THE GRASSES—SWEET VERNAL. 27 



growing until late in autumn, this fact clearly indi- 

 cating that it is even better for grazing than for cutting. 

 It grows luxuriantly on deep, rich, moist soils ; and in 

 wet peaty land it becomes so large and reed-like as 

 to deceive any but the most experienced botanist. 

 Strange to say, it is equally at home on thin moors 

 and exposed sandy dunes, and will live in soil which 

 will not feed any other grass. 



Dr. Steblee's opinion is that, as it starts to grow so 

 early in spring, it has the advantage of the moisture 

 remaining in the soil from the winter, and thus is 

 enabled to thrive even on the driest soils. After being 

 sown it starts growing more quickly than any of the 

 other grasses, and gives, even in the first year, a fair 

 return. In warm situations it comes so rapidly forward 

 that it has ripened and shed a portion of its seeds 

 before the hay-cutting season, by which means the 

 quantity of it ia the land is iacreased (perhaps out of 

 proportion to its value. — Ed:). At the time of hay- 

 makinsr the flowering stems and heads are almost as 

 hard as straw, and not much more nutritious. It is 

 on account of its aromatic aroma that the culture of it 

 has been so strongly recommended, but it is not by 

 any means certain that the odours which are pleasant 

 to mankind are equally agreeable or in any way of 

 advantage to the beasts of the field. The latter will 

 judge their food by the tongue and palate ; and as Sweet 

 Vernal grass, notwithstanding its name and smell, has 

 a bitter taste, it is probable, and more than probable, 

 that, instead of being liked by cattle, it is avoided by 

 them, and only eaten when they are almost famished. 



Mr. Hunter says its yield is somewhat scanty, and 

 its early produce not nutritive. The latter-growth is 



