ch. viii] Italian Eye-grass loo 



Good seed should weigh at least 24 pounds per bushel, and 

 have a Purity of 96 to 99 per cent. The pure seed should ger- 

 minate 70 to 80 per cent, in four days, and from 90 to 96 per 

 cent, in 14 days. 



Lolium italicum, Alex. Br. 



For Botanical description see p. 115. 



Italian Rye-grass is not found growing in the wild state, but 

 appears to have originated in Lombardy as a cultivated variety 

 of perennial Rye-grass. Since 1830 its cultivation has spread 

 throughout the whole of Europe. Although of South European 

 origin it withstands cold well, and no other grass developes so 

 rapidly in our northern climate. When sown in the spring it 

 attains its maximum growth in the same year, but generally dies 

 off after the second season. When however the conditions are 

 favourable it only dies out gradually, and it may continue to 

 occupy the same ground for several years if it is allowed to shed 

 some seed. Its rapid and heavy production make very great de- 

 mands upon the soil, and its full capabilities can only be realised 

 on soils which are rich, deep, and moist. It thrives well on black 

 fen lands, and on clays which are not too stiff. On poor dry soils 

 its yield falls off to insignificant proportions. Italian Rye-grass 

 grows in compact erect tufts and does not spread well over the 

 surface of the ground. It grows up with great rapidity after 

 cutting and is on the whole less suitable for grazing than for 

 mowing. It is probably the best of all grasses for irrigation on 

 good warm soils, and on sewage farms enormous yields are obtained. 

 Under such liberal treatment several cuttings may be taken during 

 one season. It is however in alternate husbandry that this plant 

 is of the greatest service. For leys of one or two years' duration 

 it can either be sown alone, or along with Red Clover or other 

 quickly-maturing plants. For this purpose it is superior to peren- 

 nial Rye-grass not only on account of its higher yield, but also 

 because of its greater nutritive value. For leys of more than 

 two years' duration it must be sown less freely, and other more 

 permanent plants should be given a due place. But even for 

 permanent grass this plant may with advantage be sown sparingly 

 (3 to 4 pounds per acre) in order to ensure a rapid soil covering. If 



