68 THE GRASSES— YORKSHIRE FOO. 



account of its woolliness, it may rank with some of the 

 best grasses. 



Sinclair states that in consequence of the soft down 

 which covers the surface of this grass, it is not will- 

 ingly eaten either by horses or horned beasts. 



Dr. Steblee, though his written opinion of it is 

 not very flattering, yet gives it a place in his book on 

 " The Best Forage Plants." He describes it as an 

 early perennial grass, but of little value in agriculture. 

 He alleges that the most competent contemporary 

 writers are unanimous in recognising in it a plant not 

 deserving of a place on land capable of growing the 

 better grasses ; but on peaty ground, or on poor sandy 

 places where other grasses will not succeed, it has a 

 certain value. In humid climates or situations it 

 shows less of the woolliness which is so objectionable 

 to cattle. To neutralise this wooUiness it is recom- 

 mended to sprinkle salt on it, which renders the small 

 hairs moist and soft. It should always be cut up and 

 mixed with other food. 



Professor Phaees, of Mississippi, quotes the case of 

 the Hon. Mr. Lewis of Louisiana, who has cultivated 

 this grass many years with great satisfaction, and adds 

 — " It is by no means the best of our grasses ; but best 

 for some lands, and. on such lands more profitable than 

 other grasses." 



Sir Humphrey Davy, in accounting for the dislike of 

 cattle to this grass, puts it that its nutritive matter 

 consists entirely of mucilage and sugar, whilst the 

 nutritive matter of the grasses most liked by cattle 

 have either a sub-acid or saline taste. 



An Ieish Agriculturist, who is one of the largest 

 stock-breeders and butter-producers of the county 



