AGRICULTURAL GRASSES 71 



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 pratensis 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, while 

 Poa trivialis thrives in moist land. This is the chief constitu- 

 tional difference between the two plants, and although each of 

 them will to some extent conform to the conditions which 

 specially favour the other, yet the distinction clearly indicates 

 the use to which each one should, as a rule, be applied. 



Poa pratensis does not root very deeply, but is dependent 

 principally upon the surface soil, and is therefore met with on 

 all geological formations if the surface happens to be suitable. 

 All eminent authorities concur in recommending it for good dry 

 soils, and my own experience has convinced me of the correct- 

 ness of their opinion, but light land must be rich in humus to 

 ensure success. On heavy and tenacious soils this grass will 

 often grow, but it is not then seen to the greatest advantage. 



During the first year Poa pratensis remains small and 

 does not throw up any stalks. When fully established it 

 flowers once annually ; after the stems are cut, no others are 

 formed until the following season. Primarily this is a pasture 

 grass, because the flowers rise too early for the scythe. 

 Otherwise, for very forward cutting it is valuable for hay, 

 and when the crop has been taken, a good aftermath of leafy 

 herbage follows. The earliness of Poa pratensis is no doubt 

 attributable to the fact that the plant appears to be insensible 



