’ U
as , Aelultemnts and Weed Seeds of Seed Samples. *7  
' . · ants found by us in orchard grass seeds, and is one that the law T
» specifies as prohibited. While a good deal like orchard-grass seeds _'
' · in size, it is quite different in appearance, under a lens, its scales  
~ ~ being quite smooth, the larger one rounded on the back, not keeled, T
without a terminal spine. · The concave scale is minutely setose on
the margins. The-short stem (section of the rachilla) at its base, `
I generally rather flat and gradually widening to the free extremity, I
the scar at tip being transverse and narrowly elliptical. Fig. 5, A, ‘ ·.
B, C. t V · A . _
Italian Rye-grass, (L. italieum), also a prohibited adulterant, I
is much like the preceding, in form and size, though ranging a lit-
tle smaller, and may’ be recognized by a bristle, borne by the large
convex scale covering the 'seed, this appendage being 0.16 to 0.18 V A
inch long, and thus insome eases longer than the glume which .£
bears it. Fig. 6 A, Bf , .
English Bluegrass (Festuca pratensis), the third adulterant
_ specified in our law as prohibited, produces a seed very much like p
' that of perennial rye-grass, the_two seeds being rather difficult to
distinguish from each other, notwithstanding the wide difference
between th·e two plants. Seeds of this grass measure 0.22 to 0.24
inch long, are rounded on the back and rather flattened and smooth.
The section of the stem (rachilla) is here more slender than those _;
of perennial and Italian rye-grass, and expands at its free ex- f
tremity rather abruptly, the scar being less lengthened transversly,
sometimes almost round. Though the two seeds are so much alike,
they are very different from seeds of orchard grass, so that the ·
Y difficulty is not in detecting the admixtures of these two seeds so
H much as in determining which is present. Fig. 4, A, B, C.
S V All three of the grasses specified in the Kentucky law as adul-
teraiits of orchard grass make good forage, and perennial rye-grass Y
I is one of the most highly valued grasses grown in England and Ire- 3
land, its value in these countries being in a great measure due to Q
its adaptability to a moist air and soil. On the Experiment Farm, `
both the rye-grasses start off well and produce a. fine succulent
growth of blades, but the yield of hay is slight comparatively, and
both species are rather short-lived, not lasting more than two or
three years. .