423 
8. ALorECURUs Geniculatus. Linnceus. 
Floating Fox-tail. 
Culm ascending, bent at the lower joints ; paleae rather shorter than 
the obtuse glumes, the awn from near its base and projecting half its 
length beyond it; anthers linear; upper leaf as long as its sheath. 
Moist meadows ; introduced in Ohio. Perennial; flowers in July and 
August. Culms 1 to 2 feet high. It prefers clayey margins of ponds, 
Ac., and is of no use in agriculture. 
Plate I, Fig. 2.— a, spike ; b , a flower magnified ; c, palea, awn and 
stigma. 
9. Alopecurus Pratensis. Linnceus. 
« 
Meadow foxtail. 
m 
Culm upright, smooth, paleae equalling the acute glumes, which are united 
below the middle; awn exserted more than half its length, twisted; upper 
leaf half the length of its somewhat inflated sheaths. Perennial; flowers in 
May; culms 2 feet high. The seeds are covered with the paleae, which is soft 
and woolly. 
This species is so seldom cultivated in this country, that it is doubtful 
whether it is entitled to a place in this essay. It prefers low, wet lands, and 
is adapted to clayey loam rather than a sandy soil. It forms a permanent sod; 
and sheep are said to be particularly fond of it. Several years are required to 
attain its greatest perfection, and probably on this account it will not be intro¬ 
duced into this country very extensively. Sinclair* informs us that it consti¬ 
tutes part of the produce of the richest pastures of Lincolnshire, Devonshire, 
and in the vale of Aylesbury; and, though not so well adapted for alternate 
husbandry, it is one of the best grasses for permanent pasture. 
The following analysis is by Profs. Way and Ogston, of grass of this specie* 
grown on a calcareous soil in England, f 
Phosphoric acid. 6.25 
Sulphuric acid. 2.16 
Lime. 3.90 
Magnesia. 1.28 
Per oxyde of iron. 0.47 
Potash. 37.03 
Chloride of potassium. 9.50 
Silica...‘38.75 
- 100.00 
* Hort. Gram. Wob., p. 142. 
t Workiug Farmer, vol. 3, p. 173; and Gtli An, Rep. of Bd. of Ag. Ohio, 1851, p. 187. 
