



CULTIVATION OF PLANTS. 235 



being the most prolific of all the grasses. We cannot recom- 

 mend it with confidence to the attention of American farmers, 

 although Mr. STILLINGFLEET says that cattle of every de- 

 scription are extremely partial to it; that it affords the best of 

 hay for milch cows, and yields most abundantly. Dr. DAR- 

 LINGTON is of opinion that this humble species was brought 

 over from Europe. It is almost the only grass that will grow 

 in towns and near works where the smoke of coal abounds. 



14. Reed Meadoiu Grass. 



Reed meadow grass, Poa aquatica,is one of the largest and 

 most esteemed because most useful of the British grasses. 

 It abounds in low, flat, and fenny countries, on the banks of 

 rivers and the margins of pools. From its strong stem and 

 upright growth, it is not liable to injury from inundations, and 

 consequently suitable for those low places which are unfit from 

 their situation for the finer grasses. It contains a much larger 

 proportion of sugar than the best herbage grasses, and is there- 

 fore highly relished by pasturing animals. It is, however, too 

 purely aquatic in its habits to allow of any extension in its cul- 

 ture. 



15. Floating Meadow Grass. 



This plant, Poafluitans, is found in ditches, stagnant waters, 

 and other moist situations, its stem varying from one to three 

 feet in height. Its seeds are the manna of the shops, and are 

 gathered abundantly in Poland, Russia, and some parts of Ger- 

 many, where they are used as food. It is found in New Hol- 

 land, a country abounding in vast marshes. It is too aquatic 

 in its habits to become a subject of profitable culture; except 

 in situations in which, without difficulty, it could be kept par- 

 tially covered with water. Low. 



16. Flat Stalked Meadow Grass. 



This grass, Poa compressa, flourishes in dry soils, and 

 flowers from July to August. In Dr. ANDERSON'S estimation, 

 it is the best and most valuable of all ihepoas. Its dark Saxon 

 leaves are compact and succulent, and grow so firmly together 

 as to form a pile of the richest pasture grass. It produces a fine- 

 turf, admirably adapted to yards and lawns, and also imparts a 

 most delicate flavour to the flesh of sheep, to which it is pecu- 

 liarly grateful. 



