114 DACTYLIS GLOMERATA, L., ORCHARD GRASS. 



The following is from the pen of Major H. E. Alvord, of New 

 York, and was written for the Rural Xeiv Yorker: 



"Orchard grass is a variety which has no superior for pasture or 

 hay, and it matures so early that the crop may be easily got out 

 of the way before Timothy or red top is fit to cut. But orchard 

 grass must have a good strong soil, and can be made most profit,- 

 able by keeping land thus seeded in sod for a series of years. If 

 cut twice a year or three times, as is often possible, it must be 

 liberally top-dressed. With the luud previously in good con- 

 dition and a well prepared seed-bed, orchard grass is very satis- 

 factory, grown by itself. For this j)urpose, I would sow it as soon 

 as the land can be j^ut in order in the spring, or in the latter 

 part of August, using at least two bushels of seed to the acre, 

 put on with the greatest care, as it is adifficut material to handle. 

 In 1884, orchard grass was in bloom in May, at Houghton Farm, 

 and good hay Avas made the first Aveek in June. The period of 

 cutting as to maturity of plant, should be regulated according 

 to the use to be made of the hay. It can be cut so as to make 

 hay as fine as any roAven or coarser than any heavy Timothy. If a 

 mixture is desired for hay, tall meadoAV oat-grass and clover are 

 the best for maturing Avitli the orchard grass. Although orchard 

 grass is hardy, furnishes the first green bite in the sj)ring, and 

 the last in the fall, and usually provides good protection with its 

 OAvn aftermath, it Avill Avinter kill Avliere not Avell covered Avith 

 snow, if the land is moist. It jirefers a location rather high and 

 dry. naturally or artificially aa'cII drained.*" 



Prof. J. E. Page, of Virginia, says : " It does Avell and yields 

 one and a half to tAvo tons per acre." 



W. F. Tallant, of tlie same State, in the Country Gentleman 

 remarks: "It Avill groAv more in one Aveek after cutting than 

 blue grass Avill in a month. It makes a larger aftermath, and 

 makes it quicker than any other grass I knoAV of. It is ready to 

 cut before liarvest and after planting. Timothy is too near 



