84 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



series of years, produced abundantly of this grass. The rationale of 

 such opposite results under apparently similar circumstances, had 

 never been explained, so far as my observation extends. 



My neighbor, llichard McCrary, an intelligent and practical farm- 

 er, has recently presented me -with the annexed propositions and 

 conclusions, as the result of his experience on this subject. These 

 he illustrated by specimens of the grass in every condition to which 

 he alludes. It is hoped they will be thoroughly scanned by persons 

 competent to test their accuracy. 



If they bear this test, to Mr. McCrary the credit of the discovery 

 of the facts solely belongs ; and I have no doubt the community will 

 consider him as having conferred an important benefit. 



1. Timothy grass is a perennial plant, which renews itself by an 

 annual formation of " bulbs," or, perhaps, more correctly speaking, 

 tubers, in which all the vitality of the plant is concentrated during 

 winter. These form, in whatever locality the plant is found, with- 

 out reference to the dryness or moisture. From these proceed the 

 stalks which support the leaves and the head, and from the same 

 source spread out the numerous fibi'es forming the true roots. 



To insure a perfect development of these tubers, a certain amount 

 of nutrition must be assimilated in the leaves, and returning to the 

 base of the plant through the stalk. 



3. As soon as this process of nutrition is completed, it becomes 

 manifest by the appearance of a state of desiccation, or dryness, 

 always commencing above either the first or second joint of the 

 stem, near the crown of the tuber. From this point, the desiccation 

 gradually progresses upward, and the last portion of the stalk that 

 yields up its freshness is that adjoining the head. Coincident with 

 the beginning of this process, is the full development of the seed, 

 and with its progress they mature. Its earliest appearance is evi- 

 dence that both the tubers and seeds have received the requsite sup- 

 plies of nutrition, and that neither the stalks nor the leaves are 

 longer necessary to aid them in completing their maturity. 



4. If the stalk be cut from the tuber before this evidence of 

 maturity has appeared, the necessary supplies of nutrition will be 

 arrested ; their proper growth will cease, and an effort will be made 

 to repair the injury, by sending out small lateral tubers, from which 

 weak and unhealthy stalks will proceed, at the expense of the orig- 



