p. COMPRESSA, L., WIRE GRASS. 137 



Kansas winter is generally our dryest season, and for this reason 

 we doubt much if this old favorite sort has any place in our agri- 

 culture. To obtain a good stand quickly, blue grass seed should 

 be sown in the early spring ; and in amount not less than three 

 bushels per acre of ground." 



The following in reference to the quality of this grass, is from 

 the pen of of Dr. Bessey, of Nebraska : 



"Passing now to the nutritiousness of blue grass, we find that 

 it stands at the head of the list of cultivated grasses, as show by 

 repeated chemical analysis. It is very nearly twice as nutritious, 

 weight for weight, as Timothy. As compared with red top, 

 the latter has about five-sixths the value of that of blue grass. 

 Orchard grass likewise, has about five-sixths the nutritious value 

 of blue grass. From what has been said, it is clear that the 

 high rank held by blue grass for pasturage is well merited." 



June grass, in a cool climate, is one of the best of all our grasses 

 for a lawn, and when sown on rich land and cut often, it makes a ' 

 a soft, thick green turf, which is a delight to the eye and to the 

 feet which tread upon it. In many places nothing else need be 

 sown. For a good lawn sow four bushels to the acre. 



Much of the seed is saved in Kentucky, where it is tied in 

 bundles and set up in cocks till the tops decay sufficiently to 

 break up easily. It needs care to prevent this seed from heating 

 and injury when piled up in the chaff. 



In some cases the tops, when ripe, are taken off with a stripper 

 with a box behind it, the whole kept on wheels. 



Poa compressa, L. Wire Grass, Blue Grass, Flat-stemmed 

 Poa, Flat-staked Meadow Grass. — A perennial, about 1 ft. hi., 

 with creeping rootstocks, and smooth compressed culms. Leaves 

 short, with flattened sheaths, and a short, obtuse ligule. Panicle 

 oblong, 2-3 in. long, slightly spreading branches, 3-3-nate. 

 Spikelets ovate-oblong, 4, 6, or even 9-flowered. Floral glumes 

 18 



