67 
Fiorin succeeds best on light, moist or wet soils. On moist moors and clays, it also 
thrives well. On dry soils, especially on dry firm clays, it is quite out of place; in these 
circumstances the delicate roots cannot penetrate, and the stolons become lignified and 
short. Fiorin ought therefore to be sown only on moist soils, which are not too heavy. 
On heavy land which can be irrigated, it may also be cultivated. 
So far, no analyses have been made to determine the nature and quantity of mineral 
matter removed from the soil by this grass. Reasoning from the nature of the roots, which 
are superficial and sparse, it is evident that the surface layer of the soil should be soft 
and fertile, and that irrigation would be very appropriate. 
Growth, Yield, Nutritive value. Fiorin produces creeping stems or stolons 6—12 ft., and 
on favorable ground often 18 ft. long. However, as Schwersz has appropriately remarked, 
»we are not to expect that the hay produced will be 6, 12 or 18 ft. long«<, as the stolons 
do not rise into the air but creep along the ground. Here and there, short erect branches 
are produced, which, when the plant is growing well, are provided with abundance of 
leaves; these form the crop. When the soil and season are dry, fewer roots are produced ; 
whereas in moist situations the stolons, especially when trodden by cattle, produce many 
roots and grow to very great lengths. As growth goes on, Fiorin gradually forms compact, 
felted vegetation, very difficult to get rid of when the land is broken up. 
Fiorin developes rapidly after sowing, and in the first year the produce is almost at 
its best. In spring it is a late grass, but when once started, growth continues till late in 
autumn and winter. Flowering is also late, never before the end of June. Flowering and 
culm-production continue till autumn. 
At the usual hay-time the amount of produce is small, and so, when Fiorin occurs 
in a hay-mixture, its main produce goes to the second cutting. It is one of the most sui- 
table grasses for providing late pasturage. For mowing it is not so suitable, although in 
Ireland, as much as 14,080 Ibs. of hay per acre have been obtained. In Germany Pinkert 
reckons 4400—8800 Ibs. of hay per acre as fair produce. From a moist fertile soil, Vianne 
obtained 6,290 Ibs. per acre. Sinclair obtained the following produce per acre, from a 
clay soil: — 
Green. Dry. 
At the time of flowering 417,696 Ibs. 7,742 lbs. 
Aftermath . . .. . 2,722 ,, — 
On appropriate soil, Fiorin yields succulent fodder readily eaten by cattle ; on a poor, 
dry soil, the produce is hard, sapless and disagreeable. No chemical analyses have been 
published. According to Sprengel, it is very nutritive and its value is highest about the 
end of autumn. 
Harvesting, Impurities and Adulterations of seed. This grass is never grown specially 
for seed. In the forests of Germany where Fiorin is often very abundant, wild plants are 
cut for seed. The seed is ripe about August or September. When the seed is hard and 
easily rubbed out by hand harvest-time has come. The seeds do not readily fall away, so 
that there is little loss from this cause. 
Commercial seed is often largely composed of glumes; these are easily removed by 
winnowers. Common impurities and adulterants are Brown bent (Agrostis canina, L), 
Tufted hair-grass (Aira cespitosa, L.), and Silky bent (Apera spica-venti, P. Beauv.). 
The seeds of Brown bent and Fiorin are readily distinguished : — in the former, the pales 
Soil, 
Manures. 
Growth. 
Development. 
Harvest. 
Yield. 
Nutritive 
value. 
Harvesting 
the seed. 
Impurities 
and 
adulterations. 
