272 TioRTUS GP. A:\iiN Ki;s wonu I. N r: N SIS. 



couch-grass, in gardens or rich cultivated grounds. The 

 hoIcKS mollis, and poa jyratensis, are the proper couch-grasses 

 ofhghtor sandy soils. The oo;yj.s7/s ttZ/'r^ is chiefl 3' trouble- 

 some as couch in clayey lands. Forking out the roots after 

 the plough, is doubtless the best mode of extirpating this 

 noxious weed ; but the process must not be discontinued 

 while a particle of the root is suspected to remain in the 

 soil, as tho least portion will grow, and the land being so 

 much broken and loosened by the operation, gives double 

 encouragement for the rapid growth of the plant. It does 

 not thrive well when combined with other grasses, but is 

 naturally move common in hedges, or in orchards, where, 

 if it be generally established, it yields a favourite and nutri- 

 tious pasture for lambs. 



The roots contain a large proportion of nutritive matter : 

 they are esteemed abroad for feeding horses ; at Naples, 

 they are collected in large quantities for this purpose, and 

 brought to market. My friend, the Rev. Thomas Koy, sent 

 me some of these roots from Naples ; they were much larger 

 than I had seen of British growth. On trial, the given 

 quantity afforded 6 dr. 2 qr. of nutritive matter, being, in 

 this respect, superior to the English roots in the proportion 

 of 26 to 23. Dogs cat the leaves of this grass, and also those 

 of the ho/ciis avenaceus, to excite vomiting. The nutritive 

 matter from the leaves contains an excess of bitter extractive 

 and saline matters. 



Flowers about the beginning of August, and tiie seed is 

 ripe about the end of the month, but is seldom good, being- 

 subject to mildew in its last stage of growth. Some farmers 

 never pick off couch from the fallows, but trust entirely to 

 the plough, which, if repeatedly applied, will destroy the 

 couch effectually, unless m a very v/et season. 



MILLIUM effusum. Common Pvlillet-grass. 



Specific character: Flowers panicled, dispersed, avvnless. 



Obs. — Stems generally rising to three or four feet in 

 height, with about four joints; leaves smooth, thin, 

 and weak ; panicles from four inches to a foot in length ; 



