permanent mix- 

 tures than in any other way. When sown alone, not less 

 than two bushels of clean seed, 24 pounds, ought to be 

 used, but when grown for seed a somewhat less quantity 

 will suffice. In the chaff the quantity ought to be con- 

 siderably increased. When sown with orchard grass 

 one-half the quantity should suffice; when sown with 

 red clover one-third of the amount ; when sown for per- 

 manent pasture usually 3 to 5 pounds will suffice but the ' 

 amount of seed required will of course vary with the 

 object sought. 



Pasturing. There is considerable conflict in opinion 

 with reference to the value of this grass for pasture. 

 English testimony on this point is in the main unfavor- 

 able while American testimony is in the main favorable. 

 The latter testimony in some instances speaks enthusi- 

 astically, probably too much so with reference to its 

 value for pasture. The strong points in its favor are, 

 its early, quick and continuous growth. A chief weak- 

 ness consists in the bitter taste which characterizes it 



