SEED AND SEEDING 363 



abundantly, so that seed is easily collected. It has probably been 

 cultivated in Europe for as much as 300 years. It is found growing 

 naturally in temperate Asia and southern Europe. It has been 

 introduced into America about as long as other cultivated grasses, 

 but so far has not attained a place of importance. 



Adaptations and Characteristics. English rye-grass is not 

 adapted either to very cold winters or hot summers, and its culture is 

 limited mostly to regions with a mild winter and humid climate. It 

 seems rather well adapted to wet soils, and it is sometimes recom- 

 mended in pasture mixtures for wet land. English rye-grass is a 

 very vigorous grower, and will produce a good growth in a short time. 

 For this reason it has been used a great deal in lawn mixtures to 

 sow with blue-grass or bent grass. The rye-grass makes a good 

 growth the first season, but will mostly die out during the next year 

 and give way to the better lawn grasses. 



Seed and Seeding. Perennial rye-grass is sown either in the 

 fall or spring and usually without a nurse crop. Twenty to thirty 

 pounds of seed per acre is required. Seed is not very expensive and 

 usually has a high per cent germination. The seed is practically all 

 produced in Europe and imported to this country. 



Italian Rye-grass Origin and History. Italian rye-grass or 

 annual rye-grass is found growing wild throughout southern Europe, 

 western Asia and northern Africa. It has been cultivated for at 

 least a hundred years, and has come to be recognized as a very 

 important grass in Europe. It has not gained importance as a 

 cultivated grass in America. 



Adaptation and Characteristics. Italian rye-grass will not 

 withstand cold winters, as it has a strong tendency to be annual, 

 though in mild climates it will live two years. It is a very strong, 

 vigorous grower, and if sown in the spring will make a fair crop of 

 hay the first season. It is well adapted to use in temporary pastures 

 from the Ohio River southward. It will usually live two years when 

 kept closely pastured down. 



Seed and Seeding. The seed is abundantly produced, of good 

 quality, but somewhat more expensive than timothy or redtop. 

 From thirty to forty pounds per acre is required for a full seeding. 

 It is sown either in the fall or in the spring. It is an excellent grass 



