110 DACTYLIS GLOMERATA, L., ORCHARD GRASS. 



It is very nutritious, the seeds start quickly and make a vigorous 

 growth, and if the grass is not a very valuable one, it is certainly 

 not for the lack of good testimonials. 



The stems are not very abundant when compared with the 

 leaves, hence the plant is more suitable for i)asture than for 

 meadow. 



James Hunter, of England, considers: "For permanent pas- 

 ture for alternate husbandry, or for hay, there is no more valu- 

 able grass, and its liberal use for all these purposes is strongly 

 recommended." 



Mr. De Laune estimates it as " By far the most valuable of all 

 grasses bec'iuse it grows in all soils; it produces the greatest 

 amount of keep ; it is the must nutritious grass, and seems to grow 

 faster and stronger in extremes of weather, either wet or dry, than 

 any other grass." This is one of the five which he recommends 

 for permanent grass lands. 



According to Sir J. B. Lawes, '' It is very abundant and 

 2)roductivo on good soils and is much imjiroved by cultivation. 

 It is really prominent only witli a liberal supjily of ammonia, 

 associated with a correspondingly liberal supply of mineral con- 

 stituents. It is a formidable opponent to other grasses, where it 

 has once got possession." 



The following from Alexander Hyde of Massachusetts, is ex- 

 cellent and to the purpose. " AVe have found it one of the most 

 luxuriant and nutritious, both for grazing and for hay. It never 

 says die. It is the first to furnish a bite for the cattle in spring, 

 is little affected by the droughts of July aiul August, and con- 

 tinues growing until the severe cold of November locks up the 

 sources of nourishment. When cut or grazed it starts up with 

 the vigor of the fabled hydra. We advise no man to sow it ou 

 his lawn, for it would need cutting every day before break- 

 fast. If cut while in blossom, both cattle and horses are exceed- 

 ingly fond of the hay, and dg^^lL.oa it. If left to stand till the 



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