CATALOGUE OF GRASS SEEDS. 
47 
Grasses — Continued. 
It seems almost unaccountable that at this day, when the different branches of practical agriculture are seem¬ 
ingly 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 short¬ 
est 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 de¬ 
scriptors. We have endeavored tc bring into prominence a few important facts under the head of Mixtures , which, we 
tit ink, 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 his fields. 
Awnless, or Smooth Brome Grass ( Bromus inermis ). An erect growing perennial that attains a height of 
from three to five feet. 
It is especially recommended for dry and arid soils where the more delicate grasses will not grow. (Per bushel 12 lbs.) 
Creeping Bent or Firoin ( Agrostis Stolonifera). The distinctive feature of this species is, as the name implies, 
its compact, creeping, rooting stems. It prefers low bottom-lands, especially if they are somewhat sandy. It is of rapid 
growth and spreading habit, and the stoloniferous roots form a strong enduring turf, that is positively improved by- 
constant trampling. Being of fine texture, it is one of the most valuable of our lawn grasses. (Per bushel, 15 lbs.) 
Meadow Brome Grass ( Bromuspratensis ). A hardy perennial useful in mixtures for both mowing and pas¬ 
ture. It should not be sown alone except in poor soil or dry hillsides. It withstands extreme cold and drought and 
if cut before flowering it makes a good hay. ( Per bushel 18 lbs.) 
Timothy (Herd’s Grass or Catstail) ( Phleum 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 wLich 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. (Per bushel, 45 lbs.) 
Orchard Grass (Dactylis 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 consider¬ 
able 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 
sometimes condemned because of its coarse growth, which is only apparent when 
in a neglected condition, but with proper management no grass is more valu¬ 
able. When pastured Orchard Grass should never be 
allowed to become coarse, but should be kept closely crop¬ 
ped. In this condition it is highly nutritive, and relished 
very much by all kinds of stock. (Per bushel, 14 lbs.) 
Kentucky Blue Grass (Meadow Grass, June Grass, 
Spear Grass), (Poa pratensis ). Root creeping ; peren¬ 
nial ; flowers in June. This valuable grass is very com¬ 
mon 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 be¬ 
come 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. (Per 
bushel, 14 lbs.) 
Red Top (Herd’s Grass), (Agrostis Vulgaris). Root creeping ; perennial; flowers 
Kentucky Blue Grass. j n July. This valuable grass has been commonly cultivated in our fields for over a 
century. It is a fine permanent grass, and forms a nutritious pasturage when fed close. It is valuable for 
all wet soils producing a large return in good hay. Red Top is often sown with Timothy and common 
Red Clover, in which case the Clover soon disappears, followed by Timothy, after which the Red Top 
usually takes its place, and with some wild indigenous grass forms a close sward. When sown alone 
three bushels per acre are required, or 15 lbs. of the clean seed. (Per bushel, 10 lbs.) 
Fancy or clean seed per bushel, about 40 lbs. 
For price* o 1 Agricultural Grasses and Clover* see page 46, 
