AGEICULTURAL GEAS8ES. 71 



The botanical description and chemical analysis are given 

 on page 168, facing an illustration. 



POA THIVIALIS 

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



This variety differs from Poa pratensis in having narrower 

 fohage, a long pointed instead of a blunt ligule to its leaf, fibrous 

 instead of creeping roots, and slightly rough sheaths. The rough- 

 ness is only apparent to a sensitive touch, but is readily per- 

 ceived when the grass is drawn across the tongue. 



Poa trivialis was first sown about 1780, and of late years it 

 has been mistakenly recommended for all purposes. On strong 

 moist soils, where Poa trivialis is quite at home, it surpasses Poa 

 pratensis in quantity and in quality, but the favourable comparison 

 does not extend to light land hable to burn, on which the supe- 

 riority of Poa pratensis becomes manifest. The plant is liable 

 to injury by spring and autumn frosts, and also by severe winters. 

 It is rich in potash and phosphoric acid, and soon exhausts laud 

 which is not good or constantly fed. 



This grass forms a large part of the natural turf of the 

 valleys in mountainous districts where , the rainfall is consider- 

 able. It thrives under trees, prospers in water-meadows and 

 aU moist dripping situations, and bears well the hoofs of stock, 

 but it must be mown before the foliage turns yellow at the base, 

 or it is hable to rot. Sinclair says that it is unprofitable for any 

 purpose on dry exposed situations. 



Poa trivialis flowers at the time when hay is cut, but is 

 especially useful for pastures nevertheless. The herbage is 

 of more value at the time of ripening seed than before, but 

 as ripening does not take place until the end of July, it is im- 

 possible in the South of England to keep the hay crop wait- 

 ing for it. The aftermath is good after early cutting only. 

 Sinclair advises its use exclusively for permanent pastures on rich 

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



