24 ON THE CULTIVATED GRASSES 



peculiar fragrance : this odour is said to be due to the formation of benzoic acid. It has 

 been recommended to be sown in sheep pastures for the purpose of improving the mutton 

 a quality which it is supposed to possess and it is founded on the fact that pastures, when 

 it naturally abounds, are known to produce the finest mutton. On the whole, permanent 

 pastures should not be sown without a portion of this grass, particularly in parks and 

 pleasure grounds, were it for no other reason than the pleasant scent which it gives out, 

 not only when cut for hay, but also when the seeds become nearly ripe. Notwithstanding 

 its dwarf growth and the close sward which it forms, it is but ill adapted for sowing on 

 ornamental grounds intended for short grass, on account of its broad foliage, which has 

 rather a coarse appearance. (See illustration facing page 6.) 



8. Arrhenatherum avenaceum (Fibrous-rooted Tall Oat-like Grass, French Rye 

 Grass, Common Oat Grass}. Fr. Fausse avoine ; Ger. Franzb'sisches Raygras. A fibrous- 

 rooted perennial ; flowers in July, and yields a considerable bulk of somewhat bitter-tasted 

 herbage, which is not very well relished by cattle. This grass may be found useful for 

 sowing in plantations when the object to be sought is a coarse herbage; but it can scarcely 

 be recommended for ordinary pasture land; for although it quickly reaches maturity, and 

 yields a plentiful herbage until the winter frosts set in, its disagreeably bitter taste causes 

 it to be avoided by horses, cattle, and sheep, when any other kind can be procured, 

 added to which it yields a very small proportion of nutritive matter. 



Avena flavescens. Fr. Avoine jaunatre ; Ger. Goldhafer. This grass is separated by 

 modern botanists from the genus Avena, and placed under that of Trisetum, which is dis- 

 tinguished botanically from the former, by having the lower paleae terminated in two 

 bristle-like points, and an awn proceeding from about its middle, so as to form in all three 

 bristles : hence the name Trisetum. See Trisetum flavescens. (See illustration facing page 8.) 



9. Brachypodium slyvaticum ( Wood Fescue, or Wood Wheat Grass}. Fr. Fetuque 

 sylvatique; Ger. WaldschwingeL A fibrous-rooted perennial ; leaves of a darkish green and 

 rough ; height about two feet ; flowers in July. Grows in moist shady woods and planta- 

 tions, where it thrives and makes a coarse herbage or under-covering of verdure. It is 

 also found in very dry places, and even on the sea coast. It is a grass not at all liked by 

 any description of domesticated cattle ; but is eaten with apparent relish by roe and other 

 deer, and also by hares and rabbits. Its cultivation, therefore, in game coverts may be 

 found desirable, and also in thick shady groves, more especially, too, as it retains its 

 verdure throughout the winter. When its cultivation is desired in very old woods, it can 

 only be successfully accomplished by transplantation from places where it grows naturally, 

 or from nursery beds. , 



Bromus giganteus Fr. Brome geant; Ger. Riesentrespe. This grass, the Bucetum 

 giganteum of Para ell, is referred by modern botanists to the genus Festuca See Festuca 

 gigantea. 



10. Cynosurus cristatus (Crested Dogstail, or Gold Grass}. Fr. Cretelle des pres; 

 Ger. Kammgras. Leaves short, rather narrow, and taping gradually to the points ; root 

 fibrous, perennial ; flowers in June and July ; height one to two feet. This grass seems 

 to have a wide range of soils. Grows naturally on dry pastures, and also on those where 

 the soil is damp and tenacious ; but is most abundant in pastures at low and medium 

 altitudes, and has been found to thrive well in irrigated meadows. Its flower stalks are not 

 eaten by cattle, but allowed to stand and ripen seed; hence it is supposed undeserving of 

 cultivation ; but this applies only to the culms and stalks, as all domesticated animals, and 

 particularly sheep, are fond of the root leaves, which, although short, are produced in 



