nORTHS GRAMINEUS WOB U K N EN S 1 S. 83 



chemical exainiimLioii of its mitiitive matter shows that it 

 does not aboinul in sugar, but chiefly in mucilage; and the 

 insoluble extract is in a greater proportion than in many 

 other grasses. Its merits, however, in respect to early 

 growth, continuing to vegetate and throw up flowering- 

 stalks till the end of autumn, and its hardy nature, suffi- 

 ciently uphold its claim to a place in all permanent pastures. 

 The superior nutritive qudity of its latter-math is a great 

 recommendation for the purpose of grazing, the stalks being 

 of but little utility, .as they are generally left untouched by 

 the cattle, provided there be a sufficiency of succulent 

 herbage. 



It is said to give to new-mown hay that delightful scent 

 which is peculiar to it : if it be not the sole cause of the 

 fragrance, it certainly adds considerably to its sweetness. 

 About the middle of April it comes into flower, and the 

 seed is ripe about the first or second week of June. 



DACTYLIS ghmerata. Round panicled Cock's-foot grass. 



Specific character: panicle crowded, pointing one way; 

 leaves keeled ; native of Britain. 



Experiments. — The produce of herbage from a space of 

 four square feet of a rich sandy loam, on the 15th 

 April, is per acre, in weight (calculated proportionally), 

 10,209 lbs. Produce at time of flowering 27,905 lbs. ; 

 at time the seed is ripe, 26,544 lbs. The proportional 

 value at the time the seed is ripe, to that at the time of 

 flowering, is as seven to five. The produce of after- 

 math is 11,910 lbs. 



By various other tests to which the leaves and stems were 

 submitted at different periods of their growth, the author 

 found that the stems, when full grown, contain more nutri- 

 ment than the leaves at any time ; and his general conclu- 

 sions respecting this grass are, that it is more valuable for 

 pasture than for hay, and for the latter purpose is superior 

 to ray grass, and many others. If constantly kept closely 

 grazed, it yields a greater profit than used in any other way, 

 merely because the leaves grow rapidly and give a full bite. 



G 2 



