66 FORAGE CROPS 



lies in the fact that it is ready for use two or three 

 weeks earlier than the grasses ordinarily grown; 

 it is a plant, also, that makes a very heavy growth 

 under good conditions of soil and season. It is 

 not so suitable for sowing with grain as timothy 

 and red top, and therefore the soil should be pre- 

 pared with the idea of securing the largest stand 

 of it growing alone. 



Preparation of soil and seeding 



As with other grasses, it is desirable that the 

 preparing of land for orchard - grass should be 

 carefully performed, and particularly that the sur- 

 face should be well pulverized and a fine tilth 

 secured. 



The quantity of seed required will depend some- 

 what on the character of soil. It is not desirable 

 to grow this grass for forage except on good soils, 

 and then two bushels, or about twenty -eight 

 pounds of seed, should be used per acre. Thick 

 seeding is more likely to ensure a growth of fine 

 small stems and leaves, which are very essential in 

 the best use of all forage crops. If not sown thick 

 enough, or if it is uneven, its natural tendency to 

 grow in bunches or tussocks is encouraged, making 

 a coarse, rank stem and leaf, which are less pala- 

 table and digestible. For forage purposes, seeding 

 should preferably be made in late summer or fall. 



