106 THE AGRICULTURAL GRASSES OF THE UNITED STATES, 



Bromus unioloides. (Schrader's grass, Eescue grass.) 



This is one of the so-called winter grasses ; that is, it makes in the 

 South a large share of its growth during«the winter months. It belongs 

 to the chess or cheat family. In its early growth it spreads and pro- 

 duces a large amount of leaves ; early in the spring it sends up its flower 

 stalks, which grow about 3 feet high, with a large, open, spreading 

 panicle, the ends of the branchlets bearing the large flattened spikelets,. 

 which, when mature, hang gracefully upon their stems, giving them 

 quite an ornamental appearance. These spikelets are from 1 inch to 1 J 

 inches in length, and composed of two acute lanceolate glumes at the 

 base, and from seven to ten flowers arranged in two rows alternate on 

 each side of the axis. The flowers are lanceolate, or ovate-lanceolate^, 

 the flowering glume extending into a fine point or short awn. 



During several years past this grass has been sent to this Department^, 

 chiefly from Louisiana and Texas, and has been much commended. 

 Many years since the same grass was distributed and experimented 

 with under the name of Australian oats, or Bromus Schraderi. It is not 

 adapted to use in a country with severe winters, and hence did not give 

 satisfaction in all iflaces. Mr. C. Mohr, of Mobile, says of it : 



Ouly of late years found spreading in different parts of this State; makes its ap- 

 pearance in February, grows in tufts, its numerous leafy stems growing from 2 to 3^ 

 feet high ; it ripens the seed in May ; affords in the earlier months of spring a mnch-^ 

 relished nutritious food, as well as a good hay. 



Under date of March 4, 1878, Mr. Williams writes from San Antonio^^ 

 Tex., describing the introduction and spreading of a patch of this grass ^ 

 He says : 



Inasmuch as Western Texas is the great stock-producing section of the Southwest^, 

 and considering the fact that pasturage is scanty, particularly in February, stunting, 

 the growth of young cattle, this seems wonderfully adapted to supply just what is 

 greatly wanted, both for milch cows, calves, colts, and ewes just dropping their lambs; 

 and besides, this grass grows well on the thinnest soil and crowds out weeds, maturing- 

 in March and early April, while not interfering with the native mesquite. L therefore 

 regard this grass as a wonderful and most important discovery. 



This grass is said to have been introduced into Georgia by General- 

 Iverson, of Columbus, and by him called rescue grass. T^e favorable- 

 opinion which it at first received does not seem to have been well sus- 

 tained in that State. 



Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says : 



This grass is also called Bromus Schraderi, B. WiUdcnovii, Ceratochloa unioloides, and 

 Fesiuca unioloides. It is an annual winter grass. It varies in the time of starting: 

 growth. I have seen it ready for mowing the first of October, and furnish frequent 

 cuttings till April. Again, it may not start before January, nor be ready to cut till 

 February. This depends on the moisture and depression of temperature of the fall,, 

 the seeds germinating only at a low temperature. When once started, its growth 

 after the successive cuttings or grazings is very rapid. It is tender, very sweet, and. 

 stock eat it greedily. It makes also a good hay. It produces an immense quantity 

 of leaves. On loose soil some of it may be pulled up by animals grazing it. 



(Plate 112.) 



