Clinton's introductory discourse. 71 



arises from the effluvia of barbary bushes, but generally from the rapid 

 growth of the grain in June. The origin of the hessian fly, and the 

 best remedy against its depredations, are subjects about which there is a 

 contrariety of opinion.* Particular attention ought also to be devoted 

 to the selection of the best grasses. Lucern, sainfoin, esparcet, and 

 pimpernel, foreign and perennial grasses, have been mentioned as highly 

 useful. Red clover and timothy are also exotics ; but white clover is a 

 native plant, and invariably follows cultivation. The avena elatior, or 

 tall meadow oats, was imported some years ago into Pennsylvania by 

 Dr. Muhlenburg, and is recommended as the best grass for green fodder 

 and hay. The festuca ovina, or sheep's fescue, is preferred in Sweden 

 to all others for sheep. Gmelin says that the Tartars fix their tents 

 during the summer in those places where there is the greatest plenty of 

 this grass, and that the sepulchral monuments of the ancient Tartars are 

 mostly found where it abounds, which shows that it has been long 

 valued by them. Stillingfleet says that it is found in abundance in 

 many parts of England and Wales. In the Hortus Elginensis, published 

 by a distinguished botanist,f it is mentioned as being in that establish- 

 ment, and as a hardy perennial plant: it is a vernal grass, and not a 

 native of this country : I have mentioned it thus particularly because it 

 is so important a nutriment to sheep, of which it is believed we have 

 nearly two millions in this state. Wonderful qualities are ascribed to 

 the Guinea grass in Jamaica, and the fiorinj is highly commended as 

 surpassing all the grasses in its nutritious powers.^ In selecting the 

 best foreign grasses for cultivation we ought not to be unmindful of 

 those which nature has provided us at home. In the western parts of 

 this state there are several native grasses deserving of attention. 



* See Note 1 1. f Dr. Hosack. J Agrostis Stofonifera. £ See Note KKv 



