28 PEEMANENT AND TEMPOEAEY PASTUEES. 



The Agrostis family is generally deficient in nutritive value, 

 and although this variety is regarded as an exception, and has 

 indeed been highly recommended by several authorities, I do not 

 concur in the opinion that it should be included in ordinary 

 prescriptions, if only for the reason that the true variety is not 

 always to be depended on from a sowing of seed. The method 

 of securing Fibrin by obtaining plants from land where it grows 

 indigenously, cutting up the long trailing roots, and planting them 

 in prepared ground, is far too costly a process in proportion to 

 the value of the grass. 



A. vulgaris, A. dispar, A. capillaris, A. alba, and A. nigra, 

 all produce seed so nearly identical in appearance with the seed 

 of true Agrostis alba-stolonifera, that no botanist can detect adul- 

 teration, and as the last-named variety does not flower freely, the 

 inducements to send a mixed sample to England are almost 

 irresistible to the German and American collectors. 



In the absence of *the flowering panicle, Agrostis alba- 

 stolonifera is easily recognised at all seasons of the year by the 

 short leafy branches which burst through the sheath at each node 

 of the numerous stolons. The ligule is rounded at the tip, and 

 is as long as it is broad. 



The botanical description and chemical analysis are given on 

 page 140, facing an illustration. 



ALOPECUEUS PEATENSIS 



{Meadow Foxtail). 



Of the many species of Alopecurus this is the only one which 

 is used for agricultural purposes, and it is justly regarded as one 

 of the most important grasses we possess. The great partiality 

 which cattle manifest for it and chemical tests alike reveal its high 

 nutritive qualities. Although thoroughly perennial in character, 

 it does not attain to full development until three or four years 

 after sowing, and is therefore only adapted for alternate husbandry 

 when the ley is to remain down at least three or four years. 



