AGRICULTURAL GRASSES 39 



of this grass alone, because other varieties are not ready for 

 cutting at tliat time ; and Cocksfoot manifests such a strong 

 tendency to grow in clumps, that, with no other grass to 

 occupy the interstices, the soil would be only partially fiUed 

 with plants. 



The great size of Cocksfoot points to its usefulness in 

 covers, although unfortunately it does not answer well with 

 brushwood. Yet it thrives under trees, as is imphed by its 

 American name of ' Orchard Grass.' On pastures which are 

 much shaded, a considerable proportion should be sown in 

 company with Foxtail and other grasses which are reliable 

 beneath dripping foUage. 



Upon an imderstocked pasture Cocksfoot will send up 

 flowering stems, and I strongly advocate running the mower 

 over in time to prevent seeding. 



The thick, yellow base of the shoot, compressed above, 

 and the strongly keeled leaf, with its erose ligule, will, in the 

 absence of the flowering head, distinguish this species at all 

 seasons of the year. 



Cocksfoot when stimulated with ammoniacal manures has 

 a remarkable tendency to smother and starve out the clover 

 of a pasture in which it abounds. 



For illustration, description, and chemical analysis, see 

 pages 158 and 159. 



ELYMUS ARENARIUS 

 (Sand, or Upright Sea Lyme Grass). 



No other grass is equal to this for binding loose or blow- 

 ing sand, for which purpose the mat-like roots are naturally 

 adapted. Seed has been extensively sown on portions of the 

 English and Dutch coasts. Height, four feet. Flowers in 

 July. 



