CHAPTER XII 

 THE HAY GRASSES 



MOST of the hay and pasture crops are either legumes or 

 grasses. Clover and alfalfa are legumes although they 

 are sometimes spoken of as grass crops. The chief hay 

 plants that, in a strict botanical sense, belong to the grass 

 family are timothy, Kentucky blue grass, brome grass, 

 orchard grass, and redtop. 



TIMOTHY 



Of all the hay grasses grown under cultivation, timothy 

 ranks first and brings the best prices on the market. Its 

 clean leaves and stems and the readiness with which it 

 cures without injury after cutting has made it a desirable 

 hay for feeding horses. 



Varieties. No distinct varieties of timothy are as yet 

 found upon the market and it was not until quite recently 

 that any attempt had been made to breed definite strains. 



Testing the Seeds. All timothy seed should be tested 

 for germination before sowing, and unless the germination 

 runs 80 per cent or higher, the seed should be regarded 

 with suspicion. Seeds that have retained the hulls are 

 supposed to be superior to the hulled seeds as it is believed 

 that they retain moisture and withstand adverse conditions 

 better. Experimental data seem to show that it makes 

 little difference in' the results whether the seed is naked or 

 inclosed within the hull. 



M. AND H. PLANT PROD. II l6l 



