THE SELECTION OF GRASSES AND CLOVERS. 20 



it is so light and delicate in formation as to need exceedingly 

 well- prepared land to ensure vegetation. Unfortunately the stiff 

 soils which specially suit Foxtail are the most difficult to make 

 fine in time for sowing. But for this grass alone it is worth a 

 strenuous effort to get the land into good order. 



The experiments at Eothamstead proved that nitrate of soda 

 and mineral salts had a marvellous effect upon the growth of 

 Foxtail. It assimilated larger quantities of manure than many 

 other grasses, and differed from Cocksfoot in the fact that tliat 

 crass seemed to benefit more from ammonia salts than from 

 nitrate of soda, whereas Foxtail did equally well with both. 



Most of the seed imported into England comes from Soutliern 

 Eussia. The German seed sold at Breslau is always immature and 

 grows badly. Occasionally very fine samples are obtained from 

 Sweden, but the best seed of all is Dutch; and although the most 

 careful observer can perceive no difference between this and the 

 seed received from other countries, the Dutch produces a much 

 earlier as well as a stronger plant. 



The botanical description and chemical analysis are given 

 on page 132, facing an illustration. 



Anthoxantliuni odoratum {Sweet-scented Vernal). — This 

 very distinct species is grown chiefiy for the pleasant odour it im- 

 parts to the hay crop, and it is only when the grass is dry that the 

 fragrance is fully distinguishable. So marked is this quality that 

 in the Sotitli of Europe an extract is obtained from the plant 

 which is manufactured into scent. But the grass possesses an 

 agricultural value quite apart from the purpose it serves as a 

 condiment for cattle, for it is one of the earliest varieties, coming 

 into fidl flower at the beginning of May, and, therefore, no 

 surprise will be felt that it yields only a small crop at hay time. 

 Its presence, however, enhances the price of the hay. It is a true 

 perennial, exceedingly hardy, and continues growing until late 

 in autumn, so that the aftermath is actually much larger in bulk, 

 as well as more nutritious, than the crop which is cut. This fact 



