Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-11-14
SEED DISTRIBUTION.
FURNISHED FROM THE STATE EX.
PREFERENTIAL FARM.
New Varieties of Forage Plants
Barley, Wheat, Rye, Etc
Bulletin No. Al.


Bulletin No. Al.
The character of the season Just passed
prevented fair test of the seeds sent out
last year. AS some of the varieties dis
tributed last year have shown such excel
lent qualities on the University experiment
grounds, and in the hands of number OF
our correspondents, we have decided to
offer many of them again this year, hoping
that more liberal rainfall will give all an
opportunity to determine their value in the
different regions. We have also added to
the list several new growths which promise
well. As has been stated in previous an
nouncements, this distribution is made for
the purpose of ascertaining the adaptation
and practical value of the several kinds, in
the different climates and soils of the State ;
and persons receiving them are requested
to report results, whether success or failure,
and ifthe latter, from what apparent causes.
AS there is no appropriation available to
meet the expenses of packing and postage,
applicants for the seeds are requested to
send the amounts specified in connection
with each description below. If they de-
sire seeds sent by express, applicants need
not send money with their orders. Appli-
cations may be made for one or more kinds
of seeds. In case any kind of seed becomes
exhausted, the money sent will be returned
unless a second choice is mentioned by the
sender. Amounts less than 81 may be sent
in postage stamps if convenient larger
sums should be by postal note payable at
the Berkeley Postoffice. A distribution of
plants and scions will be announced here
after.
BARLEY.
The following barleys and wheats will be
forwarded by mail to applicants who send
20 cents for one-pound sacks and 36 cents
for two-pound sacks:
Six-rowed Barley-A very different type
from that commonly grown on this coast,
and we believe that for some localities and
uses it is much to be preferred. The ar
rangement of the grains in the head is such
as to show six distinct rows, instead of the
crowded appearance, which makes our
common barley pass as four rowed. The
straw is of only moderate length, strong
and very erect, making it less liable to lodge
than most other varieties. The heavy rains
of June, 1884, which Frustrated nearly all
the other grains Oh our grounds, did not
effect this variety. 1t stood erect and strong
The yield is. among the highest that we
have recorded III our experiments. Our
stock was raised from seed secured in the
Bremen collection, imported from Europe
where the grain is also particularly valued
for mountain lands. We commend this
grain for general trial, and in particular
for the northern valleys of the State.
Rice, Sprat, or Battledore Barley-In
. 10 \.
between this variety and the last, as in its
upright straw, heads of even hight and
spreading boards. Straw very short, and
like the six-rowed, did not lodge. 1t has
two rows of grain il a very short head so
that the boards stand in the form of bat
tledore. The grain is said to swell when
cooked, as rice does. The yield is fair and
the hardy plant adapted to mountain re-
gions-an interesting variety.
Scotch Two-rowed Barley-In series Of
years this has proved to be very superior
grain, both in yield and quality, as well as
in not lodging as badly as Cheyaiier. We
have good reports from seed sent out in
former years.
Imperial Two-rowed-Good, but not as
well proved as some others.
WHEAT.
Wilmington wheat-A fllyorite in Eng
land, and promising well here, when sown
early; though, on our soil, becoming more
starchy than the original seed imported by
the University. Seed, long, and resemb-
ling the white Australian; should be tried
on various soils. The Wilmington, grown
on the University grounds, has been pro-
nounced q good Touring wheat by a COM
petent miller. 1t is the best yielding wheat
we have grown.
Black bearded Centennial - From seed
received some years ago by the United
States Department of Agriculture. A
variety that has been widely disseminated
and much praised. It's very tall and strong
straw, large heads and long beard, which is
black during growth, make a very snowy
crop. The boards are shed when the grain
natures. 1t has been especially commended
by California millers. The yield is good.
California Spring VIII eat-Received from
Germany under this name, but not yet
identified with any variety generally known
here 1t seems adapted to our climate.
Head of medium length, compact, beard
less, with white chaff The grain looks
well, is round, rather small, soft, starchy
and fairly even in size.
White Silesian Spelt-W heat-In the
chaff. This type of wheat is priced in
Europe for pastry, although the chaff must
be removed by a process similar TO that
employed with rice, and therefore is less
desirable than wheat for q bread grain.
With US it has never made really plump
grain, perhaps because of late planting, as
il apparently needs a longer growing sea-
son, as regards moisture, or a mountain
climate-its preferred location in Europe.
Our own experience, and that of others,
indicates that its hardness and leafy
growth would make it valuable as a hay
IN l,o +ai ~ of ha
1t is sown in the chaff. Spells succeed on
poorer and rougher land, and are harder
than wheat. The grain cannot be plucked
by birds. We have but a moderate sup
ply, and can send in one-pound sacks, 20
cents each.
BYE.
st. Johns Day Rye-Heavy. dropping
heads; broad near the stem and taperinc
toward the tip. Abundant fine boards
Acknowledged to be one OF the best Of
known ryes. From seed imported from
Erftlrt, Germany. For one-pound sacks
send 90 cents.
Swedish Sand Rye-Another good va
riety, imported from the same place and
recommended for sandy soils. We would
like to have this variety tried on light soils
for dairy feed as well as grain. For one
pound sacks, send 20 cents.
FORAGE PLANTS.
Seeds of the three following grasses will
be sent in four-ounce packages; send five
cents in stamps for each:
Schrader's Bronze Grass Bronus .Schradcrii
or ttnioloidss)-Valued in Australia as re-
sisting drought, and in Texas as giving
good feed in winter and early spring. We
have received reports from those in this
State to whom we sent seeds two years ago
declaring the grass a success. 1t is among
the first grasses to start, grows vigorously,
and natures an abundance of heavy seeds
almost like oats. Its seed stems being two
or three feet high, and leafy, it can be used
for either hay or pasture
Hungarian Bronze Grass Bromus iaerr.is) -
From seed imported by the University from
Europe, commended by the French, as
adapted to dry soils. Our experience indi-
Gates that it will do well here, either with
out or with modern irrigation.
IiyitgaA H1dtfHor1fnn-A perennial rnillpt