242 WESTERN GRAZING GROUNDS AND FOREST RANGES 



along these lines by the Federal Government, and out 

 of the mass of data a few solid facts have been devel- 

 oped upon which future operations may be based. Out 

 of a large number of grasses which have been tried on 

 the western ranges but few have been found worthy of 

 general use. For mountain meadows and high ranges 

 where the moisture is sufficient timothy (Phleum 

 pratense) and redtop (Agrostis alba) have done well. 



For the lower ranges where the average moisture is 

 low Brome grass (Bromus inermis) and Perennial rye 

 (Lolium perene) have done well, seem to withstand 

 the drouthy conditions and flourish with the native 

 grasses. Orchard grass, however, has been a disap- 

 pointment in some soils. Where there is sufficient 

 moisture on well-drained soils Kentucky bluegrass (Poa 

 pratense) has given excellent results. 



Timothy and redtop both call for a moist rich soil 

 and while timothy will withstand more or less drying 

 out, redtop should never be tried on land that becomes 

 perfectly dry during the summer. The best places for 

 redtop are cienegas or vegas, low swampy spots where 

 there is always some moisture, and even flooding will 

 not injure it. Do not be discouraged if there is no 

 apparent showing for three or four years, as it is a very 

 slow plant to get started, but once fairly seeded down 

 it will last practically forever. 



Timothy, on the other hand, starts very easily with 

 a moderate amount of moisture, and soon gains a foot- 

 ing. Its vigor is remarkable and for choking out poison- 

 ous plants on meadows it has proved invaluable. It has 

 succeeded admirably at elevations as great as 10,000 feet 

 and is much more drouth resistant than is generally be- 

 lieved. 



