CROPS THAT MAY BE GROWN IN DRY AREAS 203 



true of clovers. While they are growing, it is not prac- 

 ticable to Cultivate them so as to conserve moisture, save 

 in exceptional instances, hence it is not possible to in- 

 crease the yields to anything like the same extent as in 

 the case of other crops in the growing of which it is 

 possible, to some extent, to conserve moisture by culti- 

 vative processes during a part, at least, of the period of 

 growth. 



The grass plants that will not grow at their best 

 in semi-arid areas include almost all, if not, indeed, all 

 varieties that have been grown under domestication. 

 Nevertheless, some of these may grow reasonably well in 

 favored situations, as at certain of the foothills and in 

 other locations where subterranean waters serve in a 

 greater or lesser degree to sub-irrigate the land. The 

 yields from native grasses on ordinary soils are not 

 enough to justify long continuance in seeking hay from 

 such a source. The rainfall is not enough to grow clovers 

 at their best. Sainfoin is more promising, but it has not 

 been much tried in the semi-arid country. 



Among the grass plants of most promise for hay are : 

 Russian brome, slender wheat grass, frequently called 

 western rye grass, tall oat grass, and meadow fescue. 

 The best distribution of these is not known at the present 

 time. Russian brome may be grown over much of the 

 dry area, but it grows much better over the northern 

 than over the southern portions of the same. Without 

 some kind of renewal, it does not continue to give large 

 yields of hay for more than, say, two crops. Slender 

 wheat grass will produce relatively fair yields for a con- 

 siderable period. It will grow under very dry condi- 

 tions, but does not grow so well in hot southern areas 

 as in those farther north. This grass soon becomes very 

 woody if not cut promptly at a certain stage in its growth. 

 Tall oat grass may be grown over a large portion of the 

 dry region. The adaptation is probably more suited to 



