PERENNIAL GRASSES OF MINOR IMPORTANCE 229 



The results of tests at the Zurich Seed Control Station 

 indicate an average purity of 75 per cent and viability 

 of 69 per cent. A bushel weighs 6 to 14 pounds. One 

 pound contains 907,000 seeds (Stebler) ; 490,000 (Hun- 

 ter) ; 1,216,000 (Hunt). 



SWEET VERNAL-GRASS (Anthoxanthum odoratum) 



269. Botany. Sweet vernal-grass is native to tem- 

 perate Europe and Asia and Northwest Africa. It is 

 wholly an introduced plant in North America, except 

 perhaps in South Greenland. 



Sweet vernal-grass receives its name from the fact that 

 the whole plant contains cumarin, giving it a vanilla-like 

 odor but also a bitter taste. This is present even in the 

 very young seedlings, which may thus be recognized. On 

 account of its agreeable odor, sweet vernal-grass has long 

 been recommended as a desirable addition in mixed grass 

 meadows. It is not clear, however, that the grass with 

 its pleasant odor really makes the hay more palatable to 

 animals. 



The grass is a long-lived perennial, growing in small, 

 dense tufts, the culms reaching a height of 18 to 20 inches 

 as a rule. It is one of the earliest grasses to appear in spring, 

 but is not much liked by cattle as a pasture grass. It is 

 quite resistant to both cold and drought. The best growth 

 is made on fertile soil, but sweet vernal-grass will thrive 

 on almost any type of soil if not too wet. Near Washing- 

 ton, D.C., old neglected pastures on hard clay soils are 

 sometimes covered with nearly pure growths of this grass. 



270. Culture. Sweet vernal-grass has never been 

 utilized in America except as it may be a spontaneous 

 element in pastures and meadows. Its small growth, 

 however, does not commend it. In Europe it is used in 



