VELVET GRASS. 323 



ing Soft grass {TIolcus mollis), which is regarded as 

 a troublesome weed. The latter has a creeping root 

 and an open and spreading panicle. 



Distribution. — Velvet grass is native to Europe. In 

 the moist climate of Great , Britain, it grows so vigor- 

 ously as almost to assume the character of a weed. It 

 was introduced many years ago into several of the 

 states, more especially those south and west. It is a 

 fairly hardy grass but is best adapted to climates moist 

 and free from great extremes, especially of cold and 

 drought. 



In this country it has been grown much more in the 

 southern and western states than in those northward. 

 In these it has not only been tolerated, but its growth 

 has been encouraged in instances not a few. It will 

 grow well in New England also, and in all or nearly 

 all the states where the rainfall is normal. But the 

 attempt should not be made to grow it, where other 

 grasses can be grown successfully, that are relished 

 by live stock, and that are at the same time sufficiently 

 productive. In limited areas in nearly all the south- 

 ern states, it has been cultivated to some extent, and 

 in some instances with advantage. In eastern Oregon, 

 along the coast of which, it has been cultivated, it has 

 become so aggressive in meadows as to be troublesome. 

 In the dry areas of the semi-arid country, it is not 

 likely to prove helpful. It will grow in Canada, in 

 Ontario and eastward, also along the Pacific, but is 

 not needed in these areas, where better yields can be 

 obtained from grasses that are superior. 



Velvet grass will grow in almost any kind of land, 



