220 FIELD CROP PRODUCTION 



nial in duration and grows somewhat in tufts. It grows luxuri- 

 antly in fertile and moist soils, but on dry soils it is of little value. 

 In England it is one of the most important grasses, entering into 

 mixtures for both pastures and meadows. In the United States 

 it has never been of much importance, excepting in a few places 

 in the Pacific Coast States. It makes a good quality of hay and 

 is relished by live stock. 



215. Italian rye grass, Lolium italicum, is a biennial, although 

 in some places it lives but one year. It is of little importance in 

 the United States excepting in the Pacific Coast States, where it 

 is frequently found in meadows. On account of its duration, 

 it is not adapted for permanent pastures. It is a rapid grower 

 and compared with the perennial rye grass has coarser, taller 

 stems and is lighter in color. 



