62 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 
humus to the soil to return it to good condition. The grass is also 
very valuable for preventing sandy land from blowing. ; 
Brome-grass is an excellent crop for combating such weeds as fox- 
tail, or squirrel-tail (4lordeum jubatum), and on moist land, where 
the latter flourishes, the former excludes it very effectually. 
THE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OF BROME-GRASS. 
Little has been done in the matter of extending the growing of 
Bromus inermis farther east at the same latitude as its present region. 
Experiments that have been conducted with it in various sections east 
of Minnesota and north of Kansas indicate that it is worthy of exten- 
sion. It will doubtless prove valuable on sandy soil in Wisconsin, 
New York, and New England, but will probably be of use mostly as 
a pasture grass and in mixtures with other grasses. In parts of Ohio, 
West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia where tested 
it has shown considerable promise. South of these States it is of 
questionable value. 
Brome-grass should be given a thorough test as a sand-binding 
grass along the Lakes and near the seacoast, as its extensive root 
system and its ability to thrive on sandy land make it well adapted 
to such situations. Some very striking results have been obtained 
with it on sandy soil on the upper peninsula of Michigan. Under 
similar conditions in Wisconsin its value, especially as a pasture 
grass, has been quite thoroughly demonstrated. In these States it is — 
said to be at least ten days earlier for pasture in the spring than the 
ordinary standard grasses. 
While the thorough testing of brome-grass by farmers in the States 
mentioned is strongly urged, its use on a large scale is not considered 
advisable until its value as compared with the standard grasses com- 
monly grown in these States has been more definitely demonstrated. 
SUMMARY. 
Brome-grass (Bromus inermis) is at present of most importance 
in the Dakotas and sections adjoining these States, but is grown to 
some extent throughout the general region from Kansas north to the 
Canadian boundary and west to the Pacific coast. Its importance 
in the timothy region is as yet very limited. 
It is the common practice to sow the seed in the spring about the 
1st of April, or as soon as the weather is favorable. One bushel of 
14 pounds is considered a sufficient quantity to produce a satisfactory 
stand, and good results are obtained with 10 to 12 pounds. Heavier 
seeding is recommended in sections where the grass is being tested or 
where it is intended for pasture alone. 
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