436 STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. 



BOTANICAL DEPARTMENT. 



Owing to the late date at which the State World's Fair Commission 

 decided to assist the college in making an exhibit much valuable time for 

 collecting specimens for the botanical exhibit was lost. It was not until 

 Sept. 1892 that work was begun, This will account for a lack in some 

 directions that might have been avoided had more time been given. 



It was also decided to divide the exhibit which tended to lessen its 

 efficiency at least in general appearance. 



EXHIBIT IN THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 



This was rendered possible by the fact that we happened to have on hand 

 some things formerly collected. This part consisted in: 



Tioenty-seven bundles of grasses and other forage plants, each ten inches in diame- 

 ter. They were grown on plats carefully weeded of all other plants. The soil was a stiff 

 clay, well drained. The average yield when dry, per rod, per year, of three square rods, 

 for 1891-1892 is given in nearly every case below. 



Agropyrum caninum, R. and S. Tall wheat grass, a slender variety. This wild grass 

 is found in Michigan on dry soil and seems to promise well to employ in mixtures for 

 meadows. 



Agropyrum repens, L. Couch, Quick or Quack Grass. A grass from Europe, now 

 too often found in meadows and cultivated fields. Good for fodder, but difficult to exter- 

 minate. One of our worst weeds. 



Agropyrum tenerum, Vasey. Slender wheat grass. Apparently promising for mead- 

 ows to mix with clovers or other grasses. A new thing worth trying. Native of N. A., 

 west of Mississippi. Average yield per sq. rod, 36.89 lbs. 



Agrostis alba, L. Red Top. Herd's grass. A perennial with root stocks, flowering 

 rather late. One of the best known and most valuable grasses for river bottoms either 

 for grazing or for mowing. Native of Europe. Average yield, 19.37 lbs. 



Alopecurus pratensis, L. Meadow Foxtail. Early, nutritious, suitable for meadow 

 or pasture in damp climates. Much grown in Great Britain; of much less value in most 

 parts of the United States. Native of Europe. 



Antho.vanthum odoratum, L. Sweet Vernal Grass. A fragrant grass from Europe* 

 Much grown in pastures and lawns where the soil and climate are moist. 



Arrhenatherum avenaceum, Beauv. Tall Oat Grass. A tall, rapidly growing, early 

 perennial; in many places highly prized for pasture or meadow. It is well to mix with 

 red clover and orchard grass. Native of Europe. Average yield, 16.50 lbs. 



Calamagrostis Canadensis, Beauv. Blue Joint. A rather course marsh grass, of 

 good quality when cut early. 



Dactylis glomerata, L. Orchard Grass. Cock's Foot. Valuable for pasture or for 

 mowing in good soil. It must be cut or fed early to prevent seeding. Much grown 

 in Great Britain and on the continent of Europe. Native of Europe. Av. yield 31.50 lbs. 



ElyviUH Europtens, L. A kind of Rye Grass. Coarse and unprofitable in most places. 

 A native of Europe. 



Festuca elatior, L. var. Arundinacea, Haeck. Taller Meadow Fescue. A large per- 

 ennial of promise for pasture or hay, when grown by itself, or better when mixed with 

 other grasses and clovers. This particular variety is not in the market. Native of 

 Europe. Av. yield, 53.12 lbs. 



Festuca pratensis, L. Meadow Fescue. A perennial grass valuable to sow in mixtures 

 for meadow or pasture in a moist climate. Native of Europe. Av. yield, 15 lbs. 



Glyceria Canadensis, Trin. Rattlesnake Grass. A low land grass of little economic 

 value. Rather ornamental. 



