186 



HOIITIS (JUAMINKDS WO BU UN EN SIS. 



Obs. — This species of bent is distinguished IVoni tlie 

 agrosiis vulgaris mutica, and agrostis vulgaris canina, 

 to which in habit it approaches, by the corolla or blos- 

 som being but of one valve ; from the agrostis nivea, 

 vel trichodinm niveum, by the erect disposition of the 

 stem, and the awn which is fixed but a little above the 

 base of the valve : the valve has likewise two short awn- 

 like points, which are a continuation of the nerves of 

 the valve. The panicle is also less divided, more spear- 

 shaped, and the calyx is acuminated. Whole plant of 

 a fine deep green colour, by which it is distinguished 

 at first sight from every other species of bent-grass. 

 The culm of this species of agrostis is perfectly upright 

 from the root, and not in the least decumbent or ascend- 

 ing in any part. Native of Britain ? Root fibrous, 

 perennial. 

 Experiments. — At the time of flowering, the produce from 



a bog soil is 9,528 lbs. per acre. 

 The produce of latter-math is 2,722 lbs. per acre. 

 As it will be found a vain attempt to cultivate or main- 

 tain grasses, on soils of a nature opposite to those which 

 naturally produce them, it is therefore necessary, in ascer- 

 taining the comparative value of a grass, that its merits and 

 properties be compared with those of such others only 

 as affect a similar soil. If we compare the agrostis vulgaris 

 with this species, it will be found superior in the proportion 

 nearly of 5 to 3. 



The agrostis vulgaris (common bent), affords in one sea- 

 son, per acre, of nutritive matter, 501 lbs., whereas this 

 yields 314 lbs. only. 

 This species being therefore inferior to the common bent in 

 most points, its value to the agriculturist can be but little. 



AGROSTIS nivea. Snowy Bent, Straw-coloured Bent- 

 grass. 



Trichodinm caninum, var. strarnineis arista calicem vix 

 excedente. 



Specific characlcr : Panicle branches subdivided, diverg- 

 ing, tlcxuosc ; calyx acute j corolla onc-valved, valve 



