THE SELECTION OF GEASSES AND CLOVEES. 29 



it is so liglit and delicate in formation as to need exceedingly 

 well-prepared land to ensure vegetation. Unfortunately the stiff 

 soils wliicli specially suit Foxtail are the most difficult to make 

 fine in time for sowing. But for this grass alone it is worth a 

 strenuous effort to get the land into good order. 



The experiments at Eothamstead proved that nitrate of soda 

 and mineral salts had a marvellous effect upon the growth of 

 Foxtail. It assimilated larger quantities of manure than many 

 other grasses, and differed from Cocksfoot in the fact that that 

 grass seemed to benefit more from ammonia salts than from 

 nitrate of soda, whereas Foxtail did equally well with both. 



Most of the seed imported into England comes from Southern 

 Eussia. The German seed sold at Breslau is always immature and 

 grows badly. Occasionally very fine samples are obtained from 

 Sweden, but the best seed of all is Dutch ; and although the most 

 careful observer can perceive no difference between this and the 

 seed received from other countries, the Dutch produces a much 

 earlier as well as a stronger plant. 



The botanical description and chemical analysis are given 

 on page 132, facing an illustration. 



Anthoxantlium odoratum [Sweet-scented Vernal). — This 

 very distinct species is grown chiefly for the pleasant odour it im- 

 parts to the hay crop, and it is only when the grass is dry that the 

 fragrance is fully distinguishable. So marked is tliis quahty that 

 in the South of Europe an extract is obtained from the plant 

 which is manufactured into scent. But the grass possesses an 

 agricultural value quite apart from the purpose it serves as a 

 condiment for cattle, for it is one of the earhest varieties, coming 

 into full flower at the beginning of May, and, therefore, no 

 surprise will be felt that it yields only a small crop at hay time. 

 Its presence, however, enhances the price of the hay. It is a true 

 perennial, exceedingly hardy, and continues growing until late 

 in autumn, so that the aftermath is actually much larger in bulk, 

 as well as more nutritious, than the crop which is cut. This fact 



