AGRICULTURAL GRASSES 31 



Although manure is not directly injurious to Sweet 

 Vernal, indirectly it destroys this gi-ass by enabling other 

 varieties to elbow the plant out of existence. 



For illustration, description, and chemical analysis, see 

 pages 152 and 153. 



AVENA FLAVESCENS 

 (Yellow Oat Grass). 



This grass is not nearly so well known or appreciated as 

 it deserves. It prospers in marl and calcareous soil, and in 

 all light land rich in humus, particularly in that which contains 

 lime. The forage is of good quality, and is greedily taken by 

 cattle. 



Avena flavescens does not flower until midsummer. In 

 the Thames VaUey it contributes no inconsiderable portion of 

 the herbage of the water-meadows, and over the South of 

 England it affords a fair quantity for the scythe at hay time, 

 while the aftermath is abundant. The leaves are pale green ; 

 flowers golden yeUow, and they show conspicuously. 



In the absence of the flower the plentiful supply of soft 

 deflexed hairs upon the lower sheaths, together with the 

 ciliated ligule, are characteristics by which this grass may be 

 recognised. In a favourable light the low acute ribs of the 

 blade are clearly visible, and a single row of hairs is discernible 

 along each rib. 



The seed of Yellow Oat Grass is always expensive, 

 and is sometimes difficult to obtain in sufficient quantity. 

 Probably many of the adverse opinions expressed concerning this 

 variety have resulted from sowing in its stead that pestilent 

 weed Aira Jlexuosa (Wavy Hair Grass), the seed of which is 

 not altogether dissimilar from that of Avena Jlavescens, but has 

 often been sold for it by those who are not familiar with the 

 true article. Seed of the latter, however carefully saved, only 

 germinates moderately well, and the high price necessitates its 

 sparing use. When arranging the prescription for a pasture 



