AGRICULTURAL GRASSES 65 



POA TRIVIALIS 



{Rough-stalked Meadow Grass, or Orcheston Grass). 



This variety differs from Poa pratends in having narrower 

 foliage, a long pointed instead of a blunt ligule to its leaf, 

 fibrous instead of creeping roots, and slightly rough sheaths. 

 The roughness is only apparent to a sensitive touch, but is 

 readily perceived when the grass is drawn across the tongue. 



Poa ti'ivkdis was first sown in this country about 1780, 

 and in recent years it has been mistakenly recommended for 

 all purposes. On strong moist soils, where Poa trivialis is 

 quite at home, it surpasses Poa pi-atensis both in quantity and 

 in quality, but the favourable comparison does not extend 

 to light land liable to burn, on which the superiority of Poa 

 pratetisis becomes manifest. The plant is subject to injury by 

 spring and autumn frosts, and also by severe winters. It is 

 rich in potash and phosphoric acid, and soon exhausts land 

 which is not naturally good or constantly fed. 



This gi-ass forms a large part of the turf of valleys in 

 mountainous districts where the rainfall is considerable. It 

 thrives under trees, prospers in water-meadows and all moist 

 situations, and bears well the hoofs of stock, but it must be 

 mown before the foliage turns yellow at the base, or it is liable 

 to rot. Sinclair says that it is unprofitable for any purpose on 

 dry exposed situations. 



Poa trivialis flowers at the usual time for cutting hay, but 

 is especially useful for pastures nevertheless. The herbage is 

 of more value at the time of ripening seed than earlier in the 

 season, but as ripening does not take place untU the end of 

 J uly, it is impossible in the South of England to keep the hay 

 crop waiting for it. The aftermath is good after early cutting 

 only. Sinclair advises its use for permanent pastures on rich 

 soils and in sheltered positions, and I quite agree with this 

 view. Valuable as this gi*ass is for such situations, I do not 



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