CHAP. I. 



COCKSFOOT GRASS. 



897 



very characteristic broad, thick, juicy, bluish-green, and their basal 

 parts white and flattened near the ground. It is tall, and of quick 

 growth. After having been once mown, and particularly if it is grow- 

 ing in a deep, rich soil, its foliage becomes luxuriant and abundant. 

 To this latter circumstance is attributed the freedom with which it 

 grows in orchards (whence it is termed Orchard Grass in the United 

 States), and near farm buildings. It is less suitable for pasture than 

 for meadow, because on account of its tufted habit it forms dense 

 cushions or tussocks, which, owing to the strength of the stems, render 

 the whole plant liable to become uprooted by grazing animals. Its 

 fibrous, much-branched, and deeply descending root, renders cocksfoot 

 almost insensible to drought, provided it has a sufficiently deep soil. 

 Though proof against the ordinary cold of winter, it is less indifferent 

 to the effects of late frosts. It grows successfully in almost all soils, 



Nat. size. 



Fig. 380. Cocksfoot grass. 



Dactylis glomerata. 



Fig. 381. "Seed" of Dac- 

 tylis glomerata (Rough 



Cocksfoot. ) 

 Front and side views, 

 magnified 8 diameters. 



except dry sands and heath lands. Generally, it thrives better in damp 

 and heavy soils than in such as are light and dry. 



Cocksfoot is never sown alone, for its tufted growth would result in 

 the formation of a patchy irregular sward. It should be cut, if practic- 

 able, before flowering, otherwise the stems become hard and woody, 

 and therefore less acceptable to animals as fodder. In meadows where 

 cocksfoot makes up the chief part of the herbage, the time for com- 

 mencing to mow should be determined by the condition of this grass. 

 In reference to its quick growth there is a popular saying in the 

 meadows of France and Switzerland, " II recroit sous la faux," " It 

 even grows under the scythe." Of all grasses, this one furnishes pro- 

 bably the most abundant aftermath. 



On account of the tufted growth of cocksfoot, the grasses specially 

 recommended for sowing with it, in order to occupy the spaces, are 

 perennial rye grass, foxtail, and timothy, with as much clover as may 



3 M 



