PHLEUM PRATENSE, L., TIMOTHY. 108 



Erect annuals or perennials with flat leaves. Ten species in X. 

 and 8. temperate and arctic regions. 



P. pratense, L., Timothy, Herd's-tirass, Meadow Cat's 

 Tail. Panicle cylindrical. Empty glumes truncate with a 

 scarious tip, and a hispid keel. 



This is the best known, most extensively sown, and one of the 

 most profitable grasses of any in the United States. In Pennsyl- 

 vania and some other States, Agrostis vulgaris is called "herd's 

 grass," while at the north this is known as "red top." There 

 are several other grasses called "cat's tail" in different portions 

 of our country. The first common name comes from Timothy 

 Hanson of Maryland, who introduced the grass from England 

 about 1720. The next name comes from a man by the name of 

 Herd, who found it growing in Xew Hampshire and began its 

 cultivation. 



In 1760 or '61, Peter Wynch took seeds of it from Virginia to 

 England. It is a native of Europe, and very likely also 

 indigenous to some portions of the United States. It is Avidely 

 distributed in north Africa, western Asia, and other portions of 

 the world. Timothy is a perennial not likely to be mistaken for 

 any other grass, and in fact this is about the only one that is 

 generally known by all farmers. 



The leaves are short and flat, and on good soil the stem is from 

 two to four or more feet high, each bearing one stiff, erect, rough 

 spike as long and as thick as a lead pencil. The plant is rather 

 coarse to the touch and sight. 



Having a large bulk of stems, with few leaves, the hay wastes 

 but little in transportation. The grass stands up well, the hay 

 is easily cured, heavy for its bulk, presents a good appearance, 

 and suffers less than many other grasses when allowed to go to 

 seed before cutting. 



Fig. 62. 7, Plant of Phleum prate-use, L.; 2, spikelet; 5, floral glume and paiea; 

 'keletof P. alyinum ; 5, spikelet of P. arenariutn ; 6, floral glume; 7, base of 



culm of P. pralenxe, showing one enlarged solid internode, tubor, or corm, improperly 

 called a " bulb." (Trinius and Scribner.) 



