DACTYLIS GLOMERATA, L., ORCHARD GRASS. 119 



stack it, or put in barn, as too much dampness will prove injurious 

 to the seed at this time. Remember to handle over a canvass as 

 much as possible whenever you move it, for otherwise the loss 

 will be considerable. As for the yield, that is very variable all 

 the way from five to fifteen bushels per acre, according to the 

 age of the meadow and fertility of the soil. Orchard grass 

 increases its yield every year from the second to the sixth or 

 seventh after sowing. But even at this seemingly small yield it 

 is very profitable, as the labor is not very great and there is an 

 abundance of good hay left to be mowed after the seed are saved. " 



Of the producers or of country merchants of Kentucky and 

 Tennessee, the seed may be obtained for much less than is usually 

 paid to the seed dealers of the northern States. It is usually 

 put up in eight-bushel sacks, 14 Ibs. being allowed to the bushel. 



These long quotations have been selected from wide awake, 

 observing men living in remote parts of our great country. I 

 have neglected to quote much from those who speak against it, 

 believing that they do not understand the grass and consequently 

 make mistakes in its management. 



As a rule it blossoms but once a year, and then about a month 

 ahead of Timothy and red top. 



It is often mentioned as very suitable for growing in the shade, 

 but June grass does as well, comparatively. It will not spread 

 and make a fine, handsome turf. 



Many cut it too late, when the hay will be of poor quality. 



A farmer should not have too much of it for meadow, because 

 it all comes on at once, and then it should be cut ; the weather 

 often controls the time of cutting. If rainy when the grass is 

 in flower we must wait often a week or more. In such cases most 

 grasses endure the delay better than orchard grass. 



Some object to its use as the seed costs too much, from one to 

 two dollars a bushel, making the seed for an acre cost from two 

 to five dollars. Others sow on stiff, poor soil, where it makes a 

 feeble growth. 



