64 STOCK RANGES OF NORTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA. 



FODDER CROPS. 

 FODDER CROPS NOW CULTIVATED. 



The principal fodder crops cultivated in the region are noted here. 

 Oats is the most extensively grown hay crop. Next in importance are 

 red clover, wheat, barley, Italian ray grass, alfalfa, and velvet grass. 

 Small quantities of timothy, many-flowered ray grass, orchard grass, 

 and rye are also used. Mixed haj^ crops are seldom, if ever, grown. 

 Wild hay is mown in a few mountain valleys, and the wild oats on 

 the hillsides are sometimes made use of in the same manner. 



For soiling and ensilage field peas, red clover, alfalfa, corn, oats, 

 and barley are grown. Tares, alsike, sainfoin (esparcette), and 

 crimson clover do not appear to be used. 



For root crops carrots are most commonly grown. Mangel-wurzel 

 is being tried in one or two places along the coast. Turnips and 

 parsnips do not appear to have been tried. The climate is probably 

 too dry in summer for turnips, except in the extreme north. 



PLANTS RECOMMENDED FOR CULTIVATION OR TRIAL. 



Beach grass (Ammophila arenaria) is an invaluable grass for check- 

 ing the spread of drift sands. The 

 method of planting is discussed on 

 page 59. 



Black medic (Medicago lupulina) 

 (fig. 1) seems to be well adapted 

 to the climatic conditions of this 

 region, as it has become thoroughly 

 naturalized and grows luxuriantly 

 in several localities. It is consid- 

 ered a useful pasture plant for wet 

 meadows. 



Of blue grama (Bouteloua oligo- 

 stachya) Professor Scribner writes 

 as follows : 



It is a perennial, 6 to 18 inches high, 

 its strong rhizomes and numerous root 

 leaves forming dense and more or less ex- 

 tensive patches of excellent turf. * * * 

 It frequents the bench lands of Montana, 

 growing at elevations of from 3,000 to 

 4,000 or 5.000 feet, and not infrequently 

 covers wide areas. No other grass better 

 withstands the trampling of stock, and 

 it is unsurpassed for grazing purposes. 

 In the early days in the Southwest it 

 formed a large proportion of the hay 

 delivered at the various military posts and stage stations and was considered the 

 best obtainable there. Like the buffalo grass, it cures during the dry season in 

 the turf into perfect hay, losing none of its nutritious properties. 



Fig. 1.— Black medic (Medicago lupulina). 



