PASTURE GRASSES. 357 



" It may be distinguished, in general, at a glance, by its 

 deeper, bluish-green color, the greater narrowness of the 

 leaves, its more straggling, and the greater number, greater 

 length and greater stiffness of its hairs. The root of this 

 variety differs considerably from the biennial kind; it is 

 somewhat creeping and fibrous, whereas the biennial has an 

 ilmost spindle-shaped root, with less fibres. The root is 

 the best test in doubtful cases." 



Mr. Sinclair says this variety is found in great abundance 

 :n Lincolnshire, England, and that it flourishes better on 

 3layey or peaty soils than the biennial. This perennial 

 3lover-seed cannot now be found in the market ; but a lit- 

 ;le attention of cultivators might soon furnish the seed, 

 ivhich would be a great gain to pastures. White clover is 

 ipt to come of itself on lands suited to it ; but it would be 

 tvell to sow two or three pounds of the seed per acre. 



Red-top, or herds grass (Agrostis vulgar is), should never 

 DC omitted where the land is moist, for it is a constant 

 'esource in pastures, as it grows equally throughout the 

 season. It starts much sooner after cropping or cutting 

 ;han timothy. It has thick, interlacing roots, and on wet 

 ands it consolidates and toughens the sward, making such 

 i firm matting that the feet of cattle do not easily break it. 

 [t has a high reputation among dairymen as producing a 

 arge amount of food and improving the flavor of the 

 )utter. 



Of the Poas, Kentucky clue-grass, or June-grass, stands 

 it the head, and is too well known to require any descrip- 

 ;ion or commendation ; but wire grass, also called blue- 

 rrass (Poa compressa), which is found indigenous in many 

 ocalities, is not so well understood, and requires some 

 ittention. This is in meadows often considered a nui- 

 sance, because it holds its footing so strongly as to run out 

 >ther grasses, and produces a small bulk of hay, but very 

 leavy for its bulk. It is one of the most nutritious grasses 



