( 67) 

 SWEET-SCENTED VERNAL GnASS-(Antho X anth Um odoratum.) 



This grass was introduced from Europe, and 

 possesses rather poor qualities as a pasture grass, 

 as neither sheep nor cattle relish it. It is early, 

 however, and hardy. It is one of the first as 

 well as one of the last grasses that appear. Its 

 nutritive qualities are said to exist to a much 

 larger extent in the fall than in the spring, and 

 greater when cut at maturity than in bloom. 

 It has a mixture of benzoic acid among its con- 

 stituents, which imparts to it a highly aromatic 

 character, and this is so strong that other grasses 

 with which it may be mixed are affected by it. 

 It is not in general use in Tennessee, but would 

 probably add to the value of pastures if sown 

 with other grasses. Cows running on it are, by 

 some, said to give a rich milk and highly fla- 

 vored butter, but Mr. Gould thinks this is an 

 error. It may be known by rubbing its green 

 leaves in the fingers, to which it yields its scent. 

 On certain soils favorable to its growth, it will 

 root out almost every other kind aod take com- 

 plete possession. Its seeds have a spiral awn, and when taken in 

 the hand, affected by its moisture, the awns will uncoil, and the 

 seeds will appear to move as insects. There are six or seven 

 pounds in a bushel, and nine hundred and twenty-three thousand 

 two hundred in a pound. Its analysis, according to Way, ranks it, 

 when dry, a litttle higher than blue-grass, as follows: Flesh- 

 formers, 10.43; fatty matters, 3.41; and heat producing principles, 

 43.48. Blue-grass gives, flesh-formers, 10.35 ; fat, 2.63; heat-pro- 

 ducers, 43.06. 



The best test of all grasses is their effects upon animals. If ani- 

 mals thrive and fatten upon any grass, and that grass is perennial, 

 hardy and durable, it is a good pasture grass ; otherwise not, what- 

 ever individual experiments in the laboratory may indicate. We 

 know that stock of all kinds eat blue grass voraciously and thrive 

 upon it ; we know, also, that they do not like the anthoxanthum. 

 Both are alike hardy and durable. Therefore the blue-grass, upon 

 suitable soils, is to be preferred, whatever chemical research may 

 determine. 



