AGRICULTURAL GRASSES 37 



Although manure is not directly injurious to Sweet 

 Vernal, it indirectly destroys this gi-ass by enabling other 

 varieties to elbow it out of existence. 



For illustration, description, and chemical analysis, see 

 OS. Edition. 



AVENA FLAVESCENS 



{Yelloiv Oat Grass). 



This gi-ass is not nearly so well knowTi or appreciated as 

 it deserves. It prospers in marl and calcareous soil, and in 

 all Hght land rich in humus, particularly in that which contains 

 lime. The forage is of good quahty, and is greedily taken by 

 cattle. 



Avena flavescens does not flower until midsummer. In 

 the Thames Valley it contributes no inconsiderable portion of 

 the herbage of the water meadows, and over the South of 

 England it aiFords a fan* quantity for the scythe at hay time, 

 while the aftermath is abundant. The leaves are pale green ; 

 flowers golden yellow, and they show conspicuously. 



In the absence of the flower the plentiful supply of soft 

 deflexed hairs upon the lower sheaths, together with the 

 cihated hgule, are characteristics by which this gi-ass may be 

 recognised. In a favourable hght the low acute ribs of the 

 blade are clearly visible, and a single row of hairs is discernible 

 along each rib. 



The seed of Yellow Oat Grass is always expensive, and 

 until recently it has been difficult to obtain a sufficient supply. 

 Probably many of the adverse opinions expressed concerning 

 this variety have resulted from sowing in its stead that 

 pestilent weed Ah^a flexuosa (Wavy Hair Grass), the seed of 

 which is not altogether dissimilar from, but has often been sold 

 for, Aveiia flavescens by those who are not famihar with the 

 true article. Seed of the latter, however carefully saved, only 

 germinates moderately well, and the high price necessitates its 

 sparing use. When arranging the prescription for a pasture 



