MEADOW PLANTS 39 



bluestem {Andwpogon furcatus), little bluestem (Andro- 

 pogon scoparius), switch -grass (Panicum virgatum), 

 Indian reed (Sorghastrum nutans), purple-top (Tridens 

 flavus), tall grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) , and wild rye 

 {Elymus virginicus, and E. canadensis). In the swales 

 or "sloughs," as they are called in that region, the chief 

 grass is cord-grass or slough-grass {Spartina Michauxiana). 

 An important hay-grass in depressions or valleys on 

 the plains is Colorado bluestem {Agropyron Smithii). 

 Throughout the mountain regions of the West the native 

 hay may consist of a great variety of indigenous grasses, 

 the species of Poa, Calamagrostis, Agropyron, and Ely- 

 mus glaucus usually predominating. 



On the western ranches where irrigation water is 

 available, it is customary to flood the meadow land in the 

 valleys. If too much water is applied, or if it is allowed to 

 stand on the meadow for too long a time, the valuable 

 grasses are gradually replaced by less nutritious plants, 

 especially by wire-grass, which is a kind of rush (Juncus 

 balticus Willd.). 



41. The commercial production of wild hay is chiefly 

 in the area from Oklahoma to Manitoba, including the 

 eastern portion of the Great Plains and extending east- 

 ward through Minnesota into Wisconsin. In the northern 

 portion of this area, a large proportion of the wild hay is 

 cut from marsh land, the most important constituents 

 being blue joint {Calamagrostis canadensis) and reed canary- 

 grass {Phalaris arundinacea) . Much of this hay land is 

 too wet for cultivation. At the time of harvest the soil is 

 sufficiently dry to support the mower and horses. In the 

 marshes of Wisconsin and Minnesota the soil is so moist 

 that broad shoes are sometimes attached to the horses' 

 feet to prevent them from sinking into the soft ground. 



