3(;(i BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



smaller and finer than the two fescues which have been spoken 

 of. The}' are sometimes recommended in works on grasses ; 

 but the writer has not been convinced, as the result of con- 

 siderable opportunities to observe these grasses under differ- 

 ent conditions, that they are ever likely to prove of value 

 in mowings. Thev will thrive in lighter soils than many 

 grasses, and are very persistent. In dry hill pastures they 

 are of possible value, because of their ability to thrive under 

 the conditions existing there. Under no circumstances is it 

 believed these grasses should be included in mixtures for 

 mowings. 



Tall Oat Grass. —This grass will do better on the mod- 

 erately light soils than many others. In such soils it is per- 

 sistent, and will make a large crop in seasons when some 

 other species fail. The seed is large, the young plants 

 growing from it especially vigorous ; and, as a consequence, 

 tiiis species will take possession of the ground and make a 

 crop within few^er weeks after sowing than almost any other. 

 Unfortunately the seed in the markets often shows a low 

 percentage of germination and the price at which it is held 

 is high. Tall oat grass comes into bloom at about the same 

 time as orchard grass, and is fairly suitable, therefore, for 

 soAving with that grass. When the conditions as relating to 

 farm work are such as to render it possible to secure a part 

 of the hay crop exceptionally early, a mixture consisting 

 largely of orchard grass and tall oat grass has much to rec- 

 ommend it for the lighter soils. It is asserted by some au- 

 thorities that tall oat grass has a bitter flavor, Avhich renders 

 it unpalatable to animals ; but the writer has observed no 

 distaste for it on the part of any stock to which hay made 

 from it has been fed. Tall oat grass starts (juickly after 

 cutting, and in I'avoniblc seasons will give three crops on 

 rich soil. 



YeUoiij Oaf Grass. — This is a somewhat smaller and 

 shorter species than thy tall oat grass. It flowers at about 

 the same season, and it is the belief of the writer that it is 

 worth inclusion in mixtures made up chiefly of orchard grass. 

 Unfortunately, as in the case of a number of th(; other less- 

 known grasses, the seed often germinates })oorly, and is held 

 at a relatively high i)rice. 



