64 On Fiorin Grass* 



Yet the strings retain perfectly the principle of life ; 

 under circumstances which would have destroyed any 

 other plant ; nor does any feculency or putrefaction 

 appear to have affected them. The misfortune affords 

 a strong additional fact to prove Dr. Richardson's as- 

 sertions in this respect. Weeding and cleanliness are 

 required, the first year of laying the strings ; but after- 

 wards it eats out and destroys all other vegetation. Its 

 culture must, therefore, be gradual ; and within the 

 cultivator's power to keep it clean. If ten acres will 

 produce of this, as much as thirty or forty of com- 

 mon grass, the pains it requires are well bestowed. In 

 bulk, the quantity produced does not much exceed 

 some other luxuriant grass. But its substance, weight, 

 and nutrition, surpass any thing hitherto known. 



It strikes its roots shallow and superficially, like 

 strawberry runners ; grows from every joint in con- 

 tact with the earth, and finally mats like a rug. Weeds 

 of various kinds are peculiarly hostile. Shade is not so; 

 for it grows vigorously under trees. I have subjoined 

 an account of its culture ; and some facts concerning 

 it. 



Yours, very truly, 



Richard Peters. 

 Dr. James Mease, 



Secretary of the Philad» Agric. Soc, 



Culture of Fiorin, or Agrostis stolonifera. 

 It will be enough, for present purposes, to give con» 

 cise directions to those who obtain a small number of 

 strings for experiment. 



