298 HORTliS GRAMINKUS \V OB H RN EN S 1 S. 



The qualities of every kind of hay (independent entirely 

 of the intrinsic value of the grass), depends greatly on the 

 manner in which it is made. The richest grass may be 

 spoiled by wet weather, or carelessness. And very inferior 

 grass, by judicious management in the field and in the rick, 

 may become not only jmlatable, but most nutritious food for 

 cattle. Hence, we cannot always depend entirely on the re- 

 sults of chemical analysis, and therefore the safest plan in 

 the choice of our grasses, is to combine the proofs of the che- 

 mist with the discoveries of expeiience. 



Taking this as a rule, the Hortus Gramineus Wobnrnensis 

 will always be found a most useful directory, and will always 

 deserve a place on the book-shelves of the farm-house. 



There were two principal objects in view in undertaking 

 this analysis of forage plants. The first was, to detect the 

 most valuable; and the second, to identify the most worth- 

 less, or such as are considered mere weeds by farmers. That 

 those two classes of plants should be well known is uni- 

 versally admitted. And a knowledge of the weeds of agri- 

 culture was considered so necessary a part of agricultural 

 botany, that the late B. Holdich, Esq., Editor of the Farmer's 

 Journal, had, before his decease, nearly com])leted a little 

 work on this subject ; and which was bequeathed to Mr. Sin- 

 clair to finish, prepare for the press, and publish for the 

 benefit of Mrs. Holdich. This tract being intimately con- 

 nected with the design of the Hortus Gramineus, and belong- 

 ing to the same proprietors, they have resolved to annex the 

 former with the latter, in order to enhance the value, and 

 improve both, by uniting them in one moderate-sized 

 volume. 



