AGRICULTURAL GRASSES 25 



authorities, I do not concur in the opinion that it should 

 invariably be included in ordinary prescriptions, if only for the 

 reason that the true variety is not always to be depended on 

 from a sowing of seed. The method of securing Fiorin by 

 obtaining plants from land where it grows indigenously, cutting 

 up the long trailing roots, and planting them in prepared 

 ground, is far too costly a process. 



Some of the other forms of Agrostis, such as A. vulgaris, 

 A. dispar, A. capillaris, A. alba, and A. nigra, are known to 

 be inferior to the true Fiorin, and the seeds of these cannot 

 always be certainly distinguished, even by a botanist, from 

 those of A. stolonifera. A. vulgaris is the Common Bent, and 

 is usually regarded as a weed grass, although it is occasionally 

 sown for a purpose outside farming. A. alba is the worthless 

 Marsh Bent, and is never sown : neither is of the least value 

 as fodder. 



In the absence of the flowering panicle, Agrostis alba 

 stolonifera is easily recognised at aU seasons of the year by the 

 short leafy branches which burst through the sheath at each 

 node of the numerous stolons. The ligule is long and pointed, 

 and sometimes serrated at the margin. 



For illustration, description, and chemical analysis, see 

 pages 148 and 149. 



ALOPECURUS PRATENSIS 



(Meadow Foxtail). 



Of the native species of Alopecurus, this is the only 

 one which is used for agricultural purposes, and it is justly 

 regarded as one of the most important grasses we possess. 

 Cattle show great partiality for it, and chemical tests reveal 

 its high nutritive qualities. Foxtail is thoroughly perennial in 

 character, and does not attain complete development untU three 

 years after seed is sown. The full value of the plant cannot, 

 therefore, be realised in alternate husbandry unless the ley is 

 to remain down more than two years. Even then Cocksfoot 



