334 GRASSES AND HOW TO GROW 



ing ranges, where other grasses have failed, through 

 overstocking, hence it is not likely to be a rotation 

 grass. When cultivated, it will grow and thrive un- 

 der conditions more dry than would be suitable for 

 other cultivated grasses. 



Blue grama is a nutritious and palatable grass and 

 stands grazing better than almost any other rang^ grass. 

 This is owing, in part at least, to the dense turf which 

 it forms, notwithstanding that it is a bunch grass. The 

 hay is considered about the best produced on south- 

 western ranges and, in some areas, is about the only 

 hay obtainable. The seed can be obtained, under cul- 

 tivation, like that of other grasses, by stripping or 

 reaping and threshing, but information with reference 

 to growing it is very meagre. 



Blue grama is certainly deserving of careful experi- 

 ment, more especially in the range states. At the 

 Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company's station 

 at Walla Walla, Washington, in 1899, it gave the most 

 satisfactory results in growing hay and seed, among 

 the many varieties tested at that station. 



