236 CULTIVATION OF PLANTS. 



17. Meadow or Woolly Soft Grass. 



The systematic name of this plant is Holcus lunatus. Ac- 

 cording to the Flora Cestrica of Chester county, it is a natu- 

 ralized foreigner. It is the only species constituted here. Judge 

 BUEL says it is a native. Dr. MUHLENBERG considers it as 

 very valuable; but the majority of our farmers entertain a dif- 

 ferent opinion of its merits. It grows readily on all soils, espe- 

 cially the peaty, producing a profusion of light seeds, which are 

 easily dispersed by the wind, from which circumstance, when 

 it is once introduced, it is with some difficulty freed from it. It 

 is disliked by cattle, and refused by them when other herbage 

 can be obtained. It is also injurious to horses, when made 

 into hay, by producing a profuse discharge of urine and general 

 weakness. It is not an early grass. 



18. Fowl Meadow Grass. 



Fowl meadow grass, Poa aviaria Spicalis subbifloris, was 

 first discovered in a meadow in Dedham, Mass. Mr. DEANE 

 supposed the seed to have been brought there by water-fowls 

 hence its name. It is an excellent grass for wet meadows, and 

 has been known to yield three tons to the acre in one season. 

 It remains so long green that it may be mowed at any time 

 from July till October. It makes very good hay for horses, 

 and neat cattle particularly. Farmer's Assistant, p. 128. 

 Some botanists, and many farmers who have examined the 

 character of this plant, think it very nearly allied to the florin 

 grass. 



19. Crested Dog 7 s Tail Grass. 



This plant, Cynosurus cristatus, has a wide range of soils 

 and situations; is good for upland pastures, and affords a whole- 

 some food for sheep. Though valuable, it cannot be regarded 

 as one of the superior grasses. It flowers somewhat late; abounds 

 with seed, which is easily gathered; but great care should be 

 taken that they are fully ripe, otherwise they will not germinate. 

 Dr. DARLINGTON says it "makes a fine carpeting in lawns, 

 lanes and wood yards, in the latter part of summer. Cattle and 

 hogs are very fond of it. It rarely grows on mowing grounds." 

 It is probably a native. 



