CATALOGUE OF GRASS SEEDS. 
41 
GRASSES. 
“ ,iJ he gave it for his opinion that whoever -would make two ears of corn or two blades of grass to grow upon a spot 
of ground -where only one grew before would deserve better of mankind , and do more essential service to his country, than 
the -whole race of politicians put together .” — SWIFT. 
We desire to call special attention to the following list of 
Agricultural Grasses, which will, we think, be found 
verv comprehensive, both as to varieties and descriptions. 
We are devoting a great deal of time to this most important 
subject, and the department has already become an extensive 
one with us. . 
Having learned bv experience that the so-called imported 
„ras S es which are offered by those making a specialty of them 
in this country are very lar from reliable, both as regards 
purity and quality, we have found it necessary to import all 
our &eeds of this character direct. We have accordingly 
made arrangements for our stocks with one of the most 
prominent growers of Agricultural Grasses on the continent, 
who, by virtue of many years’ experience in growing seeds 
of this peculiar character, has become the recognized head¬ 
quarters for same. This will enable us to furnish our custo¬ 
mers with the very best , and that which we know to be free 
from all adulteration . 
It seems almost unaccountable that at this day, when the 
different branches of practical agriculture are seemingly so 
thoroughly understood, that our American farmers should 
apparently ignore the importance of sowing upon their fields 
only those kinds of grasses which are adapted to the soil and 
climate , and which will produce in the shortest length of time 
a luxuriant crop of the desired character. The list of grasses 
now in use bv most of our farmers can be counted on the 
fingers of one” hand, which showing is indeed a small one, 
when we take into consideration the many specirs, valuable 
because of their respective merits, which should be in con¬ 
stant demand for the various soils and climates of America. 
We invite special attention to our “ Mixtures ” for Perma¬ 
nent Pastures and Mowing Lands, which follow our descrip¬ 
tions. We have endeavored to bring into prominence a few 
important facts under the head of Mixtures , which, we think, 
cannot fail to bo of interest to any one who is concerned in 
the laying down of profitable pastures, or who desires to 
obtain large crops of hay of choice quality from their fields. 
TIMOTHY (Herd’s Grass or Catstail) ( Phleum Pratense ). 
Root fibrous on moist soils; on dry soils often bulbous: 
peiennial; tlowers in June and July. While this ^rass is 
commonly known as Timothy, it is frequently called Herds Grass, as this is the name under which it wa s 
originally cultivated. It is, without doubt, a most valuable grass for hay, especially in the North. It thrives 
be>t on moist, loamy soils of medium tenacity. Grows very readily and yields large crops on favorable soils. 
Should be cut just when the blossom falls. The hay is of best quality, yielding, under favorable circumstances, 
three or four tons per acre. 
I MOTH Y. 
(Phi um pratense.) 
ORCHARD GRASS ( Dactyuis glomerata .) Root fibrous; perennial; flowers in June and July. This is 
one of the most valuable and widely known of all the pasture grasses. Its rapidity of growth, the luxuriance of 
its aftermath, and its power of enduring the cropping of cattle, all commend it highly to farmers. Thrives well 
on light soils, and as its roots penetrate to a considerable depth, wfwre the subsoil is favorable it withstands 
droughts better than most species on dry sandy soiK It is very valuable to be used in a mixture with Timothy 
and Clover, and produces splendid crops of hay This grass is sometimes condemned because of its coarse 
growth, which is only apparent when in a neglected condition, but with proper management no grass is more 
valuable. When pastured Orchard Grass should never be allowed to become coarse, but should be kept closely 
cropped In this condition it is highly nutritive, and relished very much by all kinds of stock. 
KENTUCKY BLUE GRASS (Meadow Grass, June Grass, Spear Grass), (Poa pratensis). Root creeping; 
perennial; flowers in June. This valuable grass is very common in the soils of America, and is claimed by some to be 
the most valuable of all the grasses in our pastures. On the other hand, some claim that its creeping root impoverishes 
the soil. It is a fact, however, that it grows very luxuriantly, producing the most nourishing food for cattle until late 
in the season in the North, while in the South abundant herbage is furnished throughout the entire winter. It is a 
very valuable species in lawn mixtures. Kentucky Blue Grass requires about two or three years to become well set, 
and does not arrive at perfection as a pasture grass until the sward is at least four years old, hence it is not suited for 
alternate husbandry, or where the land is to remain in grass two or three years and be then plowed up. 
See Special Offers on third page of cover. 
