Relative Productiveness of Grasses. 



131 



Estimate of the relative productiveness (quantity of grass produced in one 

 season ) of various species of Grasses, when grown on soils and under 

 conditions best suited to the different species, am^anged in the order of 

 their productiveness : — 



The recorded weights of the produce of small trial plots of grasses, 

 made for the purpose of ascertaining their relative productiveness, 

 show such diversity of results (probably owing to the smallness of the 

 plots and the, varying conditions of soil, climate, &c.) that they cannot 

 readily be made use of for practical purposes. As, however, a general 

 idea of the weight of herbage produced in one season's growth by each 

 of the grasses used in laying down land to grass is necessary to the 

 proper selection of seeds of the most profitable kinds, the above 

 estimate is submitted, and, while absolute accuracy is not claimed for 

 it, yet it may probably be accepted as presenting a fair view of the 

 relative amount of grass each species is capable of producing when 

 grown under the most suitable conditions of soil, climate, moisture, &c. 



