AGRICULTURAL GRASSES 29 



Elymus arenarius, it is used for fixing sand on the sea-coast, 

 but it possesses no feeding value, and is rejected by all 

 herbivorous animals. The name of Mat Grass arises from 

 its being employed as a material for mats. It also makes 

 excellent thatch. The time of flowering is July. 



ANTHOXANTHUM ODORATUM 



(Sweet-scented VernaT). 



A very distinct species, grown chiefly for the pleasant 

 odour it imparts to the hay crop, which enhances the price of 

 the hay. It is only when the grass is dry that the fragrance 

 is fully distinguishable. So marked is this quality that in the 

 South of Europe an extract is obtained from the plant which 

 is used in the manufacture of scent. This is one of the earliest 

 grasses to start growing in spring, and it comes into full flower 

 at the beginning of May. The plant is a true perennial, 

 exceedingly hardy, and continues growing until late in autumn, 

 so that the aftermath is actually much larger in bulk, as weU as 

 more nuti'itious, than the first crop. This fact clearly indicates 

 that Sweet ^^ernal is quite as valuable for grazing as for cutting. 

 Another characteristic of this grass is the brilliant green colour 

 of the herbage ; hence seed should be included in mixtures for 

 ornamental grounds in larger proportion than would be reason- 

 able if the quantity of hay or grass were of primary con- 

 sideration ; whUe, for the park, especially round a mountain 

 home, it is invaluable. But to sow the seed for lawns is a 

 mistake, although it has been recommended for that purpose. 

 The leaves are too broad and flat, and look unsightly in a 

 sward that is kept down close. 



Sweet Vernal grows abundantly in some parts of Devon ^ 

 and in the Eastern Counties, and the plants invariably thrive 



^ A gentleman in South Devon has written me concerning Anthoxanthuvi 

 odoratum as follows : — 



' This grass grows wild in this neighbourhood in the hedgerows, and cattle are 



