100 GRASSES AND HOW TO GROW THEM. 



tained for pasturing for prolonged periods crowds out 

 nearly all kinds of weeds. Among the exceptions are 

 ironweed (Vcrnonla novehoracensis), blneweed (Eclii- 

 nm vulcjare), the oxeve daisy {Chnjsantlicmum Icucan- 

 ihemuin) and in some instances the Canada thistle 

 {Cirsium arveuse). When these are present in any 

 considerable numbers it may be advantageous to clip 

 them annually with the scythe or with the field mower 

 to prevent them from maturing seed, as live stock are not 

 likely to graze them off. 



Harvesting for Hay. — Blue grass being rather a pas- 

 ture than a hay plant, is not usually made into hay, 

 unless in the absence of better hay products. It is not 

 sufficiently bulky, hence the yield per acre is not large, 

 and unless cut with nmch promptness as soon as it 

 reaches the proper stage, it becomes w^oody. To secure 

 a large amount of blue grass hay would necessitate 

 mowing over a relatively large area in proportion to 

 the bulk. But this does not mean that blue grass does 

 not produce a large amount relatively of pasture per 

 acre, since, in growing pasture, it virtually produces 

 two growths in the year, that is, in the spring and in 

 the autumn, JSTor do the above remarks apply equally 

 to the variety Poa compressa, which, in suitable soils, 

 will yield at least a ton per acre of good hay. The crop 

 is not l)ulky, but it Aveighs very heavily in proportion to 

 its bulk and the hay is much relished, esi:)ecially by 

 horses. ^loreover it has the peculiar property of gum- 

 ming the knives of the mower while it is being cut. 



Blue orass is readv for beine: cut Avlien in earlv bloom. 

 It is not difficult to cure, hence, in good weather it mav 



