114 DACTYLIS GLOMERATA, L., ORCHARD GRASS. 



The following is from the pen of Major H. E. Alvord, of New 

 York, and was written for the Rural New Yorker: 



"Orchard grass is a variety which has no superior for pasture or 

 hay, and it matures so early that the crop may be easily got out 

 of the way before Timothy or red top is fit to cut. But orchard 

 grass must have a good strong soil, and can be made most profit- 

 able by keeping land thus seeded in sod for a series of years. If 

 cut twice a year or three times, as is often possible, it must be 

 liberally top-dressed. With the land previously in good con- 

 dition and a well prepared seed-bed, orchard grass is very satis- 

 factory, grown by itself. For this purpose, I would sow it as soon 

 as the land can be put in order in the spring, or in the latter 

 part of August, using at least two bushels of seed to the acre, 

 put on with the greatest care, as it is a dimcut material to handle. 

 In 1884, orchard grass was in bloom in May, at Houghton Farm, 

 and good hay was made the first week in June. The period of 

 cutting as to maturity of plant, should be regulated according 

 to the use to be made of the hay. It can be cut so as to make 

 hay as fine as any rowen or coarser than any heavy Timothy. If a 

 mixture is desired for hay, tall meadow oat-grass and clover are 

 the best for maturing with the orchard grass. Although orchard 

 grass is hardy, furnishes the first green bite in the spring, and 

 the last in the fall, and usually provides good protection with its 

 own aftermath, it will winter kill where not well covered with 

 snow, if the land is moist. It prefers a location rather high and 

 dry, naturally or artificially well drained." 



Prof. J. K. Page, of Virginia, says : " It does well and yields 

 one and a half to two tons per acre." 



W. F. Tallant, of the same State, in the Country Gentleman 

 remarks : " It will grow more in one week after cutting than 

 blue grass will in a month. It makes a larger aftermath, and 

 makes it quicker than any other grass I know of. It is ready to 

 cut before harvest and after planting. Timothy is too near 



