74 Richard Frotscher^s Almanac and Garden Manual 



ORCHARD GRASS. 



{Bactylis Glomerata.) 



Of all the grasses this is one of the most widely diffiisecl, 

 growing in Africa, Asi^, and every country in Europe and all our 

 States. It is more highly esteemed and commended than any 

 other grass, by a larger number of farmers in most countries— a 

 most decided proof of is gre.<t value and wonderful Mdaptations 

 to many, soils, climates and trnatmi^nts. Yet, strange to say^ 

 though growing in England for manv centnrif^s, it was not appre- 

 ciated in that country t:ll carried there from Virginia in 1764. 

 But, as in the c^se of timothy, soon after its introduction from 

 America, it came into hi^^h favor amo"g farmers, and siill retains 

 its h<dd on their estimation as a grazing and hay crop. 



Nor is this strange when iis many advantages and points of 

 excellence are consid»-red. It will grow w^ell on any soit contain- 

 ing sufficient clay and not holding too much water. If the land 

 be too tenacious, drainage will remedy the soil; if worn out, a 

 top dressing of stable manure will give it a good send-off, and it 

 will furnish several good mowings the first year. It grows well 

 between 29° and 48° latitude. It may be mowed from two to 

 four times a year, according to the latitude, season and treat- 

 ment; yieldi g from one to three tons of excellent hay per acre 

 on t)Oor to medium land. In grazing and as ha^^ most animals 

 sehct it in preference among mixtures i»i other grass s. In lower 

 latitudes it fu«nishes good winter grazing, as well as for Sj)riug, 

 Surnm* r and Fall. After grazing or mowing few grasses grow ^o 

 rapidly (three or sis inches per week), and are so sooii ready 

 again for tooth or blade. It is easily cured and handled. It is 

 readily seeded^ and catches with certainty. Its long, deeply 

 penetrating, fibrous roots enable it to sustain itself and grow 

 vigorously during dr .ughts that dry up other gr^ss s, except tall 

 oat grass, which has similar roots and characteristics. It grows 

 well in open lands and in forests of large tie^s, the undeibiush 

 being all cleared off. I have had it grow luxuriantly even in 

 beech woods, where the roots aie supeificial, in the crotches of 

 roots and close to the trunks of trees. The hay is of high qual- 

 ity, and the young grass contains h latger per cent, of nutritive 

 digest. be matter th.tn any other gras-^. It thrives well without 

 ai»y renewal on the same ground for thirty-five, nay forty years ; 

 hoAv much longer I am not able to say. It is easily extermiuHted 

 when the land is desired for other crops. Is there any other 

 grass for which so much can be said f 



RED TOP GRASS. 



[Agrostis Vulgaris.) 



This is the best grass of England, the herd grass of the 

 Southern Stites; not in honor of any man, but probab'y be- 

 cause so well ad pted to the herd. It is c^dhd also Fine Top, 

 Burden's and Bordtn's Grass. Varying greatly in characters, 

 according to soil, location, climate and culture, some botanists 

 have styled it A. Polymorpha. It grows two to three feet high. 



