208 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



has fulfilled this mission. Wiien it has accomplished the pur- 

 pose of its existence, in producing seed after its kind, it is ready- 

 to die ; therefore our pastures should be so closely grazed that 

 none of the grasses will run to seed, and they will remain green 

 and luxuriant throughout the season. 



In stocking lands designed for mowing fields, it is desirable, 

 though not essential, to sow those grasses which will mature 

 about the same time. June, or Kentucky blue-grass, as it is 

 termed at the South and West, meadow fescue, red clover and 

 orchard grass require early cutting in order to secure them in 

 their best state for forage. Timothy, the standard grass of New 

 England, comes a little later, and redtop, next to Timothy the 

 great favorite, later still. 



We desire to speak a word in favor of the much-neglected 

 orchard grass, which we have found one of the most luxuriant 

 and nutritious both for grazing and for hay. It never says die. 

 It is the first to furnish a bite for the cattle in spring, is little 

 affected by the droughts of July and August, and continues 

 growing till the severe cold of November locks up the sources 

 of its nourishment. When cut or grazed it starts up with the 

 vigor of the fabled Hydra. During the past summer we mowed 

 a luxuriant crop of this grass in June, and another was ready 

 for the machine by the first of August. In a few days it was 

 fit for grazing, and, as we did not wish to mow it a third time, 

 we let in the cattle of an adjacent pasture to graze upon it, 

 leaving the passage between the two fields open. The feed in 

 the pasture was good, but the cattle were seldom seen to return 

 to it, evidently preferring the luxuriant and succulent orchard 

 grass. We advise no man to sow it on his lawn, for it would 

 need cutting every morning before breakfast. We have grown 

 it in one field for eight years and see no diminution of the yield, 

 though cutting two crops regularly each year. If cut while in 

 blossom, both cattle and horses are exceedingly fond of the hay, 

 and do well upon it. If left to stand till the seeds are matured, 

 it becomes more tough and wiry than even Timothy, and cattle 

 will need to have their teeth sharpened to eat it in this stage of 

 its growth. Our good opinion of this grass is strengthened by 

 that of the late Judge Buel, one of the most discerning of agri- 

 cultural observers, who says: "The American cock's-foot or 

 orchard grass is one of the most abiding grasses we have. It is 



