114 DACTYLIS GLOMERATA, L., ORCHARD GRASS. 



The following i.s from tho pen of Major 11. E. Alvord, of New 

 York, and was Avritten for tho Rural Xeiv Yorker: 



"Orchard grass is a variety which luis no superior for pasture or 

 hay, and it matures so early that tho crop may bo easily got out 

 of tho way before Timothy or red top is fit to cut. But orchard 

 grass must have a good strong soil, and can l)e made most prolit- 

 able by keeping hnul thus seeded in sod for a series of years. If 

 cut twice a year or three times, as is often possible, it must bo 

 liberally top-dressed. With the land previously in good con- 

 dition and a well prejiared seed-bed, orchard grass is very satis- 

 factory, grown by itself. For this purpose, I would sow it as soon 

 as the land can he put in order in the spring, or in the latter 

 part of August, using at least two bushels of seed to the acre, 

 put on with tho greatest care, as it is adifiicultmaterial to handle. 

 In 1884, orchard grass was in bloom in May, at Houghton Farm, 

 and good hay was made the first week in June. The i)eriod of 

 cutting as to maturity of plant, should be regulated according 

 to the use to bo made of the hay. It can bo cut so as to make 

 hay as fine as any rowen or coarser than any heavy Timothy. If a 

 mixture is desired for hay, tall meadow oat-grass and clover are 

 the best for maturing with the orchard grass. Although orchard 

 grass is hardy, furnishes the first green bite in the spring, and 

 the last in tho fall, and usually provides good protection with its 

 own aftermath, it will winter kill where not well covered with 

 snow, if the land is moist. It jirefcrs a location rather high and 

 dry, naturall} or artificially well drained." 



Prof. J. R. Page, of Virginia, says: " It does Avell and yields 

 one and a half to two tons per acre." 



"W. F. Tallant, of the same State, in the Cotmtry Getitleman 

 remarks : " It will grow more in one week after cutting than 

 blue grass will in a month. It makes a larger aftermath, and 

 makes it quicker than any other grass I know of. It is ready to 

 cut before harvest and after planting. Timothy is too near 



