CATALOGUE OF GRASS SEEDS. 
41 
GRASSES. 
“ And he gave it for his opinion that whoever would make two ears of corn or ftuo blades of grass to grow upon a spot 
of ground xvhere only one grew before would deserve better of mankind , and do more essential service to his country , than 
the whole race ofpoliticians put together .” — Swift. 
E desire to call special attention to the following list of Agricultural Grasses, 
j) which will, we think, be found very comprehensive, both as to varieties and descrip¬ 
tions. 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 by experience that the so-called imported grasses which are offered by 
those making a specialty of them in this country are very far from reliable, both as regards 
purity and quality, we have found it necessary to import all our seeds 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 headquarters for 
same. This will enable us to furnish our customers 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 by 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 species, valuable because of their respective 
merits, which should be in constant demand for the various soils and climates of America. 
We invite special attention to our “ Mixtures ” for Permanent Pastures and Mowing 
Lands, which follow our descriptions. We have endeavored to bring into prominence a 
few important facts under the head of Mixtures , which, we think, cannot fail to be 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), (. Phleutn pratense'). Root fibrous on 
moist soils; on dry soils often bulbous; perennial; flowers in June and July. While this 
grass is commonly known as Timothy, it is frequently called Herds Grass, as this is the name 
under which it was originally cultivated. It is, without doubt, a most valuable grass 
for hay, especially in the North. It thrives best 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. 
ORCHARD GRASS ( Dactylis glomerala). 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, where the subsoil is favorable it withstands 
droughts better than most species on dry sandy soils. It is very valuable to be used in a 
mixture with Timothy and Clover, and produces splendid crops of hay. This grass is some¬ 
times 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 ail 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 glass two or three years, and be then plowed up. 
See Special Oifers on third page of cover. 
Timothy. 
(Phleum pratense.) 
