62 PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY PASTURES 



considered, great judgment is requisite in order to realise the 

 full advantage of Timothy, and at the same time to maintain 

 the general efficiency of the pasture. 



A marked characteristic of the plant is its extreme hardi- 

 ness, and for this quality Timothy is extensively grown in 

 Canada in association with Alsike Clover, for one and two 

 years' leys. For the same purpose it has won favour in Scotland, 

 where experience has proved that hay made from Timothy 

 and Alsike is highly sustaining food for horses in hard work. 

 Such hay, when well harvested, is in constant demand at a 

 profitable figure. Another excellent crop is obtained by sowing 

 a mixture of Timothy and Cow Grass. It would perhaps be 

 impossible to find two plants which are more suitable for 

 growing together. For alternate husbandry generally Timothy 

 offers very substantial benefits ; the only objection to its 

 employment for a term of years is the trouble experienced in 

 getting rid of it when the ley has to be broken up. 



The greyish-green tint of the short, broad leaves, and 

 involute character of the emerging leaf, together with the 

 smooth sheath and obtuse ligule, clearly distinguish this grass 

 from others when the cylindrical flower-spike is wanting. 



For illustration, description, and chemical analysis, see 

 pages 172 and 173. 



POA PRATENSIS 

 (Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass^. 



Although there is a general resemblance between this 

 grass and Poa trivialis, the two plants differ materially in 

 habit, character, and structure. Poa pratends is unlike Poa 

 trivialis in having broader and blunter foliage, an obtuse ligule 

 to its leaf, smooth stalks, and creeping roots that send out 

 long stolons which take a horizontal direction and form 

 little tufts. Each species has a value of its own, and is 

 fitted to serve a purpose for which the other is less adapted. 

 Poa pratensis is naturally suitable for enduring drought, whUe 



