253 



NATIVE GRASSES. 



I have pleasure in reporting continued success with the cultivation of native 

 grasses. The six varieties mentioned in my last i-eport as having been grown succest*- 

 fully in 1889, survived the past winter, and have given a fair yield of fodder. All 

 were permitted to ripen their seed. We were, therefore, unable to test their value 

 for feed. A considerable quantity of seed of these varieties has been secured which 

 will be sown next spring. During the past season, several additional varieties have 

 been sown, some of which are promising. 



Below will be found the names, height and estimated yield this year of the 

 seven varieties of native grasses sown in 1889. One variety (Agropyrum tenerum) 

 was omitted in my last report but is included in this. 



NATIVE GRASSES. 



Remarks. 



Muhlenbergia glomerata, Trin |Very promising ; somewhat late. 



Elymus Americanus, V and S 



Elymus Virginicus, L 



Bromus ciliatus, L 



Agropyrwni tenerura, Vasey 



Heisrht. 



Agropyrum cwninum, R and S. 

 Poa serotina, Ehrh 



A coarse grass of fair quality. 



Bunchy, with heavy wheat-like head 



Bunchy ; quality apparently good 



Somewhat like English rye grass in appear- 

 ance ; early 



Rather hard ; early 



Very fine stalk, known here as red top or| 

 meadow grass 



Estimated 

 Yield. 



Ft. In. 



27 



4 

 3 



30 



33 



Tons. 



2 

 3 



n 

 1 



FODDER CORN. 



Thirty-two varieties of fodder corn were grown on the farm during the past 

 season. The seed was sown on May Slst with a common wheat drill, in rows three 

 feet apai't, and the plants thinned out to about 6 inches apart in the rows. Weeds 

 were kept down with the horse cultivator. The season being favourable, growth 

 was very i-apid and the yield large. All the varieties were cut on August 29th. It 

 was then cured in shocks of about 600 lbs. (green weight). The cured fodder was 

 readily eaten by both horses and cattle. 



Below will be found a list of the varieties sown and full particulars regarding 

 growth, yield, &c. 



[Note. — The weight of each variety as given is accurate, but it must be borne in mind that it is 

 seldom that a large plot or field will give returns per acre equal to a small plot, where special care is g^ven 

 to the growth of the plants.] 



