GRASSES, GRAINS, AND PLANTS. 569 



sively spread over all the region known as the Great Plains. It 

 is very low, the bulk of leaves seldom rising more than three 

 or four inches above the ground, growing in extensive tufts 

 or patches, and spreading largely by means of stolons or off- 

 shoots similar to those of the Bermuda grass, these stolons 

 being sometimes two feet long, and with joints every three or 

 four inches, frequently rooting and sending up flowering culms 

 from the joints. The leaves of the radicle tufts are three to five 

 inches long, one or one-half line wide, smooth or edged with a 

 few scattering hairs. The flowering culms are chiefly dioecious, 

 but sometimes both male and female flowers are found on the 

 same plant, but in separate parts. Next to the grama-grass it 

 is, perhaps, the most valuable plant in the support of the cattle 

 of the plains. 



Dactylis Glomerata (Orchard-Grass). This is one of the 

 most popular meadow grasses of Europe, and is well known to 

 most farmers in the Northern and Eastern States. It is a 

 perennial of strong, rank growth, about three feet high. 



Of all grasses this is one of the most widely diffused, growing 

 in Africa, Asia, every country of Europe, and all our States. It 

 is more highly esteemed and commended than any other grass, 

 by a large number of farmers in most countries, a most decided 

 proof of its great value and wonderful adaptation to many soils, 

 climates, and treatments. Yet, strange to say, though growing 

 in England for many centuries, it was not appreciated in that 

 country till carried there from Virginia, in 1764. But, as in the 

 case of timothy-grass, soon after its introduction from America 

 it came into high favor among farmers, and still retains its hold 

 on their estimation as a grazing and hay crop. It will grow well 

 on any soil containing sufficient clay, and not holding too much 

 water. If the land be too tenacious, drainage will remedy the 

 soil ; if worn out, a top-dressing of stable manure will give it a 

 good send-off, and it will furnish several mowings the first year. 

 It grows well between 29 and 48 latitude. 



Kentucky Blue-Grass. The Poa pratensis of the botanist 

 has obtained a very wide reputation as the Kentucky blue-grass, 

 and led many into the mistaken belief that it was a peculiarly 

 American grass, confined to the famous pastures of the region 

 whence it derived its name. On the contrary, it is one of the 



