202 MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP. 



in the drier parts of peaty meadows ; nutritious, but not 

 sufficiently productive for the purposes of hay. Sheep and 

 cattle are exceedingly fond of it. 



Rough-stalked Meadow Grass {Poa trivalis). In 

 rich, moist soils, and sheltered situations, it is a highly valu- 

 able grass ; but on high and exposed ground its produce is 

 inconsiderable. It flowers about the middle of June, and 

 seed ripens July 10. It is highly nutritive, and sheep are 

 exceedingly fond of it. The nutritive matter is, at seed time, 

 5 1-2 drachms to the pound. Its superior value when fully 

 ripe is very striking, and should not be forgotten. 



Kentucky Blue Grass, June Grass, Spear Grass, &c. 

 (Poa pratcnse), supposed to be indigenous to this country. 

 It is one of the most nutritive of grasses, either for pasture 

 or hay ; and on rich soils, particularly those of a calcareous 

 nature, is one of the most valuable that can be cultivated. It 

 is this variety which gives name to the far-famed '' blue grass** 

 pastures of Kentucky, and the fertile valleys of Ohio. 



Sheep's Fescue [Festuca ovina). Flowers about June 25, 

 and the seeds ripen about July 10. The produce is com- 

 paratively small, and the proportion of nutriment is not more 

 than 3 drachms to the pound ; but sheep are exceedingly 

 fond of it. Linnaeus affirms that sheep have no relish for 

 hills and heaths that are destitute of this grass. Sheep are 

 so fond of it, they thrive wherever it is found. 



Cock's Foot, or Orchard Grass {Dactylis glomerata). 

 This is an exceedingly productive and nutritive grass ; af- 

 fording in the flowering time 5, and when the seeds are ripe, 

 7 drachms to the pound of nutritive matter. The leaves 

 of the aftermath are very succulent. It is valuable for per- 

 manent pasture, and sheep eat it very readily. 



Welsh Fescue {Festuca Ca?nbrica). The sheep are as 

 fond of it as of the common sheep's fescue, while it is more 

 productive and succulent. It is most valuable when the 

 seeds are ripe. 



Narrow-leaved Meadow Grass [Poa angustifolia). 

 Flowers at the end of June ; and the seed perfect at the end 

 of July. On account of its early and rapid growth, it is very 

 valuable for permanent pasture, and sheep like it. 



Hard Fescue [Festuca duriuscula). This grass is most 

 prevalent on light rich soils, but is always found in the best 

 natural pastures, where the soil is retentive. It is one of 

 the best of the finer or dwarf-growing grasses ; and is most 



