FODDER CROPS. 



69 



merits and uses and as to the differences by which they may be 

 distinguished. 



Italian ray grass (Lolium italicum A. Br.) (fig. 4) is a rapid -growing, 

 grass, forming a dense turf, and in Europe is valued as one of the 

 best hay grasses for temporary pastures and as a nurse crop for red 

 clover, orchard grass, or meadow foxtail. As it runs out in two 

 or three years, it is not recommended as the sole ingredient of per- 

 manent pastures. Professor Scribner states that "on stiff, heavy 

 clays, or on very diy soils, it does not do well, but on good, calcareous 

 loam or marls, or on moist, 

 loamy sands, when the soil is 

 in good condition, it is very 

 productive, and no other grass 

 repays manuring so well. Few 

 grasses develop more rapidly 

 than this, and where the soil 

 is rich and its fertility main- 

 tained bj r applications of 

 liquid manure, cuttings may 

 be obtained within three or 

 four weeks from seeding, and 

 at intervals of a month or six 

 weeks successive crops may 

 be harvested." 



On the Eel River bottom 

 lands this is considered the 

 best variety for cultivation, as 

 it is such a rapid grower, 

 shooting up even at the end 

 of July or in August. The 

 objectionable feature is its 

 habit of running out after two 

 or three years. This difficulty 

 can be remedied only by 

 resowing. 



Italian ray grass may alwaj^s 

 be distinguished from other 

 varieties by its few-flowered 

 spikelets and long awns (beards) (fig. 4). The young foliage is of a 

 bright green color. 



English perennial ray grass {Lolium per enne) is much more perma- 

 nent in character than Italian ray grass, but is less rapid in growth 

 and starts later in the season. In England it is considered a very 

 valuable forage plant, being particularly well adapted to the climatic 

 conditions, but Professor Scribner considers that in this country it 

 will never be as highly esteemed as timothy. Perennial ray grass is 

 best suited to moist, rich loams or clays, and responds promptly to 



Fig. 4.— Italian ray grass. 



