HOW TO GROW GOOD GRASSES. 63 



have found it wanting in feeding qualities, or what 

 the farmer calls " proof." It usually forms a large 

 part of the hay of the irrigated meadow, which, 

 though often large in quantity, is yet not equal to 

 that of ordinary good meadows in feeding properties. 



The Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass (Poa pratensis), 

 distinguished by a blunt ligule (b) and smooth stem, is 

 as abundant in dry situations as the former is in 

 damp ones. We confess to a great partiality for this 

 grass, notwithstanding that authors speak slightingly 

 of its value ; but the truth is, that it varies with soil 

 and situation, it being a species which, when growing 

 on a wild moor, is poor in both quantity and quality. 

 But we know of no better sign of the improvement of 

 a bad meadow than the increase of this grass, and its 

 putting on, as it will do under such circumstances, of 

 its richest green tint. 



JPoa nemoralis (Wood Meadow Grass) is a more 

 slender form, whose wild habitat is in woods and 

 shady places, especially on calcareous soils. This 

 points it out as a useful grass for wood-glades and 

 positions beneath trees, in which it may very properly 

 be employed. 



In laying down permanent pastures w T e should, then, 

 employ these three poas as follows : — 



Foa trivialis, for low, damp situations and irrigated 

 meadows. 



Foa pratcnsiS) for sound dry pastures and uplands. 



Poa nemoralis, for rides between woods, wood- 

 glades, and shady places. 



Meadow Fescue (Festuca pratensis, fig. 20) may be 

 taken as the type of the broad-leaved fescues. It is 

 a common and good succulent grass in rich meadows, 

 and should always be employed in seed mixtures for 



