CRESTED DOG'S TAIL. 6 1 



Cultural conditions: It requires soil of medium quality and 

 is especially adapted to fairly moist low land. It does not thrive in 

 extremely dry localities although its rather deep roots enable it to 

 stand drought. 



Habits of growth: It reaches full development the second and 

 third years after sowing. It is medium late in starting and the 

 greatest yield is secured from the second growth. 



Agricultural value: On account of its low and somewhat 

 bunchy growth, Crested Dog's Tail may be used as bottom grass 

 with other grasses. It is of special value in pastures. The excellent 

 feeding quality of the pastures of England, Holland and Schleswig- 

 Holstein is claimed to be largely due to this grass. It is commonly 

 used in mixtures for lawn-making. 



Seed: Seed of Crested Dog's Tail is generally secured from 

 wild plants. It is yellowish-orange to reddish or greyish brown. In 

 commercial samples different coloured seeds are mixed together, 

 giving a mass effect of yellowish brown. The weight ranges from 

 twenty to thirty-two pounds per bushel. 



To the dales resort, where shepherds rich, 

 And fruitful flocks, be everywhere to see. 



Spencer, Shepherd's Calendar, 1579. 



In the newly opened spring, when cold moisture descends from the snow-covered hills, and the 

 soil loosens and crumbles beneath the western breeze; then let my steers begin to groan under the 

 entered plough, and the share to glitter, polished by the furrow. That field especially answers the 

 expectations of the greedy farmer which twice hath felt the sun, and twice the cold; the immense 

 harvests of such a field are wont to burst the barns. Virgil, Georgics, 37 B.C. 



Friend, alway let this be a part of thy care, 

 For shift of good pasture, lay pasture to spare. 

 So have you good feeding in bushets and leaze, 

 And quickly safe finding of cattle at ease. 



Thomas Tusser, Five Hundreth Pointes of HusbanJrie, 1557. 



Creation was not by the Curse made altogether and for ever a Rebel, but in virtue of that 

 charter " In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread," it is now by various labours (not certainly by 

 disputations or idle magical ceremonies, but by various laboui .it Length and in gome measure subdued 

 to the supplying of man with bread; that is, to the uses of human life. Bacon, Novum Orgnnum. 

 1620. 



