( 87 ) 



1. " That timothy is a perennial plant, which renews itself by 

 an annual formation of bulbs," or 'perhaps, more correctly speak- 

 ing, tubers, in which the vitality of the plant is concentrated dur- 

 ing the winter. These form in whatever locality the plant is 

 selected, without reference to dryness or moisture. From these 

 proceed the stalks that support the heads and leaves, and from the 

 same source spread out the numerous fibres forming the true roots. 



2. " To insure a perfect development of tubers a certain amount 

 of nutrition must be assimilated in the leaves and returned to the 

 base of the plant, through the stalk. 



3. " As soon as the process of nutrition is completed, it becomes 

 manifest by a state of desiccation or dryness, always commencing 

 at a point directly above either the first or second joint of the stem 

 near the crown of the tubers. From this point the desiccation 

 gradually progresses upward, and the last portion of the stalk 

 yielding its freshness is that adjoining the head. Coincident with 

 the beginning of this process, is the full development of the seeds, 

 and with its progress they mature. Its earliest appearance is evi- 

 dence that both the tubers and seeds have received their requisite 

 supplies of nutrition, and that neither the stalk nor the leaves are 

 longer necessary to aid them in completing their maturity. A 

 similar process occurs in the onion just above the bulb, indicating 

 a maturity of that organ. 



4. " If the stalk be cut from the tubers before this evidence of 

 maturity appears, the necessary supplies of nutrition will be ar- 

 rested, their proper growth will cease, and an effort will be made 

 to repair the injury by sending out small lateral tubers, from which 

 weak, unhealthy stalks will proceed at the expense of the original 

 tubers. All will ultimately perish, either by the drought of autumn 

 or the cold of winter. 



5. "The tubers, together with one or two of the lower joints of 

 the stalk, remain fresh and green during the winter, if left to take 

 their natural course ; but if, by any means, this green portion be 

 severed, at any season of the year, the result is the death of the 

 plant.' 5 



From these five propositions the following conclusions are 

 drawn : 



1. " The timothy grass cannot, under any circumstances, be 

 adapted for pasture, as the close nipping of horses and sheep is 



