cyof 



70 



\ 



4 



afFects the foregoing species, the bad effects of which were manifested in the great deficien. 

 produce in the crop at the time the seed was ripe, being one-balf less than at the time the grass 

 in flower. Though the disease begins in the straws, the leaves sufier most from its efFect 

 being at the time the seed is ripe completely dried up. The culms therefore constitute the pr J 

 cipal part of the crop at the time the seed is ripe, and they contain more nutritive matter in pro, 

 portion, than the leaves. When the grass is cut before the time of flowering, the disease mates 

 but small progress, or does not make its appearance if the grass is kept closely cropped. Tt 

 has the property of sending up flowering-straws till a late period of the season, and when cut 

 only thrice in the season, the latter- math is considerable. 



When the Poa nemoralis is raised from seed, the first year the calyx contains only from 

 3 to 5 florets; afterwards, the number increases to 9 florets in each calyx; when raised from 

 seed in shady situations, it has frequently only 2 florets in each calyx, and sometimes only ] 

 the first year: the number does not increase afterwards to moi^e than 3 florets in each calyx. 



ifolia 



an emment degree, recommends it for the purpose of permanent 



pasture. It sends up 



flowering culms successively for several weeks. In this itdifiers from the Poapratensis, which 

 produces culms only once in the season. The root is as powerfully creeping as that species 

 and but for which, it might rank with the most valuable grasses. It contains more nutritive 

 matter than the Poapratensis, or Poa trivialis. Its spring produce is nearly double that of 

 either of these grasses; and it is perfectly exempt, as before observed, from any disease that 

 detracts so much from the merits of the Poa nemoralis y which nearest approaches to this species, 

 m the superiority of early and abundant herbage in the spring. It flowers towards the end of 

 May, and the seed is ripe about the third week of June. 



Poci fertilis. Fertile Meadow-grass. 



r 



Specific character: Panicle loose, spreading; spikets oval, spear-shaped, 5-flowered; florets 

 connected at the base by woolly hairs; husks generally 5-nerved, sheaths of the culms a 

 little rough, straw somewhat compressed ; root slightly creeping. 



0^5— This grass seems to be allied to the Poa nemoralis. It differs in having the panicle 

 more loose and spreading, and less attenuated. The spikets are more oval and nemd, 

 otherwise the number of florets might occasion a doubt. Tlie culm rises from a foot and 

 a half, to two feet in height, and sometimes more; ascending at the base, afterwards 

 erect, somewhat compressed. ' In long continued moist weather the lower joints send up 

 flowering culms. The panjcle is erect, and spreading when in flower, but contracted and 

 drooping when the seed is ripe, Flo. Ger. 299, Poa serotina ■ Host. v. 3, p. 10, t. 13, 

 Poa fertilis. 



Native of Germany. Perennial, 



Experiments. -k% the time of flowering, the produce from a sandy loam, is. 



Grass, 23 oz. The produce per acre 

 80 dr. of grass weigh, when dry 

 The produce of the space, ditto 



dr. 



qr. 



oz. 



lbs. 



250470 



34 ( 



106449 



3 



15654 6 



m^^ 1 3 



