66 FORAGE CROPS 
lies in the fact that it is ready for use two or three 
weeks earlier than the grasses ordinarily grown; 
it is a plant, also, that makes a very heavy growth 
under good conditions of soil and season. It is 
not so suitable for sowing with grain as timothy 
and red top, and therefore the soil should be pre- 
pared with the idea of securing the largest stand 
of it growing alone. 
Preparation of soil and seeding 
As with other grasses, it is desirable that the 
preparing of land for orchard- grass should be 
carefully performed, and particularly that the sur- 
face should be well pulverized and a fine tilth 
secured. 
The quantity of seed required will depend some- 
what on the character of soil. It is not desirable 
to grow this grass for forage except on good soils, 
and then two bushels, or about twenty-eight 
pounds of seed, should be used per acre. Thick 
seeding is more likely to ensure a growth of fine 
small stems and leaves, which are very essential in 
the best use of all forage crops. If not sown thick 
enough, or if it is uneven, its natural tendency to 
grow in bunches or tussocks is encouraged, making 
a coarse, rank stem and leaf, which are less pala- 
table and digestible. For forage purposes, seeding 
should preferably be made in late summer or fall. 
