36 THE GRASSES— BROMUS ERECTUS. 



THE BEOME GEASSES. 

 Morton's Encydcypcedia says that amongst modem 

 agriculturists there are not wanting some who question 

 the propriety of so rigidly excluding the Brome grasses 

 from field culture, seeing that they yield a weighty 

 produce in stems and seed, and do this, especially in the 

 case of Bromus mollis (soft Brome-grass or Goose-grass) 

 on very poor dry soils. 



Meadow Brome Grass. 



{Bromus arwnsis.) 

 Grown at Woburn on a sandy loam. 

 Gave of Green food per acre — 



At time of flowering •. . . . 



Affording of nutritive matter . 



But at time of ripening the seed gave 



only per acre 



Yielding of nutritive matter 



Bromus ereetus. 



(Sometimes called Bromus pratensis and montana, also Festioca 

 erecta and montana). 



Dr. Steblee reports that this grass has been for a 

 long time in cultivation in South of France. Is fihrous 

 rooted, and grows in compact tufts forming a level turf. 

 It can be sown in autumn or spring. Is not usually 

 sown by itself, but generally with a mixture of Sanfoin 

 or Lucerne. Is not remunerative on good land, but is a 

 useful and lasting grass on dry warm chalky soils. 

 Suits dry hillsides that are exposed to the sun. In 

 favourable situations it begins to grow early in spring, 

 and flowers at end of May or early in June, and should 

 be cut before the flowering stage. After cutting it grows 

 more leaf foliage, which is eaten with relish by cattle. 



