312 [Assembly 



If we expect to rival these celebrated pastures, oiiglit we not 

 to imitate nature, in scattering a variety of seeds, instead of con- 

 fining ourselves, as we have heretofore done, to one or two sorts. 

 By careful selection we may have early and late herbage, each 

 grass in its season sending up its leaves and flowers. The sod 

 would be firmer, and the roots of tender grasses more protected 

 from the effect of frosts. 



But whilst your committee commend the practice of sowing a 

 variety of seeds, they are not prepared to say which are the best 

 grasses for cultivation in our State. This point should be made 

 matter fur careful experiment and comparison ; and we may, by 

 such means, learn what mixture of grasses will probably make 

 the most pasture, and what mixture the most hay or forage. 



The following described grasses are, by common consent, ad- 

 mitted to be the most valuable now cultivated in England. 

 There are others of great value which might perhaps, be profita- 

 bly cultivated in our climate • but for the experiments now pro- 

 posed, your committee recommend only the varieties here named. 



Meadow Fox Tail, {Alopecuris prat en sis. ^ 



This is a very early grass, productive and exceedingly nutri- 

 tious. It is the principal grass in all rich pastures, is a favorite 

 with sheep and cattle, and is one of the most permanent ot the 

 cultivated grasses. 



The objections to it are these ; that it is slow to establish itself 

 and acquire its full growth ; and in England, does not produce 

 its seeds perfectly — not more than one-third of the seed sown 

 usually germinates. In our climate there might be no difificulty 

 of this sort. 



]\Ieadow Fescue, (^Festuca prctensisy) Fibrous root. 



This is one of the most valuable grasses ; it is nearly as early 

 as the Fox tail, and equally as nutritious, though not so produc- 

 tive. It is found in all the richest natural pastures, is much li- 

 ked by cattle and horses, and is among the most permanent ot 

 grasses. It thrives best in the clay districts of England. It ri- 

 pens its seeds well, but like Meadow Foi tail, is slow at arri- 

 ving at maturity. 



