C. CRISTATUS L., CRESTED DOG'S TAIL. 195 



Species 3 or 4, found in Europe, western Asia, and northern 

 Africa. 



C. cristatus, L., Crested Bog's Tail. A stoloniferous per- 

 ennial, 1-2 ft. hi., culms terete, erect, smooth. Leaves short, 

 narrow, slightly hairy; ligule 2-fid Spike 1-2 in., linear. 



It has long been found in most meadows and pastures of Great 

 Britain and the continent of Europe. It is still recommended by 

 nearly or quite all those who sell grass seeds, especially for perma- 

 nent pasture and lawns on dry light land, but we notice that 

 some of the most observing and independent farmers in those 

 countries seldom recommend it or use it on their lands. 



Dr. Lindley said: " Its roots are long and wiry, and descend 

 deep into the ground. It was quite early used for pastures and 

 lawns; not very nutritious, not a favorite with stock." 



Baron J. B. Lawes says : " This grass has a wide range of soils, 

 and grows in dry, damp, and even in irrigated lands, and varies 

 in character accordingly. It is better for pasture than hay, and 

 was unable to maintain ^ven a moderate degree of prominence 

 where the conditions were favorable for the luxuriance of other 

 graminaceous species.'' 



The late James Buckman said: " We think it has been over- 

 much cultivated. It is not a favorite with deer or Southdowns. 

 The culms soon become wiry and make poor hay, neither in 

 quantity nor quality is it worthy a place in a good meadow. 



"The culms are much used for straw-plaits, for which they 

 are well adapted, both from their fineness and strength." 



It is seldom met with in this country, and judging from our 

 own efforts to grow this grass, we have little to expect in its 

 favoi 



