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9: 
A Handbook of Nebraska Grasses. 
“binds itself out” and the sod must again be broken to 
restore the vield. It should prove to be a valuable sand- 
binding grass on railroad embankments and other places 
subject to blow-out. It is ordinarily considered a nox- 
ious weed, the eradication of which is very difficult. 
. Agropyron smithvi. Western Wheat Grass. (Fig. 106.) 
In the western part of the State this is one of our most 
valuable grasses. It is an erect perennial resembling in 
many respects Couch Grass, but on account of the bluish 
color of its foliage often receives the name “Bluestem,” a 
name, however, which should be reserved for species of 
Andropogon. 
. Agropyron tenerum. Slender Wheat Grass. (Fig. 107.) 
This is a perennial bunch grass of the western prairies. 
The seed can ordinarily be secured on the market, and its 
cultivation may be expected to increase in the future. 
It produces a large amount of forage and ripens an abun- 
dance of seed. 
AGROSTIS. 
. Agrostis alba. Redtop. (Fig. 51.) 
This is an upright hardy perennial whose rhizomes 
form a rather dense sod. The existence of many forms of 
this species has led to much diversity of opinion as to the 
value of the grass under cultivation. The taller forms 
may be cut for hay, while the low-growing sorts are un- 
surpassed lawn grasses. It prefers a rather moist soil 
and should do best when sown with clovers or other 
grasses. It prefers a rather moist soil and should do 
best when sown with clovers or other grasses. In low 
ground it often drives out the native grasses. 
Agrostis exarata. Northern Redtop. (Fig. 51.) 
This is a variable species found in the wet places in the 
western part of the State. Some of the forms are to be 
recommended for cultivation on account of their heavy 
foliage and vigorous growth. 
. Agrostis hyemalis. Hair Grass. (Fig. 51.) 
A well-known slender grass of the early summer found 
thruout the State. The panicle is often blown about like 
a tumbleweed. 
Agrostis perennans. Thin Grass. (jig. 51.) 
This species is much like Agrostis hyemalis but flowers 
much later in the season. Cass County. 
