100 GRASSES AND HOW TO GROW THEM. 



tained for pasturing for prolonged periods crowds out 

 nearly all kinds of weed^. Among the exceptions are 

 iromveed {Vcrnonia noveboracensis) , blueweed {Echi- 

 'iim vulgare), the oxeyc daisy (Chrysanthemum leucan- 

 ihemnm) and in some instances the Canada thistle 

 {Cirslum arvense). AAlien tliese are present in any 

 considerable numbers it may be advantageous to clip 

 Ihem annually with the scythe or with the field mower 

 to prevent them from maturing seed, as live stock are not 

 likely to graze them off. 



linrvesling for Hay. — Blue grass being rather a pas- 

 ture than a hay plant, is not usually made into hay, 

 unless in the absence of better hay products. It is not 

 sufficiently bulky, hence the yield per acre is not large, 

 and unlc:55 cut with much promptness as soon as it 

 reaches the proper stage, it becomes woody. To secure 

 a large amount of blue grass hay would necessitate 

 mowing over a relatively large area in proportion to 

 the bulk. But this 'does not mean that blue grass does 

 not produce a large amount relatively of pasture per 

 acre, since, in growing pasture, it virtually produces 

 two gi'owths in the year, that is, in the spring and in 

 the autumn. Xor do the above remarks apply equally 

 to the variety Poa comprrssn, which, in suitable soils, 

 will yield at least a ton per acre of good hay. The crop 

 is not bulky, but it weighs very heavily in jiroportion to 

 its bulk and the hay is much relislieil, especially by 

 horses. Arorciivcr it has tlie peculiar propci'ly of gum- 

 ming the kni\'os of the ninwer while it is being cut. 



Bine grass is ready for being cut when in cai'ly bloom. 

 Tt is not difficult to cure, licncc, in good weather it may 



