

FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 133 



The Chcdder and Cottenham cheese owe their excelence 

 principally to this grass, and to the 



WATER- HAIRGR ASS (Aira Aquatica) which is further 

 said to contribute much to the fine flavor of the Cambridge 

 butter. It generally grows in the edges of standing waters, 

 and flowers in June and July. 



REED MEADWOGRASS (Poa Aquatica) is one of the 

 largest and most useful ot the British grasses, and forms 

 much ot the riches of Cambridgeshire and other counties 

 in England, where draining meadows, by wind-machinery, 

 is carried on. It is good for pasture and hay, particularly 

 for Milch-cows, though it is not relished well by Horses. 

 It is strong and well- suited to low places which are liable 

 to be inundated. It grows to the height of six feet; but 

 should be mowed when about four feet high. It may be 

 mowed several times in a season. 



It grows plentifully in the marshes of Sandusky-bay f 

 River Raisin, Detroit, and elsewhere, round the westerly 

 part of Lake Erie, where it is the principal reliance for 

 pasture and hay The French Farmers there cut it, and 

 bind it in bundles, when dried, which seems to be similar 

 to the management of it in the parts where it is cultivated 

 in Greatbritain. 



In addition to the Natural Grasses here enumerated* as 

 worthy of culture s are several Artificial Grasses^ or Vege* 

 tables which are cultivated as such; among' the most valu* 

 able of which are the following: 



LUCERNE ( Medicago Sativa.) This grass was introduc- 

 ed from- France into Greaibritain, about sixty years since, 

 and is very highly esteemed for soiling; though it makes 

 good hay, if cut while quite green, 



Mr. Livingston has made considerable trials of it in this 

 State, and the products have, in some instances, been 

 greater than those mentioned by British Writers. With 

 the best cultivation and plentiful manuring, from six to nine 

 tons of hay, per acre may be had in a season, of this grass. 

 Twenty pounds of seed are requisite for an acre, if sown in 

 the broad-cast; or six pounds, if drilled. If cultivated in 

 the latter way, it is to be ploughed and hand-hoed three or 

 four times in the season ; but perhaps the broadcast is the 

 more profitable culture here, where labor is high. 



Mr. Young recommends it to be sown with oats; first 

 sowing and harrowing in that grain, and then sowing or 

 drilling in the lucerne, and covering it lightly with a 

 light harrow. Others, however, advise, that the ground be 

 previously well prepared by deep, frequent, and effectual 

 ploughings, and that the seed be sown by itself; and, as it 



