MANAGEMENT OF MEADOWS AND PASTURES. , Yl^ 



over with the oil when fish, after being cooked, is pressed, con- 

 tains, besides nitrogenous matters, considerable phosphate of 

 potash, and, as both the phosphoric acid and the potash are ex- 

 ceedingly valuable food constituents of the grasses, it is very 

 probable that the extraordinary growth in this case wa3 due to 

 their presence in the soil in unusual amount. 



If a grass so rare as this should come to occupy a field almost 

 exclusively, and attain a degree of luxuriance elsewhere unknown, 

 because of favorable conditions in relation to the food which it 

 found on that spot, as seems highly probable, the fact is exceed- 

 ingly suggestive regarding possibilities about other grasses, which 

 at present are little cultivated. Who knows but that, with more 

 knowledge about the requirements of the various grasses, and 

 with improved ways and means of fertilization, we may be able 

 some day to bring to great luxuriance varieties which are now 

 among us, but so rare, or so diminutive in their growth as almost 

 to escape notice ? 



I would be glad to learn if this grass is often seen in any of the 

 fields or pastures of this State. It may be readily known by its 

 general resemblance to timothy, the obvious difference being its 

 smaller growth, and the head, which in timothy has a harsh feel 

 when drawn through the fingers, feels soft, as a fox's tail — whence 

 its name. 



I may also mention that its seed is not common in seed stores, 

 and bears a high price ; besides which, it is more complained of 

 for failing to germinate than almost any other. 



It would be a very valuable pasture grass, could it be generally 

 introduced and thrive well ; not because of remarkable nutritive 

 properties, but on account of its earliness. Although much in- 

 ferior to timothy for meadows, it will bear cropping a great deal 

 better, furnishes a good bite before almost any other grass, and 

 throws up after shoots abundantly. As a pasture grass, it is 

 highly prized in Europe, but not for meadows. 



Adjourned. 



