82 Richard Frotscher’s Almanac and Garden Manual 
this grass, which heretofore had to be propagated by the roots. Six 
pounds will sow an acre. Should be planted in spring, but can be 
sown later. It takes from 20 to 25 days to sprout; requires damp 
weather and hot sun; but when once up grows very rapidly. Price, 
$2.00 per tb; postage, 16 cents per tb extra. 
The following extracts have been taken, by permission, from the 
author, Dr. D. L. Phares, from his book just published, ‘‘Farmers’ 
Book of Grasses.”’ It is the most valuable work of the kind ever pub- 
lished in the:South, and should be in the hands of every one who 
takes an interest in the cultivation of grasses.. 
Copies for sale at publisher's price. Paper covers, 59 cents; Cloth, 
75 cents: postage paid. 
ORCHARD GRASS. 
(Dactylis Glomerata.) 
Of all the grasses this is one of the most widely diffused, growing 
in Africa, Asia, and every country in Europe and all our States. It is 
more highly esteemed and commended than any other grass, by a lar- 
ger number of farmers in most countries—a most decided proof of its 
great value and wonderful adaptations to many soils, climates and 
treatments. Yet, strange to say, though growing in England for 
many centuries, it was not appreciated in that country till carried 
there from Virginia in 1764. But, as in the ease of Timothy, soon after 
its introduction from America, it came into high favor among far- 
mers, and still retains its hold on their estimation as a grazing and 
hay erop. 
Nor is this strange when its many advantages and points of excel- 
lence are considered. It will grow well on any soil containing suffi- 
cient clay and not holding too much water. Ifthe land be too tena- 
cious, 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° lati- 
tude. It may be mowed from two to four times a year, according to 
the latitude, season and treatment; yielding from one to three tons of 
excellent hay per acre on poor to medium land. In grazing and as 
hay most animals select it in preference among mixtures in other 
grasses. In lower latitudes it furnishes good winter grazing, as well 
as for spring. summer and fall. After grazing or mowing few grasses 
grow so rapidly (three or six inches per week), and are so soon 
ready again for tooth or blade. It is easily cured and handled. It is 
readily seeded, and catches with certainty. Its long, deeply penetrat- 
ing, fibrous roots enable it to sustain itself and grow vigorously dur- 
ing droughts that dry up other grasses, except tall oat grass, which 
has similar roots and characteristics. It grows well in open lands 
and in forests of large trees, the underbush being all cleared off. I 
have had it grown luxuriantly even in beech woods, where the roots 
are superficial, in the crotches of roots and close to the trunks of trees. 
The hay is of high quality, and the young grass contains a larger per 
centage of nutritive digestible matter than any other grass. It thrives 
