No. 199.] 147 



genial with it, and is said to be its native locality, although it grows 

 well, and even luxuriantly, in many other sections. It is the best 

 grass for woodlands of the west, when cleared of their underwood, 

 rubbish and decayed trees ; these are cut, dug up, collected and burnt, 

 the ashes supplying the soil with potash, so necessary to the growth 

 of plants, and especially grasses. These woodlands, on many large 

 farms of the west, are extensive j they are thus rendered both beau- 

 tiful and useful, by being converted into shady lawns and fine pas- 

 tures. This is not the only valuable quality of blue grass, that it 

 grows more luxuriantly on woodlands than any other grass. Its su- 

 periority as a rich and permanent pasture on cleared, open fields, is 

 equally great, and greater, it is thought, for Kentucky and the western 

 country generally, than any other. It should be sown in the springs 

 a calcareous soil, or that of limestone regions, is the best for it. It 

 is a very delicate plant when it first comes up, and should not be 

 grazed for a year unless very vigorous, and not then till the seeds 

 mature ; thtse fall down and thicken the bed, enrich and strengthen 

 it ; and with such management a luxuriant coat of blue grass suc- 

 ceeds, and lasts it may be said forever, or certainly as long as desired, 

 without any further trouble. Besides, it grows more nutritious with 

 advancing age, and will ultimately root out every other grass, even 

 the native white clover ; and no other can compare with it as a v.'inter 

 grass. It not only grows in the warm spells of winter, but if the 

 second growth of summer be reserved for winter grazing, it is an 

 excellent pasture for horses and cattle throughout that drear period. 

 Both of these keep in the best condition upon it, and without any 

 other food, except in cases of deep snows, v,hich do not often 

 occur, when a liitk- hay is necessary. An eminent Kentucky farmer, 

 has said " he had no doubt he could raise large fat beeves on blue grass 

 and nothing else." The great errors to be guarded against are early 

 spring feeding and over stocking, especially when young and tender, 

 aud before its gets a vigorous start. Whether it would make as 

 good hay as timothy and redtop, or even clover, some doubt. It is 

 thought, though, from its habits and qualities, if properly cured, it 

 would make as good hay as any other grass. We have in our State 

 a native blue grass, so called, it is thought not to be genuine Kentucky 

 blue grass ; ours is a dark green, a little bent, requires a moist clay, 

 rich soil ; does not grov/ tall, but short and thick on the ground, has 



