70 FORAGE CROPS 
An average yield of ten tons for the two cuttings 
will give for the season 5,400 pounds of dry mat- 
ter, of which 510 pounds will be protein, while the 
content of crude fiber is relatively greater than in 
rye. The digestibility, therefore, is likely to be 
hardly as high as for rye, although no data on this 
point are recorded. 
ITALIAN RYE-GRASS 
Another grass that has received some attention 
as a forage crop, particularly for summer pasture 
and soiling, is Italian rye-grass (Lolium Italicum). 
This grass is native of Europe, and has been 
grown there for a long time. It is especially 
suitable for moist soils, or for soils that can be 
irrigated, and responds very profitably to the 
application of water or heavy fertilization. 
Preparation of soil and seeding 
The preparation of soil and seeding should fol- 
low the same lines as those suggested for orchard- 
grass. When seeded in the fall, great care should 
be exercised to ensure rapid germination and early 
growth. 
From twenty to thirty pounds of seed should be 
used per acre, preferably broadcasted both ways 
by hand, and lightly covered with the harrow. 
