THE GRASSES, MEADOWS, ETC. 



99 



though mostly in full blossom, still pushing out new branches 

 and buds, when the former was fit to cut. The quantity of 

 seed required per acre, depends on the soil and its condition. 

 Twelve quarts on a fine mellow tilth, are sufficient, and 

 equal to twice this quantity on a stiff clay. Heavier seed- 

 ing than this may be practised with advantage, and especial- 

 ly, where it is desirable to cover the surface at once with a 

 thick sward. 



FIG. 5. FIG. 6 FIG. 7. 



MEADOW Fox TAIL (Alopecurus pratensis Fig. 5). This 

 is a favorite grass in England, both for meadows and 

 pasture. It grows early and abundantly, and gives a large 

 quantity of aftermath. It is best suited to a moist soil, bog, 

 clay or loam. It is indigenous to the middle States. 



SMOOTH STALK MEADOW, GREEN, SPEAR OR JUNE GRASS, 

 the erroneously called BLUE GRASS OF KENTUCKY (Poapra- 

 tensis Fig. 6), is highly esteemed for hay and pasture. It 

 is indigenous and abounds through the country, but does not 

 appear to reach its highest perfection north of the valley of 

 the Ohio. It is seen in its glory in Kentucky and Tennes- 

 see. The seed ripens in June and is self-sown upon the 

 ground, where the succeeding rains give it vitality ; and it 

 pushes out its long, rich slender leaves, two feet in height, 

 which in autumn, fall over in thick windrows, matting the 

 whole surface with luscious herbage. Upon these fields, which 

 have been carefully protected till the other forage is exhaust- 

 ed, the cattle are turned and fatten through the winter. It 

 maintains its freshness and nutritive properties in spite of 

 frost, arid the cattle easily reach it through the light snows 

 which fall in that climate. A warm, dry, calcareous soil, 



