836 PRACTICE OF AGRICULTURE. Paex III. 



5157. Anthoxanthum odoratum, E. B. The proportional value which the grass at the time of flowering 

 bears to that at the time the seed is ripe, is as 4 to 13. The proportional value which the grass of the 

 lattermath bears to that at the tinie the seed is ripe, is nearly as 9 to 13. 



5158. Holcus odoratus, Hors. G. A. The proportional value which the grass at the time of flowering 

 bears to that at the time the seed is ripe, is as 17 to 21. The grass of the lattermath crop, and of the 

 crop at the time of flowering, taking the whole quantity, and their relative proportions of nutritive 

 matter, are in value nearly as 6 to 10 : the value of the grass at the time the seed is ripe, exceeds that 

 of the latter-math, in proportion as 21 to 17. Though this is one of the earliest of the flowering grasses, 

 it is tender, and the produce in the spring is inconsiderable. If, however, the quantity of nutritive 

 matter which it affords, be compared with that of any of those species which flower nearly at the same 

 time, it will be found greatly superior. It sends forth but a small number of flower-stalks, which are of 

 a slender structure compared to the size of the leaves. This will account in a great measure for the 

 equal quantities of nutritive matter afforded by the grass at the time of flowering, and the lattermath. 



5159. Cynosurus cceruleus, E. B. The produce of this grass is greater than its appearance would 

 denote ; the leaves seldom attain to more than four or five inches in length, and the flower-stalks seldom 

 arise to more. Its growth is not rapid after being cropped, nor does it seem to withstand the effects of 

 frost, which if it happen to be severe and early in the spring, checks it so much as to prevent it from 

 flowering for that season ; otherwise the quantity of nutritive matter which the grass aflbrds (for the 

 straws are very inconsiderable), would rank it as a valuable grass for permanent pasture. 



5160. Avena pubescens, E. B. The proportional value which the grass at the time of flowering bears 

 to that at the time the seed is ripe, is as 6 to 8. The proportional value which the grass at the time of 

 flowering bears to that of the lattermath, is as 6 to 8. The grass of the seed-crop, and that of the 

 lattermath, are of equal value. The downy hairs which cover the surface of the leaves of this grass, 

 when growing on poor light soils, almost entirely disappear when it is cultivated on a richer soil. 



5161. Poa aerulea, var. praiensis, E. B. If the produce of this variety be compared with that of 

 poa pratensis, it will be found less ; nor does it seem to possess any superior excellence. The superior 

 nutritive power does not make up for the deficiency of produce by 80 lbs. of nutritive matter per acre. 



5162. Festuca hordiformis, H. Cant. This is rather an early grass, though later than any of the pre- 

 ceding species : its foliage is very fine, resembling the F. duriuscula, to which it seems nearly allied, 

 differing only in the length of the awns, and the glaucous color of the whole plant. The considerable 

 produce it affords, and the nutritive powers it appears to possess, joined to its early growth, are qualities 

 which strongly recommend it to further trial. 



5163. Festuca glauca, Curtis. The proportional value by which the grass at the time of flowering 

 exceeds that at the time the seed is ripe, is as 6 to 12 The proportional difference in the value of the 

 flowering and seed crops of this grass is directly the reverse of that of the preceding species, &nd affords 

 another strong proof of the value of the straws in grass which is intended for hay. The straws at the 

 time of flowering are of a very succulent nature ; but from that period till the seed be perfected, they 

 gradually become dry and wiry. Nor does the root-leaves sensibly increase in number or in size, but a 

 total suspension of increase appears in every part of the plant, the roots and seed vessels excepted. The 

 straws of the poa trivialis are, on the contrary, at the time of flowering, weak and tender ; but as they 

 advance towards the period of ripening the seed, they become firm and succulent ; after that period, 

 however, they rapidly dry up, and appear little better than a mere dead substance. 



516'i, Festuca glabra. Wither. B. The proportional value which the grass at the time the seed is ripe 

 bears to that of the crop at the time of flowering is as 5 to 8. The proportional value which the grass of 

 the lattermath bears to that of the crop at the time of flowering, is as 2 to 8, and to that of the crop, at 

 the time the seed is ripe, is as 2 to 5. The general appearance of this grass is very similar to that of the 

 festuca duriuscula : it is, however, specifically different, and inferior in many respects, which will be 

 manifest on comparing their several produce with each other; but if it be compared with some others, 

 now under general cultivation, the result is much in its favor, the soil which it affects being duly 

 attended to. 



5165. Festuca rttbra. Wither. B. The proportional value which the grass at the time of flowering 

 bears to that at the tyne the seed is ripe, is as 6 to 8. This species is smaller in every respect than 

 the preceding. The leaves are seldom more than from three to four inches in length ; it affects a soil 

 similar to that favorable to the growth of the festuca ovina, for which it would be a profitable sub- 

 stitute, as will clearly appear on a comparison of their produce with each other. The proportional value 

 which the grass of the lattermath bears to that at the time the seed is ripe is as 6 to 8, and is of equal 

 value with the grass at the time of flowering. 



5166. Festuca ovina, E. B. The dry weight of this species was not ascertained, because the smallness 

 of the produce renders it entirely unfit for hay. 



5167. Festuca cambrica. Hud. This species is nearly allied to the festuca ovina, from which it differs 

 little, except that it is larger in" every respect. The produce, and the nutritive matter which it affords, 

 will be found superior to those given by the F. ovina, if they are brought into comparison. 



5168. Bromus diandrus, Curt. Lond. This species, like the festuca cambrica, is strictly annual ; the 

 above is therefore the produce for one year, which, if compared with that of the least productive of the 

 perennial grasses, will be found inferior, and it must consequently be regarded as unworthy of culture. 



5169. Poa angustifolia. With. 2 In the early growth of the leaves of this species of Poa, there is a 

 striking proof that early flowering in grasses is not always connected with the most abundant early pro- 

 duce of leaves. In this respect, all the species which have already come under examination are greatly 

 inferior to that now spoken of The culms are most valuable for the manufacture of the finest straw 

 plait. 



5170. Avena elatior. Curt. This grass sends forth flower-straws during the whole season ; and the lat- 

 termath contains nearly an equal number with the flowering crop. It is subject to the rust, but the dis- 

 ease does not make its appearance till after the period of flowering ; it affects the whole plant, and at the 

 time the seed is ripe the leaves and straws are withered and dry. This accounts for the superior value 

 of the lattermath over the seed crop, and points out the propriety of taking the crop when the grass is in 

 flower. 



5171. Poa elatior, Curt. The botanical characters of this grass are almost the same as those of the 

 avena elatior, differing in the want of the awns only. It has the essential character of the holci, (florets, 

 male and hermaphrodite; calyx husks two-valved, with two florets) ; and since the avena elatior is now 

 referred to that genus, this may with certainty be considered a variety of it. 



5172. Festuca duriuscula, E. B. The proportional value which the grass at the time the seed is ripe, 

 bears to that at the time of flowering, is as 6 to 14 nearly. The proportional value which the grass of the 

 lattermath bears to that at the time of flowering, is as 5 to 14, and to that at the time the seed is ripe 

 5 to 6. The above particulars will confirm the favorable opinion which was given of this grass when 

 speaking of the F. hordiformis, and F. glabra. (5162. and 5164.) Its produce in the spring is not very 

 great, but of the finest quality, and at the time of flowering is considerable. If it be compared with those 

 affecting similar soils, such as poa pratensis, festuca ovina, &c, either considered as a grass for hay, or 

 permanent pasture, it will be found of greater value. 



5173. Miliwn effusum Th\s species in its natural state seems confined to woods as its place of growth ; 

 but the trial that is here mentioned, confirms the opinion that it will grow and thrive in open exposed 

 situations. It is remarkable for the lightness of the produce in proportion to its bulk. It produces foliage 

 early in the spring in coHsiderable abundance ; but its nutritive powers appear comparatively httle. 



