NATURAL HERBAGE AS A GUIDE. 31 



better be classified as doubtful, and earmarked for experi- 

 mental work. All ground of this nature requires to be 

 well drained closer or wider according to quality. It is 

 recommended that a few inches of the boulder-clay should 

 be removed from the bottom of the drains, which, except 

 the leaders, should be cut across the hill with as low 

 a gradient as possible. It is also a benefit to have the 

 ground drained at least a year before planting commences. 

 It has been observed that as a result of drainage the 

 grasses increase and improve in vigour, whereas the 

 injurious plants decrease and decline. From this it is 

 inferred that all land bearing this nature of herbage may 

 be sooner or later brought into a condition to carry a crop 

 of timber, although in the poorest quality of ground it is 

 probable that the first crop may be more preparatory than 

 profitable. On land of this class small groups of Carex 

 binervis and green moss are not uncommon, and their 

 presence always indicates a patch of better ground. 



Purple molinia, being a very widely distributed and 

 important grass on moorland, deserves special mention. 

 As already stated, it is found along with other grasses, 

 but is frequently the principal or almost the only grass 

 over large areas. It is a peat-lover, but is seldom found 

 plentifully unless on peat of good or fair quality, and 

 rarely on deep peat unless of good quality. Careful 

 observation of its health and vigour gives a very good 

 indication of the nature and drainage requirements of the 

 land. On well-drained land or good moderately dry peat 

 it is luxuriant, and in normal seasons comes to maturity in 

 July or early August. If it is later in coming to full head, 

 or, as is often the case, does so only sparingly, the ground 

 will have to be improved by drainage, and the later and 

 more sparingly it seeds, and the less luxuriant the growth, 

 the more drainage will be required. It was quite remark- 

 able that during the season in 1917 this grass was most 

 vigorous, and seeded early and most profusely, all over the 



