x PREFACE. 
defect, I have compiled the present 
generic and specific names in Irish 
for our indigenous grasses, that those 
unacquainted with Botany may know 
that under each of the common names 
there have been included a variety of 
different species. 
The cultivation of grasses at pre- 
sent is but in an infant state, and 
will continue so until Gentlemen ob- 
tain a knowledge of the different spe- 
cies, so as to be able to remark the 
various soils most congenial to their 
growth. For without this knowledge 
no scientific experiments can be. per- 
formed, nor can their best assort- 
ments, or their true culture, be ascer- 
tained. 
The mode of experiment which I 
would: recommend, in. order to ascer- 
tain the grasses that would constitute 
a good meadow in every soil and si- 
tuation, would be the following. 
Suppose a farm which abounded 
: with 
