134 P, PRATENSIS, L., JUNE GRASS. 



In a wet season, in a hedge, the writer found some leaves still 

 green and thrifty where they were almost (5^ ft.) five and a half" 

 feet long. 



Although this grass is so very common, yet frequent inquiries 

 are made in reference to its value. Are June grass and Kentucky 

 blue grass, or blue grass of Kentucky, the same? 



Frequent experiments and careful study by the botanists prove 

 that they are without question identical — one and the same. 



We have a rather thin, short, late grass, with short leaves, a 

 small top, and a flattened stem. This one noted in the last sen- 

 tence is very rich, of a dark bluish-green color, and is often called 

 "blue grass," a name which it richly deserves. It is Poa com- 

 pressa, wire grass or flat stemed poa, an account of which should 

 be read in this connection. 



.June grass starts quickly in spring, after mowing or feeding, 

 unless the weather be quite dry. It is very rarely injured by the 

 cold, and very hard to kill by dry weather, hot sun, the tramp- 

 ing of hoofs, or close mowing. It is a perennial, living on and 

 on almost indefinitely. 



In most soils the stalks are too short for a large yield of hay, 

 but if cut early, in flower or a little before, and well cured, the 

 hay is very rich, and will go a great way, considering its bulk. 



It is too frequently condemned for its single crop of short 

 stems and leaves. 



It does not get a great name on account of its value for meadow, 

 but on account of its endurance and great worth for permanent 

 pasture and lawn. 



The leaves keep growing and make much feed, if the soil and 

 season be not unfavorable. 



Like all other grasses for feeding in cold weather or in a very 

 dry spell, it should be allowed to get a good start before this try- 

 ing time arrives. 



But few sections of countiy are suited to a permanent and fine 



