LOLIUM. 215 



ing the crop, than from the actual duration of the ori- 

 ginal plants, the seeds being remarkably easily separated 

 from the hay, even though not perfectly ripe. Although 

 the tendency of Italian Rye-grass is to produce many 

 stalks from the same root, yet, from its upright habit of 

 growth, it by no means forms a close turf; hence the 

 propriety of sowing it with a mixture of other grasses of 

 a different habit, which, by filling up the interstices, will 

 add considerably to the weight of the produce." 



The same writer continues, stating how great the pro- 

 duce of Italian Rye-grass is under favourable circum- 

 stances. " If the seed be sown in October, it may be cut 

 for soiling in December, and be ready for cutting again 

 in April ; but such produce can only be gained when 

 plenty of manure is applied, and first-rate management 

 used. The spring herbage produced by this variety is 

 much valued by farmers, coming at a time when grass 

 is scarce. In rich or irrigated land three crops may be 

 reaped during the season." 



L, perenne, var. multiflorum, is an annual variety, and 

 is distinguished by the greater number of florets in each 

 spikelet, sometimes amounting to twenty ! The awns 

 of the flowering glumes are longer than in the Italian 

 Rye-grass. It is a stout strong variety, attaining a 

 height of four or five feet, and is like the variety Italicum 

 introduced from Italy. 



L. perenne ramosum. The Branched Italian Rye-grass 

 would be very valuable if constant. It bears branches 

 from its stem, these again producing spikes, and thus it 

 affords a great quantity of seed. But it is apt to run 

 into the normal form. 



L. perenne, var. Paceyanum. Pacey's Rye-grass is a 

 variety in great favour with agriculturists ; it produces 



