150 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



occur even in the same species. By planting grasses of various 

 colors a mosaic might be made, if desired. 



An unknown gentleman asked whether the line can be drawn 

 betAveen grass and other plants used for human food. The 

 answer Avas that botanically the line can be drawn. Grass is 

 popularly used in a very Avide sense, often including clover. 



Another questioner asked the origin of Couch grass. Pro- 

 fessor Scribner replied that it is a native of this country and is 

 also knoAvn in Europe. It is commonly thought of as a AA-eed, 

 but it gives good crops for a year or two, Avhen it chokes itself 

 out. It may be improved by harrowing the sod formed, as is 

 done in the West. 



Professor Scribner stated that " The Handbook of North 

 American Grasses " will be published in the fall of this year. 



Benjamin P. Ware asked what is the best grass for sod. The 

 reply was that Agrostis alba var. stolonifera or Creeping Bent has 

 been shown by Mr. Olcott to be the best for lawns. Mr. Ware 

 then questioned about June grass or Kentucky Blue grass as 

 compared Avith it. Professor Scribner replied that the Pescues 

 make a firm, close sod. Kentucky Blue grass is very fine, but 

 not as fine as the Creeping Bent or Rhode Island Bent. 



Being asked if Sweet-scented Vernal grass is good in the laAvn,. 

 Professor Scribner answered that it is a Aveed in any laAvn. 



MEETING FOE LECTURE AND DISCUSSION. 



Saturday, March 28, 1896. 

 A meeting for Lecture and Discussion was holden today at 

 eleven o'clock, the President, Francis H. Appletox, in the chair. 

 The folloAving paper Avas read by the author : 



* 



Manuring Orchards. 



By Professor Edtvaed B. Voorhees, Director of the New Jersey State Agricultural 

 Experiment Station, New Brunswick, N.J. 



My main purpose in this discussion of the (question of manures 

 for orchards is to shoAV the necessity of studies and investi- 

 gations concerning the food requirements of the various fruits, 

 rather than to point out methods of practice that shall be 



