104 Sweet Vernal, Dogstail, and 



and the produce is remarkably line and succulent." He 

 elsewhere observes that it withstands the eiFects of 

 severe dry weather better than many other grasses. Its 

 productive powers are inferior, and are stated in the 

 table at 50. It is, however, useful for filling up the 

 bottom of a pasture, and it is a drought-resisting grass. 



Anthoxanthum odoratum (sweet vernal grass) stands 

 at 50 in the table. Sinclair considers that its early 

 growth and hardy and permanent nature uphold its 

 claim to a place in the composition of all permanent 

 pastures : but, as its seed is scarce and dear, its use 

 cannot be recommended while there are other grasses 

 which have equally good qualities, and are much 

 cheaper. 



Gynosurus cristatus (crested dogstail). — The produc- 

 tive power of this grass is small, and the reader will 

 perceive that it stands at 45 in the table ; but Arthur 

 Young speaks highly of it, and so does Sinclair, and he 

 goes so far as to say that " a sward of the best quality, 

 particularly under circumstances where sheep are a 

 principal object, cannot be formed without an admixture 

 or proportion of the crested dogstail grass." It has the 

 merit of being very drought-resisting, and it thrives well 

 on dry lands. Many farmers dislike it on account of its 

 wiry culms, but there can be no doubt that it is a 

 valuable grass for filling up the bottom of a pasture. 



Poa nemoralis (wood meadow grass), as regards pro- 

 ductiveness, stands on the same level as crested dogs- 

 tail — i.e., 45 — in the table, and Sinclair says that " the 

 early growth of this grass in spring, and its remarkably 

 fine, succulent, and nutritive herbage, recommend it 

 strongly for admission into the company of the superior 

 pasture grasses." But I cannot find that it is ever 

 spoken of as a good drought-resisting grass; and, though 

 it may be very suitable for lawns or pleasure grounds, 

 the practical farmer would, I think, rather see any 

 space that might be given to it filled with a safer grass. 



Festuca ovina tenuifolia (fine-leaved fescue) stands 



