ch. vni] Meadow-grasses 161 



The Purity should not be less than 90 per cent. 



Both the germination and the germination energy are very 

 variable and usually fall off very rapidly after one or two seasons. 

 A Germination of 30 per cent, in seven days, of 50 per cent, in 

 fourteen, and of 70 to 80 per cent, in twenty-eight days is very 

 good. The seed germinates much better in light than in darkness, 

 and it should therefore be simply rolled in on a fine firm surface 

 rather than covered with soil. 



Foa trivialis, L. 



For Botanical description see p. 129. 



Rough-stalked Meadow-grass is indigenous to most of Europe 

 and Northern Asia, and has been introduced into America. It is 

 abundant in Britain in pastures and meadows on all good soils. 

 It withstands cold moderately well and can grow at high eleva- 

 tions. It grows most luxuriantly where the climate and soil are 

 moist, e.g. in the west of Britain, upon wet clays, deep fen soils, 

 etc. In dry situations or in seasons of drought the plants become 

 much dwarfed, and the foliage turns red. This happens because 

 the thin creeping stolons are very shallow rooted, and the plant 

 is dependent upon surface moisture for its growth. As soon as 

 rain falls however it is capable of rapid recovery from the effects 

 of drought. 



The development of this species is more rapid than that of 

 Poa pratensis. Under favourable conditions it gives its maximum 

 yield by the second season. Owing to its extensively branching 

 stolons it is capable of producing a dense mat-like covering of 

 bottom herbage which effectively fills in the spaces between other 

 plants. This habit of growth aids in the conservation of surface 

 moisture, and also prevents the establishment of weeds. For 

 these reasons it is worth while including some seed in all mixtures 

 for permanent grass upon all but very dry soils. But it should be 

 most largely used for permanent pasture or meadow in wet 

 districts and upon moist soils. In favourable situations it pro- 

 duces a considerable bulk of "top" grass which makes hay of 

 the finest quality, though the aftermath is not usually large. 



Poa trivialis may also be sown for temporary pastures and leys 

 of three or more years' duration. It succeeds well in shady places, 



a. 11 



