322 GRASSES AND HOW TO GROW THEM. 



VELVET GRASS. 



Velvet grass (Holcus lanatus) is also known by the 

 names, Meadow Soft grass, White Timothy, Salem 

 grass, Velvet Lawn grass, Velvet Mesquit grass, Soft 

 grass, Yorkshire grass and Yorkshire Fog. The three 

 names mentioned last have been applied to it in Eng- 

 land. It is also known by various names on the Con- 

 tinent. The name Velvet grass has doubtless been given 

 to it because of the resemblance which it bears to the 

 softest velvet, in appearance and touch. 



This grass grows from 1 to 2 feet high, but in some 

 parts of the South where it has improved by acclima- 

 tion, it grows from 2 to 4 feet high. The stems are 

 round and grow erectly. The leaves are plentiful. 

 The panicle is 2 to several inches long and is vari- 

 ously tinted, but more commonly the tint is a whitish 

 green, pinkish or purple. The roots are fibrous. This 

 beautiful grass is so striking in its appearance and 

 is so different from other grasses, that it is sure to be 

 noticed and admired wherever seen. 



Velvet grass is perennial in the North, but not strict- 

 ly so in the South. Notwithstanding its beauty, it 

 ranks low in economical value. It grows so readily 

 on some soils when introduced as to almost assume the 

 character of a weed. Live stock are not fond of it 

 either as pasture or as hay, since it is spongy, insipid 

 and deficient in saline properties. But its nutritive 

 value is said to exceed that of timothy or orchard grass. 

 Yet since it will grow on soils too poor to grow many 

 other grasses, it has a useful mission in some sections 

 of the country. It is not to be confounded with Creep- 



