especially on soils other than limestone; (3) as a soil binder; and 

 (4) as an ingredient in all hay mixtures which are to be fed at home. 

 It may be used for lawn purposes, especially on poor soils when 

 the finer species of Agrostis can not be obtained. It is not a com- 

 petitor of bluegrass for lawns, as the latter should be used on fertile 

 limestone soils. Redtop is a valuable grass when used for the pur- 

 poses mentioned. 



SEED. 



Most of the seed of redtop is produced in southern Illinois. The 

 seed is smaller than that of any other commercial grass, and for that 

 reason should be comparatively free from impurities, as it is easily 

 separated from other seeds by screening. It is sold in two grades, 

 known as " chaffy " and " recleaned." The latter should be pur- 

 chased, as it is more economical and there is less danger of its contain- 

 ing noxious weed seeds. Redtop seed weighs about 14 pounds to 

 the bushel in the chaff, while the recleaned seed should weigh about 

 30 pounds. 



SOILS AND CLIMATE. 



Redtop is not only tolerant of a sour soil, but seems to prefer a 

 soil deficient in lime. It grows to perfection in the part of southern 

 Illinois known locally as " Egypt," where many soils are very " sour " 

 and poorly drained, with impervious hardpan subsoils. In Xew 

 England it is the principal hay plant that is seeded, but it is fre- 

 quently crowded out of meadows by quack-grass and Rhode Island 

 bent. As previously stated, it is not particular in regard to climatic 

 conditions, but thrives best with an abundance of moisture. Lands 

 which are too wet for redtop are unsuited for nearly all other tame 

 grasses. ' 



CULTURE. 



On account of its small seed redtop should have a fine, mellow seed 

 bed, and care should be taken to prevent covering it too deeply in 

 the soil. It may be seeded either in early spring or late summer. 

 "When seeded alone 10 pounds of good seed to the acre will insure a 

 stand. From 4 to 5 pounds are sufficient when used with other 

 grasses for hay, and 2 to 3 pounds are enough to use in pasture mix- 

 tures, as it spreads quite readily under favorable conditions. 



Lyman Carrier, 



Agronomist. 



Washington, D. C, May 31, 1919. 



WAsniNOTOX : covkiinmext printing office : 1919 



