140 PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY PASTURES 



ripened, and disseminated over a wide area, during July and 

 August. Spudding low down, before the flower-heads have fuUy 

 developed, is the best means of destroying this annual thistle. 



Tufted Hair Grass, or Tussock Grass {Aira ccespi- 

 tosa). — The gi-eat raised tufts of this grass which are seen in 

 some low-lying meadows are a proof of neglect and mismanage- 

 ment. Its herbage is worthless, and is so harsh and dense as 

 to interfere with both scythe and machine at hay-time. The 

 roots impoverish the land, and where a few plants have been 

 allowed to develop, they should be removed by grubbing. 

 Efficient draining will always ensure the extirpation of Tussock 

 Grass. The seed of this grass is often one of the impurities 

 of Alopecurus pratensis, and of some other grasses used in 

 laying down land. 



Woolly Soft Grass, or Yorkshire Fog {Holcus lana- 

 tus). — One of the most persistent and troublesome of the worth- 

 less grasses, possessing structural endowments which ensure its 

 continued existence under extremely varied conditions. The 

 perennial roots form a dense mat near the surface, and the 

 plant endures both drought and frost almost with impunity. 

 The flowering period extends from June until late in autumn, 

 and if left undisturbed a large quantity of seed is perfected. 

 Manuring appears to have little effect in reducing the vitality 

 of Woolly Soft Grass, unless a high degree of fertility is 

 continuously maintained. Early mowing tends to weaken the 

 plant, and prevents the seed from maturing. Depasturing 

 and the close treading of land by sheep have been known to 

 lessen the proportion of this grass ; and it is certainly advisable, 

 in the event of flower-heads showing in autumn, to skim the 

 meadows with a scythe. 



Seed of Holcus lanatus is found more or less in all 

 inferior samples of Alopecurus pratoisis, Cynosurus cristatus, 

 and some other grasses used in prescriptions for sowing 

 down permanent and temporary pastures. 



