206 THE JUNGLE GEASS. 



into distinct groups, which would greatly facilitate the 

 study of this family of plants ; and this classification 

 the reader can readily make, at his convenience. As an 

 example, we have 



I. The BUSH or JUNGLE GRASSES, or such as are not 

 inclined to grow with other species, and form a close, 

 matted turf or sward. Of these we have as examples 

 the 



Tufted Hair Grass (Aira ccespitosa) . 



Meadow Oat Grass (Avena pratensis). 



Tall Fescue Grass (Festuca elatior). 



A few others, if sown alone, will assume somewhat 

 the same form, in tufts or cushions ; as, 

 Sheep's Fescue (Festuca ovina). 

 Hard Fescue (Festuca duriuscula). 

 Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata). 



This peculiarity in the growth of the last three 

 grasses is prevented by close pasturing, rolling, and 

 proper cultivation. These operations improve upon 

 nature, since, if left to themselves, they would far more 

 certainly assume the jungle growth, such as is often 

 seen on poor ; thin pasture soils ; a close, fine, matted, 

 sward being attained only by careful cultivation. 



The habit of jungle or tufted growth is, it will be 

 perceived, rather an exceptional one, the general and 

 one of the most important characteristics of the true 

 grasses being to grow and form a turf on good soils. 

 Many of the sedges and some of the coarse grasses 

 form tussocks in wet meadows and swampy places, 

 while neither wheat, rye, barley, nor oats, ever form a 

 close turf or sward. 



A little reflection will lead to the conclusion that it is 

 mainly the better and more valuable grasses, such as 

 Timothy, redtop, meadow foxtail, June grass, &c. } which 



