PHLEUM PRATENSE, I-., TIMOTHY. 103 



Erect jinmuils or pereuuiuls witli ilat loaves. Ten species in ^^ , 

 aiul S. lempenite and arctic regions. 



P. pratense, L., Timothy, Herd's-Urass, Meadow ('at's 

 Tail. — Panicle cylindrical. Empty glnmes trnncate with a 

 scarious tip, an 1 a hispid keel. 



This is the best known, most extensively sown, and one of the 

 most pi'ofitable grasses of any in the United States. In Pennsyl- 

 vania and some other States, Agrostis vulgai'is is called "herd's 

 grass," Avhile at the north this is known as "red top." There 

 are several other grasses called "cat's tail " in different portions 

 of our counti-y. The first common name comes from Timothy 

 Hanson of Maryland, who introdnced the grass from England 

 about 1720. The next name comes from a man by the name of 

 Herd, Avho found it growing in New Hampshire and bogan its 

 cultivation. 



In 1700 or '01, Peter Wynch took seeds of it from Virginia to 

 England. It is a native of Europe, and very likely also 

 indigenous to some portions of the United States. It is widely 

 distributed in north Africa, Avestern xisia, and other portions of 

 the world. Timoth}' is a perennial not likely to be mistaken for 

 any other grass, and in fact this is about the only one thnt is 

 generally known by all farmers. 



The leaves are short and flat, and on good soil the stem is from 

 two to four or more feet high, each bearing one stiff, erect, rough 

 spike as long and as thick as a lead j)encil. The plant is rather 

 coarse to the touch and sight. 



Having a large bulk of stems, with few leaves, the hay wastes 

 but little in transportation. The grass stands u]o well, the hay 

 is easily cured, heavy for its bulk, presents a good appearance, * 

 and suffers less than many other grasses when allowed to go to 

 seed before cutting. 



Fif?. 02.— 7. Plant of Phleum prateiise, L.; 2, spikelet; 5, floral gliiine and palea; 

 4, spikelet of P. alpinum ; ^, spikelet of P. arcnarium • 6, floral glume; 7, base of . 

 culm of P. pratetisfi, sliowing one enlarged solid internode, tubor, or corm, improiierly 

 called a " bulb."— (Trinius and Scribner.) 



