COARSE FEEDS, OR ROVGHAGE 101 



the seeds were formed, however, there was hut 113 pounds 

 of protein per acre, and this amount diminished to 92 pounds 

 when the grass was cut for hay and the seeds were well rip- 

 ened. The total digestible matter also fell off from 2,113 

 pounds per acre when the plant was in bloom, to 1,754 pounds 

 when the stage of ripe seed was reached. This evidence 

 suggests that the farmer should cut his grasses for hay before 

 they become too mature. 



Kentucky blue grass, or June grass, is one of the most 

 nutritious and best pasture grasses. It grows extensively 

 in the United States east of the Mississippi, though sparsely 



Figure 20. — Shorthorn cows on blue-grass pasture. Photograph by the author. 



in the Gulf states. It thrives especially on soils having a 

 hmestone foundation, and will not do so well elsewhere. 

 No other grass is more relished for spring pasture by grazing 

 animals. The roots spread out near the surface of the 

 ground and form a beautiful sod. In moist weather and 

 under fair conditions, the grass furnishes an abundance of 

 fine leaves, supplying splendid pasture. During the sum- 

 mer, many pastures dry up and look as though dead, but fall 

 rains revive them, and they again become green and vigor- 

 ous. In some sections, stock is pastured on the dead blue 



