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for pasture than the scythe. An objection may be urged against 
it. Its roots are powerfully creeping, and take firm grasp of the 
soil, as any one may know who has attempted to draw a specimen 
from the top of a turf-covered dry wall, where it is frequently to be 
found, as well as in almost every meadow and pasture. 
Poa trivialis. Rough-stalked Meadow-grass. 
This also has the reputdtion of being a valuable grass, for both 
meadow and pasture. It is generally taller than the foregoing ; 
the leaves are of a lighter hue, and rough at the back, as is easily 
proved by rubbing them with the fingers in an upward direction. 
Mr. Sinclair says: “The superior produce of this poa over many 
other species ; its highly nutritive qualities ; the seasons in which it 
arrives at perfection ; and the marked partiality which oxen, horses, 
and sheep have for it, are merits which distinguish it as one of the 
most valuable grasses.” It is abundant in many parts of the 
County. Some of the finest specimens I ever saw grew at Routon- 
sike, in Arlecdon. 
Briza media. Common Quaking-grass. 
A common grass, which I am persuaded is well known even to 
children in rural districts, who are fond of collecting bouquets of 
“doddering” grass. One peculiarity of this grass is said to be that 
it succeeds better on poor soils, than those of a more fertile nature. 
Its value as a feeding grass is also considerable. 
Cynosurus cristatus. Crested Dog’s-tail-grass. 
A very common grass, which as a pasture plant especially is held 
to have nosuperior. True, the culms known as “windle straes,” 
are wiry, and often unsightly ; yet it forms a dense, close turf, of 
grateful nutritive herbage, and is little affected by the extremes of 
weather. The best hay for horses that comes into the metropolis 
is said to come from the vicinity of Hendon. C. eristatus is a 
large constituent of this highly esteemed forage. 
Dactylis glomerata. Cock’s-foot-grass. 
Another very valuable, as it is likewise a very common, grass. 
