GRA.SSES OF IOWA. 



317 



The chemical alalyses made at several stations show: 



Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata), L. — The cultivation of 

 orchard grass {Dactylis glomerata) began in Virginia a few years 

 previous to 1764. About this time it was introduced into Eng- 

 land. At the begin oiag of this century it attracted consider- 

 able attention, especially because of the success attained with 

 it by Mr. Coke, of Norfolk. The seed was first extensively 

 collected by Rogers, Parker and Gibbs. It was introduced 

 into Switzerland* in 1808, but not grown on an extensive scale 

 until 1860. It has become one of the chief grasses of the Brit- 

 ish islands. Orchard grass is an introduced species in many 

 parts of the state. On the College farm it occurs with other 

 grasses in shady places. In the eastern states it has long 

 been known as a valuable grass, and in England it has long 

 been known as one of the best of the pasture grasses, espe- 

 cially in the regions best known for their fine stock, as in 

 Devonshire and Lincolnshire. In this country it has had 

 many admirers. Buelf says of it: "The American cock's foot 

 or orchard grass, is one of the most abiding grasses we have. 

 It is probably better adapted than any other grass to sow with 

 clover and other seeds for permanent pasture or for hay, as it 

 is fit to cut with clover and grows remarkably thick whea 

 cropped by cattle. Five or six days' growth in summer suffices 

 to give a good bite. Its good properties consist in its early 



1. Exp. Sta. Rec. 6: 101. 



2. Ann. Rept. Miss. Exp. Sta. 8: 91. 1895. 



3. Where percentage of water is given, it Is tlie per cent of water in the samples 

 as collected, and other per cents are for dry materials. 



♦Stebler, Schroter & McAlpine. The Best Forage Plants. 31. 

 tGrasses andForag-e. PI. 68. 



