Varieties. 
Name and 
history. 
Agricultural 
value, 
Geographical 
distribution. 
Habitat. 
Limits 
of altitude. 
Climate. 
26 
lentum). Each spikelet (figs. 1 and 2) is composed of from 9 to 20 flowers, rarely 3 —5. The upper 
ter or as long as the lower pale, usually less than half 
glume which alone is present, is 7-ribbed, shor 
4—7) is 5-ribbed, with along terminal awn, which may 
the whole spikelet. The lower pale (figs. 4, Z 
be undeveloped on the lowest flowers of the spikelet (see below, variety muticum). The upper pale 
(figs. 1, 2, 3,5, 7) has two ciliated keels. The lodicules, stamens, and pistil are identical with those of 
L. perenne. When the spike is ripe, its axis readily breaks into pieces (distinction from L. perenne). 
The spikelets themselves break up to form false fruits (seeds) as in perennial rye-grass. The caryopsis 
together with the pales and the stalk form the false fruit (figs. 6, 7); its length, including the awn, 
is about 13 mm. The caryopsis resembles that of Loliwm perenne but is longer. 
Varieties. The normal type of the species is the awned form; at times, however, varieties with 
awnless pales appear (Loliwm muticum D. C.). This awnless variety is readily distinguished from peren- 
nial rye-grass, by the convolute (rolled) vernation of its leaves. Both varieties are of equal value to the 
farmer. 
The cultivation of this grass probably commenced in Lombardy ; thence it spread into the other 
countries of Europe. Because of this, Brawn in 1834 named il Lolium Italicum. Formerly it was regar- 
ded as an awned variety of perennial rye-grass and was called Lolium perenne aristatum. Burger in 
his writings on Italian agriculture (1880 and 1851) speaks of the grass, which abounds in the irrigated 
pastures of Lombardy, as perennial rye-grass : this has given rise to much confusion and error, as the 
grass there is really Italian rye-grass. It is not mentioned either by Sinclair (1825) or Schwerz (1837); 
perennial rye-grass is alone referred to. At the beginning of the present century, Fellenberg obtained 
seed from Italy and cultivated the grass at Hofwyl. In 1848 André Thowin cultivated it in France, and 
Matthieu de Dombasle extended its cultivation there; he obtained his seed from Fellenberg. About 
1840, Lawson introduced it into Scotland, and soon after it became known in England. Wm, Dickinson 
grew it, about this time, at Willesden, and thanks to him, it soon became widely known. He obtained 
remarkably large yields by means of sewage irrigation. His success soon became known throughout 
England and Scotland, and now, in this country, Italian rye-grass is of more importance than in Lom- 
bardy itself. 
This is one of the best grasses for mowing, since it surpasses all others in rapidity 
of growth, and, in forced cultivation, gives the highest yield. Its duration is, however, 
short: in Scotland it is often used only for a single year, but in general it lasts 2 years. 
Occurrence, climate, soil, manure. Italian rye-grass is indigenous to: — Spain, France, Ger- 
many, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Dalmatia, Croatia, Turkey and Greece. It is not indigenous to N. America, 
It is especially frequent in the grass lands of Lombardy, At present it is extensively cultivated through- 
out the whole European continent, Great Britain, Denmark, southern Scandinavia, ete. In England 
and Scotland it is frequently found in a half naturalised state. In Ireland, too, it is often seen in fields 
and waste places, but only as an escape from cultivation. 
It occurs wild wherever manure has accumulated, as on the margins of ditches, roadsides, etc. 
In Upper Engadine it has been cultivated at a height of 5,600 ft. (Bevers), and at Flims ascends 
to 3,600 ft. 
Although of southern origin, it is an error to suppose that this grass cannot withstand 
the winters of Central and Northern Europe. Long experience has shown, that our climates 
are not too extreme. Winter cold is only dangerous on loose soil; any evil effects can be 
avoided by rolling, or by covering with fresh farm yard manure, in autumn. As with all 
other grasses, so here, rolling in spring should never be omitted. It is true, that this 
erass succeeds best in countries adapted for vine culture, provided that the soil is suitable, 
still, in colder countries such as Scotland, excellent crops of Itali -ve-OTass ar ained. 
It resists drought very well, especially, if the soil is side eS 
