Nt Ae Ha de tha thar op ee 4 “ea ; vinta ene ita a eB Uibeth ae see ah i?" ‘ad rh Yi Cay nu ites Mi saheg Puli ara tien ne rasvashes ui ara a lea ae Syeaieuanti iebate) eaciactis ata icteceaatioee —— iierianet seen arenas eon eae Tita est dik Oalbaltd iy an? ali inhanieeg cme ap sia is 1 “Pei i pared Da ui : ee fount iy gp a os on he ra haas tava) wagiiekelc une eminent ete eee rue ev nae Shad Fa maseencian tl opti inte raed arg ets i iin aes ane Mh Citra Sera cara ta maitiaas leasing tte ey Lacon eos st eh ee hein echo pee baer aby TSI aN shies} nto if Pe ry sai betta Sara en wet si wi Of aera bat aaa Tesh 7 sii it ee tee onsite hc hahtee mpupaatanee hem enee igwonienehcoatain cee (edi ca Score es isotey Nie aan iy nea \ i nn ena shee tracks nigtamorna isa cies vite a ited ih tetra ktranornataccres arnt geen car ates aria Panna toneubna tahebye mae 5 ae fen i nytt iantnaicedin \ Heaton eerie} ese ei Speak abe teteacnea im evant a idaho sheet piahe i ni Tact tarred ee rite elas Ua aly Pa preterit a oats > art nasi hehe sro antenceed etanem irate Mei hcna eee cont i benves de i}; vite HA vent oy beaihaie mhaiapab ne ft Mate ge babel nhs ha Fs Sino Dita lan tenet sh ca in ne gtehehe a YS ‘holietbae pease fei ee aeece Arta deles hares ett aie SU cote tart uae a ike ed Dede! pate Foie in ee Fo an eh = ear? Midhe inte ese ira rae “pti lisepene socket gersiess rere aby sone Ley eet a Sears na ai Binet siete Sr ieee ecient ns ishebebsuabshe tata oni mia sabre gece erat es viachonitar ie ave eT ie Fel bitin viinlt oriole a) si Hy 24 eSiti ia Raster beeen n The remarks appended to the last are also applicable to this Table. QUANTITY OF GRASS SEEDS PER ACRE 21 XVI.—FOR DRIFTING OR BLOWING SANDS NAMES OF GRASSES WEIGHT lb. Ib. Ammophila arundinacea... wes es ws ss sie a ee sft 8 to 15 Elymus arenarius sing nee nee ee ane sits che se ei 6 5, 14 geniculatus sm oe ae aie abe py as ee sis 25 4 16 to 33 To prevent the encroachment of shifting sands, the most effectual means is to sow the seeds of the above-mentioned grasses, over a breadth of 20 to 50 yards, and in certain in- stances over even as much as 100 and more yards, immediately in advance of such sands. The breadth, as well as the quantity of seeds, per acre, of course, will depend on the obstacles to be overcome. It must, however, be borne in mind, that the liability of such sands to be shifted at times, especially in dry windy weather, almost entirely precludes the possibility of binding them by the agency of seeds alone. Accordingly, various methods have been resorted to for that purpose, but the most generally applicable is to deposit turf, at regular and short intervals, over the surface, and afterwards to sow the seeds of Ammophila arundinacea and Elymus arenarius in the interstices, by mixing them with clay, attached 'to small pieces of straw ropes, and dibbling these into the sand. CHAPTER III. WHICH DESCRIBES IN A POPULAR MANNER THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL GRASSES, HE following short descriptions of the different grasses recommended in the pre- ceding Chapter have been appended, in the hope that the information therein contained may be useful to cultivators who have not had opportunities of becom- ing acquainted with their characters and qualities. As many botanical terms occur in the description of the different species and varieties of grasses which may not be sufficiently understood by the agriculturist, we give at the beginning of the book an engraving in which the various parts of a grass are shown with their corresponding names. Considering, however, the popular character of this Treatise, we have avoided the use of scientific terms where we could otherwise explain the meaning with conciseness. We have added the French and German names of each variety described. § lc THE NATURAL GRASSES DESCRIBED. 1, Agrostis alba (iorin,or Marsh Bent-grass).—¥r. Agrostide blanche; Ger. Fioringras. —Root perennial, fibrous, grown in marshy or damp soils, but assuming more of a creeping habit when growing on light dry soil; height one foot to one and a half; flowers in July. There is a great number of varieties of A. alba, to several of which distinct specific names have been applied: of these may be enumerated A. alba var. stolonifera, stoloniferous bent-grass or fiorm; 4. Zatifolia, which seems to be the same; A. com- pressa, A. sylvatica, and others, which all seem to agree in acquiring a very stoloniferous habit when growing in moist situations, but assuming more of a tufted habit on dry soils. With the exception of J. stolonifera, none of the varieties are now of any importance in commerce. It is not advisable to sow the fiorin on any other than a damp or irrigated _ peaty soil. (See elustration facing page 2.) Agrostis stolonifera.—See Agrostis alba. 2, Agrostis vulgaris (Common, or Creeping-rooted Bent, Purple Bent, also, Black Switch, Squitch, Twitch, or Quick-grass).—¥y. Agrostide vuleaire; Ger. Gemeines Straussgras. —This grass is distinguished from the preceding and its varieties, by its more loose and spreading panicles, and in the leaves of the sheath being smooth to the touch, whereas in A. alba, the sheaths are rough, which may be distinctly felt by passing the finger from above downwards, although smooth in the opposite direction. It has creeping perennial roots, and is mostly confined to dry soils by its less stoloniferous and more tufted habit of growth. Usually considered as a troublesome weed in dry light soils; and, from not being liked by cattle, commonly attracts attention only as being a useless grass, to be CYNOSURUS CRISTATUS Crested Dogstail or Gold Grass THE NATURAL GRASSES DESCRIBED 23 got quit of as soon as possible, more particularly as its creeping roots prove highly injurious to the soil. However, notwithstanding its bad qualities, sheep are found to eat it, par- ticularly in the winter months, and it is sometimes sown on bare gravelly places, where the more valuable grasses will not grow, for the purpose of covering them with vegetation. 3. Aira caespitosa (Tufted Hair-grass)—Fr. Cache touffue; Ger. Rasenschmiele. —Leaves long and flat ; root fibrous, perennial ; height four feet ; flowers in the beginning of August. Grows naturally on rather superior marshy or damp soils, forming large tufts or hassocks, as they are sometimes termed; and as the grass, from its coarse, wiry, and harsh nature, is seldom eaten by domestic animals, it becomes the business of the farmer to extirpate it as soon as possible, not only on account of its unsightly appearance, but because it occupies a considerable portion of the soil which would otherwise be capable of producing more valuable grasses, particularly as it is generally most predominant on the best soils. The 4. cespitosa may, however, be advantageously sown as a cover for game, especially rabbits and hares, and, in the neighbourhood of ponds and marshes, for snipes and other fowl which frequent those places. 4, Alopecurus agrestis (Slender, or Field Fox-tail-grass, known also as Black Bent). —Fr. Vulpin des champs ; Ger. Acker-Fuchsschwanz.—Root fibrous, of biennial duration ; flowers in July and August. This grass is generally termed an annual, but it will flower and last two seasons on a light dry soil. It is of comparatively little importance to the agriculturist, and is often very troublesome among wheat. It is, however, useful for sowing along with some others on light sandy soils on the sea-coast, where it will grow much better than any of the common rye-grasses. 5. Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Fox-tail-grass).—Fr. Vulpin des prés ; Ger. Wiesen- Fuchsschwanz.—Root fibrous, perennial ; flowers in May and beginning of June. This is one of the earliest and best of pasture grasses, but not so well adapted for hay, as it - produces few stalks, which are sparingly furnished with leaves; its root leaves are very broad, long, soft, slender, and grow rapidly when cut or eaten down by live stock. Grows naturally on rather superior soils of medium texture, and constitutes the greater portion of many of the richer natural pastures of Britain. It requires two or three years after sowing to arrive at full maturity, and, therefore, it is not suitable for alternate husbandry. (See illustration facing page 4.) 6. Ammophila arundinacea (Sea-Reed, or Mat-grass),—Fr. Roseau des sables ; Ger. Sandhafer.—Root creeping, perennial ; height one and a half to two feet ; flowers in July. The ripe seed, in size and shape, resembles a grain of oats; leaves involute, or rolled inwards at the edges, of a light green colour, hard, sharp-pointed, and rather longer than the culm. It is principally used, along with the Zlymus arenarius, in fixing or consolidating shifting sand, for which it is peculiarly adapted by its strong creeping roots, and hard elastic foliage, and for preventing encroachments of the sea. 7. Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet-scented Vernal Grass).—Fr. Flouve odorante ; Ger. Gemeines Geruchgras—Root fibrous, perennial; height fifteen to eighteen inches ; flowers in May. Grows naturally on dry pastures. This grass yields but a scanty portion of herbage, and is not particularly relished by any kind of live-stock, except, perhaps, sheep ; but cattle and horses do not refuse it when mixed with other grasses. Its chief merits, in an agricultural point of view, are its early spring growth, and from its throwing up its root-foliage and flower-stalks until late in autumn. It is remarkable for giving out a pleasant sweet smell during the process of drying similar to that of the sweet-scented woodruff ; and it is to the presence of this grass that hay from natural meadows owes its 24 ON THE CULTIVATED GRASSES peculiar fragrance : this odour is said to be due to the formation of benzoic acid. It has been recommended to be sown in sheep pastures for the purpose of improving the mutton— a quality which it is supposed to possess and it is founded on the fact that pastures, when it naturally abounds, are known to produce the finest mutton. On the whole, permanent pastures should not be sown without a portion of this grass, particularly in parks and pleasure grounds, were it for no other reason than the pleasant scent which it gives out, not only when cut for hay, but also when the seeds become nearly ripe. Notwithstanding its dwarf growth and the close sward which it forms, it is but ill adapted for sowing on ornamental grounds intended for short grass, on account of its broad foliage, which has rather a coarse appearance. (See /lustration facing page 6.) 8. Arrhenatherum avenaceum (/ibrous-rooted Tall Oat-like Grass, French Rye Grass, Common Oat Grass).—¥r. Fausse avoine ; Ger. Franzistsches Raygras.—A fibrous- rooted perennial ; flowers in July, and yields a considerable bulk of somewhat bitter-tasted herbage, which is not very well relished by cattle. This grass may be found useful for sowing in plantations when the object to be sought is a coarse herbage; but it can scarcely be recommended for ordinary pasture land; for although it quickly reaches maturity, and yields a plentiful herbage until the winter frosts set in, its disagreeably bitter taste causes it to be avoided by horses, cattle, and sheep, when any other kind can be procured, added to which it yields a very small proportion of nutritive matter. Avena flavescens.—Fr. Avoine jaundtre; Ger. Goldhafer—This grass is separated by modern botanists from the genus Avena, and placed under that of Zrése¢wm, which is dis- tinguished botanically from the former, by having the lower palez terminated in two bristle-like points, and an awn proceeding from about its middle, so as to form in all three bristles: hence the name Zyisctum.—See Trisetum flavescens. (See illustration facing page 8.) 9. Brachypodium slyvaticum (]Vo0d Fescue, or Wood Wheat Grass).—Fr. Fétuque sylvatique ; Ger. Waldschwingel.—A fibrous-rooted perennial ; leaves of a darkish green and rough ; height about two feet ; flowers in July. Grows in moist shady woods and planta- tions, where it thrives and makes a coarse herbage or under-covering of verdure. It is also found in very dry places, and even on the sea coast. It is a grass not at all liked by any description of domesticated cattle ; but is eaten with apparent relish by roe and other deer, and also by hares and rabbits. Its cultivation, therefore, in game coverts may be found desirable, and also in thick shady groves, more especially, too, as it retains its verdure throughout the winter. When its cultivation is desired in very old woods, it can only be successtully accomplished by transplantation from places where it grows naturally, or from nursery beds. Bromus giganteus.—Fr. Brome giant; Ger. Riesentrespe.—This grass, the Bucetum giganteum of Parnell, is referred by modern botanists to the genus Festuca—See Festuca gigantea. 10. Cynosurus cristatus (Crested Dogstail, or Gold Grass).—Fr. Critelle des pres; Ger. Kammgras.—Leaves short, rather narrow, and taping gradually to the points; root fibrous, perennial ; flowers in June and July; height one to two feet. This grass seems to have a wide range of soils. Grows naturally on dry pastures, and also on those where the soil is damp and tenacious; but is most abundant in pastures at low and medium altitudes, and has been found to thrive well in irrigated meadows. _ Its flower stalks are not eaten by cattle, but allowed to stand and ripen seed ; hence it is supposed undeserving of cultivation ; but this applies only to the culms and stalks, as all domesticated animals, and particularly sheep, are fond of the root leaves, which, although short, are produced in DACTYLIS GLOMERATA Rough Cocksfoot. THE NATURAL GRASSES DESCRIBED 25 abundance. Sheep are less liable to be affected by the foot-rot, when fed on pastures containing a considerable proportion of this, than on such as are composed of the more tender and soft-leaved sorts. In pasture lands where this grass does not naturally form a portion of the mixture, it is expedient to introduce a little of it; but, on the other hand, there are many pastures in which it is far too predominant. From its forming a close turf, and having rather fine foliage, it may be advantageously sown on lawns, croquet, bowling and bleaching-greens, and other places which are intended to be kept under the scythe. (See ilustration facing page 22.) 11. Dactylis glomerata (Common Rough Cocksfoot, or Orchard Grass).—¥r. Dactyle pelotonné ; Ger. Gemeines Knaulgras.—Root fibrous, perennial ; flowers in June and July. The Rough Cocksfoot is a well-known grass, growing abundantly, from one to two feet in height, on all waste places where not very barely cropped by cattle. It is a valuable grass in cultivation, on account of the great quantity of produce which it yields, and the rapidity with which its leaves grow after being eaten or cut. Its habit of growth is tufty, and rather unsightly, with broad foliage, of a slightly glaucous-green colour, which renders it unfit for ornamental parks and pleasure grounds. Sheep are remarkably fond. of it, but they should be put to graze upon it early in spring; for if allowed to stand too long, it gets hard and coarse. When subjected to perpetual pasturage the Cocksfoot does not seem to last above five or six years, but gives place to the smaller and finer leaved sorts. This may be accounted for by its spreading very little in the ground, and being in general closely eaten down, particularly by sheep. It is well adapted for growing in shady moist places, under trees, &c. An extended series of experiments and observations induce us now to recommend the use of this grass in alternate husbandry, where the land is intended to be kept in gtass for two or more years before being again broken up. The Cocksfoot is found to succeed best on land incumbent on a porous subsoil, so that the fibrous roots may have power to penetrate to a considerable depth, under which circumstances the plant thrives very luxuriantly, and is permanent. On a thin soil, with hard subsoil, its success cannot be depended on. In America (from whence it is supposed to have been introduced to Great Britain), it is getting into extensive cultivation, under the name of Orchard Grass. (Sze illustration facing page 24.) 12. Dactylis ceespitosa (Zussac Grass of the Falklands).—¥r. Dactyle cespiteuse ; Ger. Buschig Knaulgras.—Fibrous-rooted, perennial; the fibres very tortuous; stems or culms numerous, erect, branched, or divided only at the base, three or four feet long, smooth, compressed, leafy, and pale yellow, abounding in saccharine matter, and when young, edible even by man; flowers in February and March. The densely matted roots form isolated hillocks or tussocks, three to six feet in height, and three or four in diameter, from which the leaves and stems spring. Several attempts have been made to introduce the Tussac Grass into general cultivation on the sea-coasts of this country ; but, except in the Orkneys and Lewes, with very indifferent success. Localities within influence of the sea spray, the soil being of a peaty nature, are, without doubt, the best adapted for the growth of the Tussac; and in such places it would be of great service, as few other nutritive grasses will exist there. 13. Elymus arenarius (Sand, or Upright Sea Lyme Grass).—¥r. Elyme des sables ; Ger. Strandhafer.—Leaves hard and spiny pointed, of a light glaucous colour, and partly rolled in at the edges; perennial, with powerfully creeping roots ; height two to five feet ; flowers in July. This grass, both in its green state and as hay, is rejected by all our domesticated animals, owing, no doubt, to its excessive hardness and coarseness. The E 26 ON THE CULTIVATED GRASSES purpose for which &. avenarzus is generally employed, and for which its creeping matted roots fit it in an eminent degree, is for binding loose sands, and thus to repel the encroach- ments of the sea, and to prevent the adjoining cultivated land from being overspread by a sandy deposit. It is so used in several parts of Britain, but more extensively on the shores of Holland. The best method of cultivating this grass will be found described at page 21 of the present Treatise. 14. Hlymus geniculatus (XKvee-Jointed, or Pendulous Sea Lyme Grass).—F¥r. Elyme pendant; Ger. Hingender Strandhafer—Spikes long and slender, often jointed or bent down as if broken; perennial; grows naturally on sandy sea shores, but is not common on those of Britain. This plant bears a considerable resemblance to the &. arenarius, but differs in its foliage being narrower, and in its spikes, as well as general habit, being more loose or open; its roots are also Jess spreading. In addition to being useful for similar purposes with the other, its large oat-hke seeds afford good food for wild-fowl ; and, from. growing in large ‘tufts, to the height of from four to six feet, on almost any sort of soil, it may be beneficially employed_as a cover for game, especially in rabbit warrens, and sandy or gravelly links. 15. Festuca duriuscula (Hard Fescue Grass).—F¥r. Fétugque durette; Ger. Harter Schwingel.—Stem-leaves broader and more flattened than the root ones, which are rounded or wire-shaped; root perennial, somewhat creeping, and throwing out lateral shoots occa- sionally ; flowers in June and July; height from one and a half to two feet. The Hard Fescues may be classed amongst the best native grasses for general purposes. It will thrive on a great variety of soils, and produce a greater weight of fodder than might be expected from its comparative dwarf habit of growth, and is found to resist the effect of severe drought in summer, and to retain its verdure during winter in a remarkable degree. It con- stitutes a great portion of the best natural pastures in the country, especially where the soil is light and dry. From the fineness of its foliage and greenness in winter, it is well adapted for sowing in parks and pleasure-grounds, and for sheep pasture; but for short grass to be kept under the scythe, it should, from its wiry nature, enter sparingly into the mixture. 16. Festuca elatior (Tall Meadow Fescue).—¥r. Hitugue roseau ; Ger. Hoher Wiesen- Schwingel.—This species may be easily distinguished from /. pratens7s by being much larger (nearly double) in all its parts. It is perennial and fibrous-rooted, somewhat creeping, and forming large tufts ; grows from three to five feet high ; flowers in July. Is found naturally on moist superior soils, in waste places, by the banks of rivers, in shady places, and even on the rocky coasts of the sea. It is rather a coarse-hke grass, but may be sown either for hay or parmenent pasture, on moist soils, shady places, &c., where the elevation does not exceed 4oo feet. Yields an abundant crop, and, notwithstanding its seeming coarseness, is relished by cattle generally, and is found valuable for those damp soils that cannot be made sufficiently dry for the cultivation of the more valuable grasses. 17. Festuca gigantea (Giant Wood Fescue or Brome Grass),—F¥r. Fétuque gtante ; Ger. Riesen-Schwingel.—Leaves long, very broad, ribbed, and of a vivid green colour ; roots fibrous, perennial, somewhat creeping; height four to five feet; flowers in July and August. In a natural state, where it grows in woods, this grass is rarely found. It yields an immense bulk of herbage, but is not relished by domesticated cattle, except in a dry state and mixed with other grasses. Its nutritive value is small, and its cultivation can only be considered advisable in land too thickly shaded by trees for the growth of better kinds ; and in places where its coarse luxuriant herbage and large seeds may render it desirable as a game cover. ‘The seeds are much sought after by small birds. FESTUCA OVINA Sheep's Fescue Grass. THE NATURAL GRASSES DESCRIBED 27 18. Festuca heterophylla (Various leaved Hard Fescue).— Fr. Fétuque héttrophylle ; Ger. Ungleichblittriger Schwingel.—Root leaves long, narrow, and flexuous, of a dark green colour ; leaves of the culm or stalk, broad, and of a lighter or more vivid green; culms numerous and upright; root fibrous, perennial ; flowers in June and July; height four to five feet. This species is a native of France, and introduced to Britain in 1812. It is grown pretty extensively on several parts of the Continent, particularly in the Low Countries, from whence its seeds are imported. It is well adapted for our climate, and ripens an abundance of seed. Fora single crop of hay, it is particularly well suited, and will yield as great, if not a greater, bulk of herbage as any other of the Fescues, but produces little except root-leaves after being cut. Upon the whole, it is well fitted for sowing as a mixture, either on hay or pasture lands, but particularly on the former. 19. Festuca loliacea (Darnel, or Spiked Rye-Grass-like Fescue, Slender Fescue Grass).— Fr. Fétuque @’ivraie, Ger. Lolchschwingel—aA fibrous-rooted perennial ; flowers in July. In habit of growth and bulk of produce this species much resembles / pratensis, but differs from it in having its inflorescence spiked, as in the Rye Grass, also by being naturally more adapted to grow in marshy situations. It is easily distinguished from the Rye Grass by its spikelets having occasionally a short foot-stalk, always two glumes, and improving in proportion to its age. which is directly the reverse of the Rye Grass. This grass is well suited for marshy soils, and in rich meadow lands which are occasionally overflowed by fresh water. 20, Festuca ovina (Sheep's Fescue).—Fr. Fétugue ovine; Ger. Schafschwingel— Leaves very narrow and rough; stem square; seed small; cylindrical, and pointed at both ends; grows in small tufts; roots fibrous, perennial; height from twelve to eighteen inches; flowers’in June and July. This species is easily distinguished from £. duriuscula by its dwarf and more tufted habit of growth, its short, stiff, upright leaves, and, above all, by its square culms or stalks. Grows naturally on light, dry, and sandy soils, and on elevated mountain pastures. The presence of this grass is indicative of the dry nature of the soil, and its consequent adaptability for sheep. It forms the greater part of the sheep pastures of the Highlands. In quantity of produce it is much inferior to the other cultivated Fescues, but from being well liked by sheep, it should always enter into the composition of mixtures for lands on which they are to be pastured. In fact, on the authority of Linnzeus, these animals have no relish for hills and heaths which are destitute of this grass. Although the foliage is fine, it is not well suited for sowing on lawns or bowling-greens, on account of its small tufted habit of growth, and the difficulty experienced in cutting it with the scythe. A variety (/ ovina var. tenudfolia), the &. tenuifolia of some botanists, grows naturally in great abundance with the species in many of the dry pastures of France, and may be met with occasionally in Britain. It differs from the species in being of a less tufted habit of growth, having shorter stems or culms, looser panicles, awnless, smaller seeds, and much longer and slenderer leaves, which are of a light vivid green colour. Is of little importance in field culture, but well suited for sowing in ornamental pleasure-ground. (See ellustration facing page 26.) 21. Festuca pratensis (Meadow Fescue Grass),—Fr. Fétuque des pris; Ger. Wiesen- Schwingel—Leaves broad, and of a lively green colour; root fibrous, perennial ; height generally from two to three feet ; flowers in June and July. This is an excellent grass, either for alternate husbandry or permanent pasture, but more particularly the latter, combining most of the properties without the defects of Common Rye Grass. When growing naturally, it is generally found on superior, rather moist soils, and often forming 28 ON THE CULTIVATED GRASSES a considerable portion of the natural pasture; but does not thrive well on dry soils. Makes excellent hay, and though a large plant, the leaves of the herbage are succulent and tender, and apparently much liked by cattle, as they never form rank tufts, as is the case with the larger grasses. (See ellustration facing page 28.) 22. Festuca rubra (Red, or Creeping Fescue).—Fr. Fétuque rouge; Ger. Rother Schwingel,—This is considered by some as merely a variety of the & duriuscula, shghtly altered in habit, from growing always on light dry sandy soils. It is distinguished, how- ever, by its creeping roots, broader and generally darker-coloured foliage, and producing a smaller number of stems. From its creeping-rooted habit, it is comparatively of little use to the agriculturist, except for sowing on light sandy sea coasts, after the shifting sand has been partially consolidated, and on the slopes of railway cuttings and embankments, where the soil is dry. 23. Holcus lanatus (JPoolly Soft Grass, Aleadow Soft Grass, or Yorkshire Fog).— Fr. Hougue laincuse, Ger. Honiggras.—Leaves downy ; root fibrous, perennial ; height one to two feet ; flowers in June and July. Grows naturally on inferior light soils, and particularly on such as have a little peat in their composition, and are of a dampish nature. The A /avafus is very productive and easy of cultivation, but is of little value for either hay or pasture. It yields a large bulk of aftermath, which, however, is not liked by cattle, either in a green state or when made into hay, owing, it is supposed, to its soft spongy nature, and from not having a sufficiency of a sub-acid or saline taste, its nutritive matter, according to Sir Humphrey Davy, consisting entirely of mucilage and sugar. This property may in séme degree be overcome by sprinkling a little salt over it when stacking, or before giving it to cattle. Where the soil is fitted for other grasses, 2. /anatus can only be considered as a troublesome weed, and all means should be used for its extirpation. This and the following species of Mo/cus are distinguished from all the rest of our common grasses by the soft and woolly appearance of their panicles : those of HT, lanatus assume a great variety of shades in colour, from a white to a beautiful red, but generally on a whitish ground. (See ¢/ustration facing page 30.) 24. Holcus mollis (Creeping Soft Grass, or Bearded Soft Grass).—Fr. Houque molle; Ger. [Veiches Honiggras—Root perennial, creeping, sometimes from three to five feet in length; leaves pale green and roughish; flowers in July. This is easily distin- guished from the preceding species, by producing fewer culms, having looser panicles, longer awns, broader foliage, and powerfully creeping roots; grows naturally in a great variety of soils, but principally in dry woods, bushy places, and waste ground. It is possessed of no property to recommend it for cultivation, and can only be considered useful for sowing in wooded and barren, dry, or gravelly grounds. Its creeping roots, however, render it useful for fixing dry sandy slopes, railway embankments, &c. Where it abounds naturally in good pastures it should be extirpated to make room for superior sorts. 25. Lolium italicum (/talian Rye Grass).—¥r. Raygras d’ltalie, Ger. [talientsches Raygras.—A fibrous-rooted grass, of biennial or triennial duration ; native of the south of Europe ; flowers in May and June. Introduced by us from Italy in 1833. The most marked distinction between this and Z. Zevenne is in the lower pales being terminated by an awn or beard, the varieties of the latter being all beardless. Botanists, however, agree in concluding that the presence or absence of the awn in Graminee does not con- stitute a sufficiently permanent character, from its being often caused merely by the effects of climate, soil, &c. Hence it has been concluded, the Italian Rye Grass is FESTUCA PRATENSIS Meadow Fescue Grass. le be THE NATURAL GRASSES DESCRIBED 20 only a variety of Z. perenne. The former, however, possesses other distinctive characters, which, although they may seem of little consequence in the estimation of the botanist, are, nevertheless (some of them at least) of considerable importance to the agriculturist. Compared with any varieties of Common Rye Grass, the Z. ztalicum affords a stronger braird, arrives sooner at maturity, has a greater abundance of foliage, which is broader, and of a lighter or more lively green colour, grows considerably taller, is more upright, or less inclined to spread on the ground; its spikes are longer; spikelets more thinly set, and, upon the whole, producing a less bulk of seed, which is smaller; has the awn (above mentioned) adhering to it, and is generally about two-thirds the weight per bushel of that of Common Perennial Rye Grass, when grown under similar circumstances. Another of its distinguishing characters is, that it is preferred by cattle to any of the common sorts, a fact which has been proved by numerous experiments in various parts of the country, while it yields early, bulky, and quickly succeeding herbage, which renders it an invaluable grass for alternate husbandry. Its comparatively limited duration fits it well for sowing in mixture with the other grasses intended for permanent pasture, as it dies out and gives place to the weak or slowly maturing perennial sorts, which are destined ultimately to fill the ground. General experience since our first introduction of the Italian Rye Grass to Britain, enables us to state, that, in respect to duration, it may be termed a sub-perennial, beyond which title even the most permanent varieties of Z. perenne have no claim. In most instances, two seasons of Italian Rye Grass are all that can, with any degree of certainty, be depended upon; and in very wet, cold, spongy soils, it will often exhibit a thin stock the second season. Instances have, however, occurred, in which as many as five and six successive years’ produce have been reaped from the same field, yielding annually, on an average, about seven and a half tons of dry hay per acre ; but this has arisen more from the ground having been resown in course of reaping the seed, than from the actual duration of the original plants; the seeds being remarkably easily separated from the hay, even although not perfectly ripe, which will always render the harvesting of them an operation attended with considerable care and difficulty. Although the natural tendency of the Italian Rye Grass is to produce many stalks or stems from the same root, yet, from its upright habit of growth, it by no means forms a close turf; hence the propriety of sowing it with a mixture of other grasses of a different habit, which, by filling up the interstices, will add considerably to the weight of produce. Only one opinion is now entertained as to the real merits of the Italian Rye Grass, and the best proof of its excellence is the great and yearly increasing demand for its seeds. (See 2//us- tration facing page 32.) 26. Lolium perenne (Common Rye Grass).—Fr. Raygras d’ Angleterre; Ger. Eng- lisches Raygras.—A fibrous-rooted grass of biennial, triennial, or quadrennial duration ; flowers in June and July. Grows naturally in meadows and rich pastures. Possesses several good qualities to recommend it to the attention of cultivators, the principal of which are— its suitableness to a great variety of soils, the facility with which it is propagated, by reason of its seeds being produced in abundance, and their uniformity in ripening ; and, although last, not the least of its good qualities, the fibrous structure of its roots, which fits it in an eminent degree for alternate husbandry. Like other plants which have received an exten- sive cultivation, there are several varieties of the Common Rye Grass. Those of the most perennial habits, which are distinguished by their yielding a great abundance of root leaves and fewer stalks or culms, are denominated Perennial; and those of shorter duration, which generally produce a smaller quantity of root leaves and a greater number of culms, 30 ON THE CULTIVATED GRASSES are, for distinction only, termed Annual, but even these last will, under favourable cir- cumstances, exist two or three years, while under unfavourable circumstances the most esteemed perennial varieties will scarcely exist more than one or two years. See idlus- tration facing page 34. 1. Lvergreen.—This variety does not yield such a bulky crop as the ordinary kind, but it is still more perennial in its nature, and withstands the rigour of winter well, retaining its verdure throughout the year. It is.a very good variety for sowing in ornamental grounds. Known, also, as Devon Evers. 2. Line-leaved.—This variety (Z. perenne tenue) is distinguished for the fineness of its foliage, qualities which recommend it for sowing down ornamental grounds. 3. Facey’s.—This variety produces an abundance of foliage, both at the roots and on the stalks, and from its perennial character is well adapted for pleasure grounds and permanent pasture. 27. Milium effusum (Wood, or Spreading Millet Grass).—Fr. Millet divergent ; Ger. Wald-Hirsengras.—A fibrous-rooted perennial; flowers in June; grows naturally in old woods and copses, and most frequently on rich vegetable soils composing the shelving and sloping banks of rivers, where it usually attains a height of from four to six feet. The abundance of seed which it produces, together with its naturally preferring to grow in the cool and shade of trees, recommend it for game preserves. Every part of the grass is relished by cattle, and the aftermath comes away freely, even after the first crop has been allowed to ripen seed. 28. Phalaris arundinacea (Reed-like Canary Grass).—Fr. Alpiste roseau; Ger. Rohvrartiges Glanzgras.—Root creeping, perennial; height four to six feet; flowers in July. Grows naturally on alluvial and tenacious clayey soils, by the sides of rivers, lakes, pools, &c. This grass contains a considerable proportion of nutritious matter; but, from its coarseness, cattle in general refuse it, although they eat it if cut into chaff prior to flowering, and mixed with other food. It yields a large bulk of hay, which in some parts is found very convenient for littering cattle. 29. Phleum pratense (Zimothy, or Catstail Grass).—Fr. Fléole des prés; Ger. Thimotée-gras.—Root perennial, somewhat creeping ; leaves flat and roughish ; height from one and a half to two feet ; flowers in the end of June. In America this grass is cultivated, where the soil is favourable, to exclusion of almost all other kinds; and in Britain it is also grown to a considerable extent, particularly in some districts of England. It thrives best on moist soils or carse lands, and also on newly-reclaimed moorish soils. When grown on dry light soils its roots become bulbous or tuberous. The Timothy Grass pos- sesses the advantage of affording a much greater quantity of nutriment when its seeds are ripe than it does if cut when in flower; hence an increased stimulus is given to its culti- vation, from its seeds being procured without its being lessened in value as a hay crop. On tenacious, strong, and rather moist soils, it is entitled to precedence of almost any other, and should at least form a considerable proportion of the mixture employed for sowing them down, either for alternate husbandry or permanent pastures. Compared with several others, it is, however, rather deficient as an early spring grass, but is equal to any of the varieties of Common Rye grass. (See illustration facing page 36.) 30. Poa alpina (A/pine Meadow Grass.—Fr. Paturin alpin; Ger. Alpen Rispengras. —Root perennial, fibrous, and of a tufted habit ; leaves short and rough on the edges and inner surface; height from four to twelve inches; flowers in June. Grows naturally at very high elevations, but thrives, also, in low-lying districts. This is a valuable grass for HOLCUS LANATUS Wooly Soft Grass or Yorkshire Foé. THE NATURAL GRASSES DESCRIBED 31 lofty mountain pastures, where its extended culture would be attended with advantage ; for scarcely any other grass will succeed at so great an elevation. 31. Poa annua (Annual Meadow Grass).—Fr. Paturin annuel; Ger. Einjihriges Rispengras.—Stem slightly compressed ; roots fibrous, annual; average height about nine inches ; in flower most part of the year. The P. annua is the most common grass in all temperate climates, and generally considered as a very troublesome weed. From its being greedily eaten by cows and sheep, it has been recommended as a pasture grass; but there are two obstacles which tend to prevent its cultivation: viz. the difficulty with which its seeds are collected, owing to the irregularity in which they arrive at maturity, and from being easily shaken out when ripe; and the small bulk of produce. It has, however, been beneficially employed for sowing on greens and bleaching grounds, in towns and places where the perennial grasses are apt to be destroyed in winter. In summer it will ripen its seeds in four or five weeks from the time of sowing. (See dllustration facing page 38.) 32. Poa aquatica (Water Meadow Grass, or Reedy Water Grass).—Ft. Paturin aquatigue; Ger. Wasser Rispengras.—Leaves long, broad, tapering to the point, and of a vivid green colour ; root powerfully creeping; height about six feet on an average, but often much more ; flowers | in the latter end of July. Grows naturally in and by the sides of muddy pools, fresh -water lakes, and sluggish rivers, also on rich alluvial soils, more especially on the banks of rivers, where occasionally covered by fresh-water tides. Yields an immense bulk of coarse nutritious herbage ; but is apt, by its rapid growth and creeping roots, to choke up ditches and small streams. It is one of the tallest, and, at same time, the most productive in herbage of all the British grasses. 33. Poa fluitans (Hoating Sweet Meadow, or Water Grass).—Fr. Paturin flottante ; Ger. Schwimmendes Siissgras—Leaves long, broad and floating when in deep water ; root fibrous; height two to three feet. Flowers from May to the end of August. Grows naturally in and by the sides of ditches, pools, rivers, and on alluvial fresh-water marshy soils generally ; and is eaten with avidity by horses, cattle, sheep, and swine. It has been said not to thrive except when constantly in water; but there are few grasses better adapted for irrigated meadows, and even on moderately dry ground it will yield a considerable . produce. Besides being useful as a herbage and forage plant, its seeds are greedily eaten by wild ducks and other marsh fowls; also by trout and other fresh-water fish, They are very nourishing, and form the mannakroop of the shops (the Semolina of commerce), and ‘are used in soups and gruel. They aye rather difficult to collect, in consequence of their irregularity in ripening, and from being easily shaken out when ripe. 34. Poa nemoralis (Wood Meadow Grass).—F¥r, Paturin des bots; Ger. Hainrispen- gras.—Leaves plaited at the base, broader and longer than the sheath ; culm of foot-stalk slender, but pretty upright; root fibrous, or slightly spreading, when growing in light sandy soil; flowers in June and July ; height from one and a half to three feet. This grass, as its name implies, is found naturally in shady woods, particularly in alpine situations, and is well adapted for growing under trees ; but will also thrive on exposed places, and even on inferior light soils. Its habit of growth is delicate, upright, close, and regular, with the panicles partially drooping, or bending, when nearly ripe. There is no grass better adapted for pleasure grounds, particularly under trees, as it will not only grow in such places, but form a fine sward, where few of the other fine grasses can exist. It produces foliage in abund- ance early in spring, but grows rather slowly after being cut for seed. From the closeness of its habit of growth, it is found to displace annual and biennial weeds, and also those of 32 ON THE CULTIVATED GRASSES more permanent duration, provided it be allowed to run to seed. There are several varieties of P. nemorailis in cultivation, the most important of which is the Evergreen, or Hudson’s Bay Meadow Grass (P. nemoralis, var. sempervirens). The recommendatory characteristics of the Hudson’s Bay Grass are its perpetual greenness, earliness in spring, and the rapidity with which it reproduces leaves and stems after being eaten or cut down; in addition to which, its thick growth, fineness of foliage, and capability of growing under the shade of trees, like the common P. nemoralis (from which it cannot be considered specifically dis- tinct), render it a most desirable grass for lawns and ornamental parks. 35. Poa pratensis (Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass).—¥r. Paturin des prés; Gey. IViesen Rispengrass.—-Root creeping ; stem smooth ; leaves hardish and roughish ; height two feet ; flowers in May and June ; grows naturally in very dry situations, as on rocks, and tops of walls, This grass has been greatly recommended for pasture, from its yielding a large quantity of herbage at a very early period of the season; but it possesses several bad properties, which render the propriety of its culture at least doubtful, except, perhaps, in very dry soils, where the more valuable grasses are liable to suffer from drought. Its creeping roots impoverish the soil, and its foliage ceases, in a great measure, to grow after the month of June; while it is liable to be injured by the disease called rust, and from its growing in large patches, all the other grasses within its reach are destroyed. When intended for hay it should be cut while in flower; for if allowed to ripen its seed, a con- siderable loss will be sustained. (See dlustration facing page 40.) 36. Poa trivialis (Rough-stalked, Stoloniferous Meadow Grass).—Fr. Paturin Com- mun, Ger. Gemeines Rispengras.—Leaves rather smooth ; producing shoots from the base of the culms, which trail on the ground, and make small roots at their joints in moist weather ; root fibrous, perennial ; flowers in June and July; height, two to two and a half feet. This is a valuable grass as a mixture for pasture lands, particularly on damp soils, and where partly shaded by trees; and is well suited, with Agrostis alba var. stolonifera and Poa fluitans, for irrigated meadows. _ Its stoloniferous shoots begin to grow pretty early in spring, and by lying prostrate on the ground form a beautiful verdant sward. As the season becomes more advanced, however, these shoots are dried up by the effects of the sun, but they shoot out again towards the end of the season, when the weather becomes more moist, and continue green during the greater part of the winter; a habit of growth which fits it for mixing with the upright growing sorts, such as the Italian Rye Grass. Although possessed of tender foliage, and easily cut with the scythe, it is not adapted for sowing for short grass, as it is apt to get dried up in summer, while its creeping shoots are liable to be raised by the rake or broom in clearing off, thus giving the work an unfinished appearance. (See Wlustration facing page 42.) 37. Trisetum flavescens ( Yel/ow?sh Oat Grass).—Fr. Avoine jaundtre; Ger. Gold- hafer.—Root fibrous, perennial ; height one and a half to two feet ; flowers in July. Grows naturally in dry pastures, on rather light and good soils, and is eagerly sought after by sheep. The Z. flavescens yields a considerable bulk of fine herbage, and deserves to form a por- tion of all mixtures on light dry soils, either for hay or pasture ; but is one of those grasses which never thrive unless combined with others. It arrives early at maturity, and although a perennial, yet, if allowed to ripen seed, is but of short duration, particularly if grown on stiff moist soils. ITALICUM LOLIUM italian Ryegrass- THE NATURAL GRASSES DESCRIBED 33 LIST OF SYNONYMS Agrostis stolonifera, KOCH .......cccccccceseeneeee See Agrostis alba. Ammophila arenaria, K0ch ........eceesse sees — Ammophila arundinacea. Arrhenatherum elatior, Koch .......cccee — Arrhenatherum avenaceum. Arundo arenaria, Smith, Hooker .....c.0.cc08 — Ammophila arundinacea. Avena elatior, £7727. .......ceceecescnecetere sere es — Arrhenatherum avenaceum. Avena flavescens, Smith, Hooker, Koch...... -- Trisetum flavescens. Bromus giganteus, L27277., Hooker .........+6 — Festuca gigantea. Bucetum elatius, Parnell ..... cece eee — Festuca elatior. Bucetum giganteum, Pariell .........:cc pees — Festuca gigantea. Bucetum loliaceum, Pariell.........6. cece — Festuca loliacea. Bucetum pratense, Parviell .....cccccccseveeees — Festuca pratensis. Deschampsia ceespitosa, Zindley............... — Aira ceespitosa. Festuca sylvatica, Smith .....cseessseeeeee eee — Brachypodium sylvaticum. Festuca tenuifolia, Schrader ......ccccccc eee — Festuca ovina var. tenuifolia. Festuca fluitans, Zim. .....00. ceeecceeseeeeeeese —= Poa fluitans. Glyceria fluitans, Siith, Eindiny dgsaegueeiocie — Poa fluitans. Glyceria aquatica, S1ith....cccccceeeee « — Poa aquatica. Holcus avenaceus, Smith, Hooker ............ — Arrhenatherum avenaceum, Hydrochloa aquatica, Lindley .........cc sees _— Poa aquatica. POA NETVOSA siesessecsesenecer eee eenceenasenteeeees — Poa nemoralis var. sempervirens. Psamma arundinacea, Lindley ................ — Ammophila arundinacea. Schedonorus pratensis, Limdley ......... 00 — Festuca pratensis. Schedunorus elatior, LAMDIEY sc sstioa sen ts oon — Festuca elatior. Triticum sylvaticum, Parnell wo... — Brachypodium sylvaticum, 34 ON THE CULTIVATED GRASSES § 2° CLOVERS AND OTHER PLANTS GENERALLY TERMED ARTIFICIAL GRASSES 1, Achillea, Millefolium (Yarrow, or Common Milfoil).—¥r. Achillée Millefeuille ; Ger. Schafgarbe.—A fibrous-rooted perennial ; flowers in June, July, and, occasionally, in the succeeding months. Leaves slightly hairy, and cut into a number of partitions ; flower- stalks furrowed ; root stems, which creep on the ground, striking root in the soil during damp weather ; flowers generally white, but occasionally pink, and sometimes even deep red ; grows naturally in dry pastures on light soils. The Yarrow is highly astringent, and reckoned a grateful food for sheep, when mixed with the common pasture grasses ; but it is more as a condiment that it is to be considered than as affording direct nutritive matter. It is, therefore, generally sown in mixtures with such seeds as are reckoned best adapted for permanent sheep pasture, and in soils where it is found naturally to thrive. This plant may with advantage be sown on the poorest and driest pasture, and is capable of withstanding the most excessive drought. In rabbit warrens, dry sandy slopes, and on railway cuttings or embankments it may advantageously be introduced. 2. Cytisus scoparius (Common Broom).—F¥t. Genet; Ger. Pfriemenkraut.—This well-known plant has been recommended for sowing in pastures for sheep, to afford them a supply of winter food ; but although they are found to eat it when grown naturally within their reach ; yet from its excessive bitterness, and the diuretic qualities ascribed to it, it may be questioned whether they do not do so rather by way of medicine than for actual nourishment. The propriety of introducing Broom to a great extent is doubtful, particularly as it invariably produces bad effects when eaten in large quantities. 3. Lotus corniculatus (Common Birdsfoot Trefoil).—¥r. Lotier corniculé ; Ger. Grob- horniger Schotenklee.—A. prostrate deep-rooting perennial; flowers eight or ten, generally of a bright yellow, but sometimes orange-coloured, especially before being fully expanded ; stem decumbent, smooth ; root thick and fusiform ; flowers about the end of June, and continues till the end of August. Height from six inches to one foot. Grows abundantly on dry elevated pastures, sandy links, and heathy places. This plant is well deserving of cultivation on light dry and very elevated inferior soils, where it will yield a greater bulk of herbage than any of the cultivated clovers. It is highly nutritious, quite equal to any of the clovers, and eaten with avidity by cattle. From the great depth to which its roots penetrate, it is not liable to be injured by drought, and is thereby enabled to retain its verdure after the grasses and other plants are burnt up. 4, Lotus major (Greater Birdsfoot Trcfoil).—Fr. Lotier majeure; Ger. Hoher Schoten- klee.—A spreading or creeping-rooted perennial ; flowers in July and August; grows naturally in moist situations, by the sides of ditches, damp hedges, osier beds, and bushy places, and attains its greatest luxuriance in soils which have a portion of peat in their composition. Possesses several good properties with the last, but yields a much greater bulk of herbage. It is distinguished from Z. cornicudatus by its more luxuriant habit, also in the form of its roots, which are fibrous and creeping, while those of the latter are thick and fusiform, characteristics which both retain when cultivated under any circumstances. 5. Medicago lupulina (Common Yellow Clover, or Trefoil, Nonsuch, Black Medick Lupuline).—Fr. Minette jaune ; Ger. Gelbkiee.—A fibrous-rooted biennial or sub-perennial z flowers from May to August; grows in dry pastures and cultivated grounds. This LOGLIUM PERENNE Perennial Ryedrass. THE ARTIFICIAL GRASSES DESCRIBED 35 plant has been cultivated in mixture with Red Clover and Rye Grass, for a great length of time. Its seeds, which are produced in much greater abundance, are con- sequently cheaper than those of any of the other clovers; and it is questionable whether this circumstance may not contribute to the extensive cultivation which it receives, more than any superior merit. Although the produce is bulky, cattle are not generally fond of it, either in a green or dry state, and only eat it with a seeming relish when mixed with some more nutritious and esteemed food; on which account it should enter but sparingly into mixtures. 6. Medicago sativa (Zucerne).—Fr. Lucerne; Ger. Lucerner Klee. —Stem erect, branching, smooth ; flowers in racemes or clusters, generally of a purplish colour ; root perennial, thick, and branching, penetrating very deep into the subsoil, sometimes ten or twelve feet; height about three feet; flowers in June and July. The cultivation of Lucerne is of unknown antiquity in Italy, Spain, and the south of France ; it is likewise cultivated in Persia, and several other countries of Asia ; also in Peru, and elsewhere in South America ; in the Canadas, and the United States. In Britain it is a valuable early plant for yielding fodder before the Red Clover; and its cultivation has often been attempted, and attended with various degrees of success. Scotland is too cold for the successful growth of Lucerne. The soils which appear most congenial to it are those of a very light sandy or dry nature, as for example, those near the coast, where it is generally found to thrive well, although exposed to the direct influence of the sea breeze, and to be fit for cutting at least a fortnight earlier than common Rye Grass and Red Clover. If proper attention be paid to the young plants, as to thinning, &c., they will yield a con- siderable crop the second year; but it is, at least, the third season after sowing before they arrive at full maturity ; and afterwards, they will continue to produce good crops for eight years, and even more, provided they receive a good top-dressing occasionally in winter, and are kept free from couch-grass and other perennial weeds. 7. Onobrychis sativa (Common Sainfoin).—Fr. Esparcette, or Sainfoin ordinaire ; Ger. Esparsette.—A leguminous plant, flowers in spikes, of a beautiful pink or flesh colour, on long foot-stalks; stems nearly upright; roots subfusiform, somewhat woody, and penetrating to a considerable depth, perennial; height two to three feet ; flowers from June to August. Grows naturally in light chalky soils in various parts of England. Although a native of England, the Sainfoin is said to have been originally introduced as an agricultural plant from France ; and is now considered the most important leguminous herbage and forage plant in the calcareous districts of both countries, and particularly on the poor dry thin chalky hills and downs in the South of England. A very judicious method of raising this plant, which is practised in some parts, is to sow it with about half the quantity of barley or other grain used for a full crop, which gives it the advantage of being shaded and kept moist during the first summer, without the chance of the plants ‘being weakened from the closeness of the corn crop. In cases where the barley or corn is drilled the Sainfoin should be drilled across the field, or at right angles with the drills’of the corn crop. The usual period of duration of Sainfoin, in a profitable state, is from eight to ten years in chalky soils, and seven or eight in those of a sandy or gravelly nature ; but although the plants lose a good deal of their vigour at that age, they have been known to exist for nearly a hundred years. The duration of the crop may, however, be increased by judicious top-dressing. In Scotland, the cultivation of Sainfoin has hitherto been little attended to, partly, no doubt, from an opinion that it is only suited for chalky soils; but it has been ascertained to succeed well on almost any soil, provided it be sufficiently dry, 36 ON THE CULTIVATED GRASSES and particularly on such as are of a calcareous sandy nature, or are incumbent on limestone. On such of these as are too thin or dry for producing good crops of corn and grass, it may be grown with very beneficial results. 8. Petroselinum sativum (Common Parsley).—Fr. Persil ordinaire ; Ger. Petersilie. —A somewhat fusiform-rooted biennial or triennial ; flowers in July; height one to three feet ; colour of the flowers light yellow. Native of Sardinia, from whence it is said to have been first introduced into Britain in the year 1548. Parsley is eaten by most of our herbivorous domesticated animals, particularly sheep; and from being believed to act as a preventive of the red-water and liver-rot in that animal, it has been recommended for sowing in their pastures. Although its biennial duration does not suit well for this purpose, it may be used in small quantities, say at the rate of about one pound to the imperial acre, when the soil is of a light and medium description; and if the pasture is not kept very bare, it will be found to ripen, and scatter a sufficient quantity of seed to” perpetuate its existence. Of the numerous varieties cultivated, the common Plain-leaved is that generally employed in field culture. 9. Plantago lanceolata (Common Plaintain, or Rib Grass).—¥r. Plantain des pres ; Ger. Spitswegerich.—A fibrous-rooted perennial; flowers in May and June; leaves lanceolate, tapering towards both ends, spreading, prostrated or lying on the ground; spikes or heads dark-coloured ; stems without leaves, angular, and rising to the height of twelve or eighteen inches. Grows naturally in dry pastures. The Rib Grass produces its foliage at an early period of the season, when it is eaten by cattle, sheep, and horses ; on which account its mixture with grasses on dry pastures was formerly recommended and practised. It has, however, got deservedly into less repute, from its close spreading leaves occupying too great a surface, to the partial exclusion of the more profitable grasses and clovers, and also from live-stock, in general, seeming to manifest rather a dislike to its stalks and leaves, as the season becomes more advanced. 10. Poterium Sanguisorba (Common Burnet).—¥r. Pimprenelle; Ger. Pimpinelle. —A fibrous-rooted sub-perennial ; height two to three feet ; grows naturally on chalky pastures in England; flowers in June and July. The Burnet was formerly sown either along with, or as a substitute for, clover, amongst grass seeds, for hay or pasture, to a very great extent, in some of the chalky districts of England ; but its cultivation has declined although still grown to a considerable extent. It has never been cultivated much in Scotland, nor does it seem deserving of more general encouragement, except, perhaps, in small quantities, as a mixture, on light sandy or calcareous soils, and with Lucerne and Sainfoin on sandy links. ll. Trifolium hybridum (Ayérid, or Alsike Clover).—Fr. Trifle hybride (de Sudde) ; Ger. Schwedisther oder Bastard Klee.—Is so named from being intermediate in its appearance between the white and red clovers. Heads globular, stalked; stems branching, and in habit of growth not so upright as those of Common Red Clover ; roots fibrous, perennial ; flowers in June and July. The Z: Aybridum is now well known as Alsike Clover. The seeds reached us originally from Sweden under this name. It is deservedly in repute as one of the best perennial clovers, and well adapted for this country. From the result of our own experiments it is found to thrive on soils which are termed by farmers clover-sich. For this quality, especially, it has proved a most valuable acquisitien to our cultivated field plants, and is now used and generally approved of in all mixtures of grasses and clovers. 12. Trifolium incarnatum (Scarlet, Crimson, or [talian Clover).—¥r. Trifle incarnat ; Ger. Zncarnat Klce.—Spikes or heads oblong, and nodding to one side, of a beautiful bright PHLEUM PRATENSE Timothy or Catstail Grass. LHE ARTIFICIAL GRASSES DESCRIBED 37 scarlet colour when in flower, stem pretty upright, much branched; the whole plant covered with short wool or hair ; flowers in June and July ; height eighteen inches to two feet ; root annual, native of Italy. It is being grown with much success in England, particularly in the southern counties ; but its culture is not attended with much success in most parts of Scotland. The advantages to be derived from the cultivation of 7: évcarnatum are, that when sown’ in autumn it may be cut and cleared from the ground in the beginning of June following, and the land fallowed for wheat or spring corn; it forms a valuable green food for cattle at an early period of the season; and, if cut when in full flower, yields a more abundant crop, and makes a superior hay to that of common clovers, at least it is more readily eaten by horses. There can be no doubt that the south of England is better suited for the growth of the crimson clover than any part of Scotland, from the circum- .stance that the corn crops are much earlier removed: consequently the young plants have more time to attain strength before the winter season sets in. A. variety of the above (Z. tncarnatum tardif of the French) was introduced in 1837, the results of comparative trials with which were, that the plants came into flower when those of the common were nearly over, and on being cut, their’ produce was fully a third heavier than any of the others. 13. Trifolium minus z¢/ filiforme (Yellow Suckling Clover, or Trefoil).—¥Fr. Trifle jiliforme ; Ger. Gelber fadenfirmiger klee-—A fibrous-rooted sub-perennial ; flowers from May to July; heads small and loose; colour of the flowers bright yellow ; flower-stalks slender or flexuose ; stems procumbent, leaflets scarcely having foot-stalks. This clover has been recommended for growing on very dry gravelly or rocky places, which are incapable of supporting the more valuable grasses and clovers; but, from the small bulk of produce which it yields, the propriety of its cultivation is questionable; and besides, cattle are not found to relish it if they can procure more nutritious food. Although too small to be of much importance in pastures, it forms an agreeable mixture in lawns, especially where the soil is too dry for white clover. 14. Trifolium pratense ( Common, or Rea Clover).—Fr. Trefle violet or rouge ; Ger. Rothklee.—A. somewhat fusiform-rooted sub-perennial; flowers in June and July; colour generally reddish purple, but of various shades, and sometimes even nearly white. In addition to their shortness of duration, this and the rest of the biennial clovers are distin- guished from the more permanent sorts by their roots being more fusiform (thick and fleshy, or carrot shaped), and by their leaves and stems being generally smoother or less hairy. That variety more particularly denominated English Red Clover is of a strong luxuriant habit of growth ; its seeds are large, and of a bold purple colour. It is more particularly adapted for rather superior soils. Like the other varieties, it derives its name from the country in which it is grown; and from being often the produce of foreign seed, it, in such cases, partakes, to a certain degree, of the qualities of that particular variety from which it may have been produced. Among the other varieties may be mentioned German, Dutch, Flemish, or Belgian, French, American, and Normandy Red Clovers. The French Clover is remarkably smooth in all its parts, leaflets roundish, and altogether of a rich green succulent appearance: the seeds, which are chiefly from the southern departments of France, are small, plump, and have a considerable portion of purple in their colour. It is best suited for soils in sheltered situations. The Normandy Red Clover (77réfle de Normandy of the French) is from the north of France, of a strong luxuriant habit of growth, of a dark green colour, producing comparatively few flowers, and is some days later than the common sorts. The American variety has smaller seeds, in which the 38 ON THE CULTIVATED GRASSES yellow colour is predominant, and is not quite so luxuriant in growth ; its stalks are hard and small, and it is considered of more permanent duration than any of the other biennial kinds. In late years, however, some finer samples of larger and more purplish seeds have been received ; these, no doubt, the produce of English or other important kinds. 15. Trifolium pratense perenne (Cow Grass, or Perennial Red Clover).—Fr. Tréfle violet vivace d’ Angleterre; Ger. Bullenklee.—This sort is so distinct in its general appear- ance from the common cultivated varieties of Z. pradense, that some have supposed it to’ constitute a different species. Compared with the Common Red Clover of the fields, its flowers, foliage, and stems, are, in general, darker coloured ; leaflets narrower, and, together with the stems, much more downy or hairy, and roots more fibrous ; it differs also in some other characteristics of minor importance. This sort grows naturally in old pastures, heathy moors, &c., and presents several varieties, differing slightly in colour and in habit of growth, but retaining more or less of the narrowness and woolliness of their foliage, and all agreeing in their permanency of duration. The variety generally cultivated in this country under the above name, bears a considerable resemblance to the biennial sort in its general habits and appearance, and differs from it only in having rather more woolly leaves, in being of fully more permanent duration, and in coming into flower a few days later. 16. Trifolium repens (/V/zte, or Dutch Clover).—Fr. Trifle blanc; Ger. Weissklee.— A fibrous-rooted perennial; flowers throughout the summer months and beginning of autumn ; colour of the flowers white, or sometimes tinged with very light pink; leaflets inversely heart-shaped, often having a black or darkish coloured blotch near the base; flower-stalks without leaves, upright ; stem creeping on the ground and rooting at the joints. Grows naturally in pastures, in a great variety of soils and situations. It is an indispensable requisite in all pastures; but where too prevalent, has a tendency to scour cattle, besides occupying the ground which would otherwise be more profitably filled with the superior pasture grasses. 17. Ulex europaeus (Common Whin, Furze, or Gorse).—Fr. Ajone; Ger. Stacheleinster. —The Common Whin is too well-known to require any specific description : it has been employed for an unknown length of time in some parts of this country for feeding horses, cattle, and sheep, during the winter months. Whins are given to horses and cattle when in a green state, after undergoing a process of thrashing or bruising, until the prickles are so far reduced or deprived of their acute points, that the animals can eat them with perfect safety, or without endangering their mouths. Sheep, on the other hand, are merely turned out to feed on Whins when the snow is too deep for allowing them to get at the grass; and although they are found to fatten and thrive much better on the former, yet they seldom touch them until forced to do so from not getting at the grass. When once accustomed to the Whins, they continue to eat them in greater or less quantities, accord- ing to the state of the pasture, until the young grass comes up in the beginning of summer: hence, when Whins are plentiful in the winter pasture, shepherds always look with anxiety for a snow storm in the early part of that season. In this country the Whin will not succeed beyond goo feet above the level of the sea; but many sheep-walks might be improved by introducing it on moors under that altitude. Some poor uplands might, also, be profitably laid down under Whins, sown broadcast, with or without a corn crop, at the rate of 20 lb. or 24 Ib. per acre, to be mown annually for winter green food. The plant has been used for sowing on the tops and in the face of mud and turf fences, as a cheap and efficient hedge on dry and poor soils, where thorns will not prosper. For sow- POA ANNUA Annual Meadow Grass. THE ARTIFICIAL GRASSES DESCRIBED 39 ing a single line a mile in length, 3 Ib. to 4 Ib. of seed will be sufficient. The Double- Flowered Whin, a variety of the above, which is propagated by cuttings, has been recom- mended for hedges, where it is desirable to prevent the spreading of whin seed in the neighbouring ground. 18, Vicia sativa (Common Tare, or Vetch).—Fr. Vesce commune; Ger. Wicke.— Flowers generally in pairs, without footstalks, and of a red or purplish colour; leaflets oblong, terminating abruptly, with a small point in the middle; pods more or less downy or hairy; root annual. Ina wild state Vicéa sativa is found (but in most parts rather scarce) growing by hedges, road-sides, and in stony places, where not very dry, as in rubbish heaps and about quarries. The wild variety, however differs from those generally cultivated, in being of much dwarfer,.and of a more slender habit of growth, and also having much smoother leaves and stalks. Those sorts in general cultivation are the Com- mon or Summer Tare, and the Winter Tare, which resemble one another: in general appearance, but the latter variety is distinguished by being usually of smaller growth, and its pods being more smooth and cylindrical, containing more seeds, and in its general habit more like the wild variety. The Common or Summer Tare presents in the appear- ance of its seeds much diversity of size, arising from soil and culture. The larger sizes are better known in many places by the name of Vetches, whilst the smaller samples are denominated Tares, and are either sown as green food for cattle, or for their ripe seed. In the former case they are generally sown with oats or barley, and so as to come in for use between the first or second crops of grass. The practice of sowing one or other of the cereal grasses (oats or barley) amongst Tares is strongly recommended, not only as it in- sures a greater bulk of produce from the stems of the grains rising above the Tares, but they also serve to prevent them lying on the ground, and so becoming injured in damp weather ; cattle are also fonder of the fodder in a mixed than in an unmixed state. When sown for their ripe seed, the Summer Tare is generally mixed with beans, or peas -and beans, in the proportion of about a fourth part in bulk, or less, of the whole quantity of seed per acre. It has been ascertained that Winter Tares, repeatedly sown in spring, acquire more of the tender nature peculiar to the summer sort ; therefore it is essential for cultivators to sow such seed as is not only the produce of the true Winter Tare, but of it sown in autumn, When Winter Tares are cultivated for their seeds, the general practice has been to sow them alone; it may, however, be more advisable to sow them in mixture with Winter Beans,—the seeds being easily separated from the beans, when thrashed, by means of a proper sized riddle. 40 S| TABLE shewing the average weight per bushel of the principal Grasses described in the preceding pages, with the average number of seeds contained tn one ounce. 4s h Pe w a ae = 2 NAMES OF GRASSES oe | 236 NAMES OF GRASSES oh | 286 re BN 9 eae bn y uy Nw, ot uv he any Ged ge | | gee < 4 < 4 lb Ib. Agrostis alba var. stolonifera ...| 13 500,000 || Phalarisarundinacea... ... ...| 48 42,000 vulgaris at aah oe 12 425,000 |} Phleum pratense ny ag oh |) AA 74,000 Aira ceespilosa ... 14 132,000 || Poaaquatica ww 134 58,000 Alopecurus pratensis .. ... ... 5h 76,000 fluitans seh awe wap: ae 143 33,000 Ammophila arundinacea ... ... 15 10, 100 memoralis: 2; a aa 40 15 173,000 Anthoxanthum odoratum... ... 6 71,000 SCMPETVITENS w.5 15% | 133,000 Arrhenatherum avenaceum _... 7 21,000 pratensis ... 134 | 243,000 Brachypodium sylvaticum... ...| 104 15,500 trivialis ww. | 5d | 217,000 Cynosurus cristatus ... ... ... | 26 28,000 || Trisetum flavescens ee sas 5 118,000 Dactylis glomérata ... ... ...! 114! 40,000 Elymus arenarius ww ew 10 2,320 geniculatus .. ... 0... 12 2, 300 re Festuca duriuscula ... 1... ... 9% 39,000 elatior as. ace aes ay 17 20,500 |) Achillea Millefolium we a | 294 | 200,000 gigantea... 2.0... | 15 8,600 | Lotus corniculatus ... 2. 1. { 62 28,000 heterophylla... 0.0... 12 | 33,000 MS|Or ase ee dae anal] OA 51,000 Ioliatéa ses aes es oe 15 24,700 || Medicago lupuling ... 1. 1. | 632 16,000 ovina ede eS aes 134 64,000 SallVA: vie in, dee ave'|| 60 12,600 tenuifolia ... ... | 13 88,000 || Onobrychis sativa... 2... ...] 26 1,280 pratensis see aise 16 26,000 |} Petroselinum sativum vin aan | QUE 12, 800 rubra sus ae a ce || TO 39,000 || Plantago lanceolata ... 1. 2. ] 514 15,600 Holcus lanatus ... ... 1. 7 95,000 |i Poterium Sanguisorba ... ...| 244 3,320 mollis ... 0... ie 6 85,000 |) Trifolium minus ve/ filiforme ...| 64% | 54,000 Lolium italicum... ... .. 0...) 17 27,000 hybridum ... | 65 34,000 perenne, light-seeded ... 18 16,000 pratense sities - = 4288 64 16,000 perenne, heavy-seeded 27 13,000 ——perenne... ... 64. 16,000 Milium effusum ... 0.0 6. ae 25 95,000 TEDENS: nce aus eee (oe 65 32,000 *,” As the number of seeds which will germinate and arrive at maturity in a given quantity, is depen- dent, in a great measure, on the depth of cover, for information on this point experimentalists are referred to the Table at page 11. POA PRATENSIS Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass. ENGLISH NAMES OF GRASSES Alpine Meadow Grass ... Annual Meadow Grass ... Bent Grass, Marsh 53 Black Bearded Soft Grass Black Switch Grass Brome Grass, Giant Catstail Grass Cocksfoot Grass, Commion Roush Creeping-rooted Bent 38 Fescue Grass ... as Grass of Suffolk 9 Soft Grass Crested Dogstail Grass ... Darnel ar ats Devon Evers Dogstail Grass mn Evergreen Meadow Grass Fescue Grass, Creeping a Darnel Spiked Fine-leaved si Giant Wood Hard sts Meadow ... es Red zs Sheep’s 6 Slender a8 Tall Meadow Various-leaved ... Wood... Fibrous. “rooted Tall Oat-like Cisse Fiorin Grass Fine-leaved Fescue Grass Floating Sweet Water or Meadow Chass Foxtail Grass Fa Field French Rye Grass Giant Wood Fescue or Brome Pras on Gold Grass or Dogstail ... Hair Grass, Tufted Hard Fescue Grass a Hudson’s Bay Meadow Grass ... Italian Rye Grass Knee-jointed, or Pendulous Sea Lyme ‘Grass Knot Grass Marrum I.—NATURAL GRASSES .. See Poa alpina ... . — Poa annua . — Agrostis alba . — Alopecurus agrestis . — Holcus mollis . — Agrostis vulgaris . — Festuca gigantea . — Phleum pratense . — Dactylis glomerata . — Agrostis vulgaris . — Festuca rubra . — Agrostis vulgaris . — Holcus mollis . — Cynosurus cristatus . — Festuca loliacea . — Lolium perenne . — Cynosurus cristatus ... . — Poa nemoralis var. sempervirens ... — Festuca rubra — Festuca loliacea — Festuca ovina var. dentilfella . — Festuca gigantea . — Festuca duriuscula ... . — Festuca pratensis . — Festuca rubra . — Festuca ovina — Festuca loliacea . — Festuca elatior — Festuca heterophylla . — Brachypodium sylvaticum ... .. — Arrhenatherum avenaceum . — Agrostis alba var. latifolia — Festuca ovina var. tenuifolia — Poa fluitans ... — Alopecurus pieieneis: — Alopecurus agrestis . — Arrhenatherum avenaceum .. — Festuca gigantea . — Cynosurus cristatus ... . — Aira ceespitosa . — Festuca duriuscula ... . — Poa nemoralis vay. sempervirens ... . — Lolium italicum . — Elymus geniculatus . — Arrhenatherum avenaceum . — Ammophila arundinacea G 42 ENGLISH NAMES OF GRASSES Marsh Bent Grass a ani ne see ... See Agrostis alba Mat Grass sa sis i Soe ... -~ Ammophila arundinacea Meadow Grass, Nettie ss a saa as ... — Poa alpina os Annual.. oe se aes ... — Poa annua : PF Evergreen a0 i an ... — Poa nemoralis var. sempervirens a 4 Floating Sweet ond 4 ... — Poa fluitans ... 5 » Hudson’s Bay did ti ... — Poa nemoralis var. gempervinens wie 4 Rough-stalked ss sis ... — Poa trivialis . 5 Smooth-stalked igs “ .. — Poa puatenaie: a Stoloniferous ... anes eae ... — Poa trivialis ... +5 Water ... Sut ie ‘ta ... — Poa aquatica 35 Wood ... i is wie ... — Poa nemoralis Meadow Fescue Grass ... ie ae te ... — Festuca pratensis 9 Foxtail Grass ... nen sai wi ... — Alopecurus pratensis 53 >» Tall a rate hs ... — Festuca elatior 3 Soft Grass sali ite * dips ... — Holcus lanatus Millet Grass sas wig ie sa ... — Milium effusum 53 Oat Grass, or Oat-like Grass wine sn ated ... — Arrhenatherum avenaceum - Yellowish... 0 a bes ... — Trisetum flavescens Orchard Grass... iy Baie oe sie ... — Dactylis glomerata Purple Bent aig ie ae ss dese ... — Agrostis vulgaris Quick Grass xi ii sat on wi ... — Agrostis vulgaris Red Fescue Grass st de cid sig ... — Festuca rubra Reed-like Canary Grass te ss es ... — Phalaris arundinacea Reedy Water Grass... a iis a ... — Poa aquatica Rough-stalked Meadow Gace, oa sin ee ... — Poa trivialis Rye Grass, Common Perennial ae sas ... — Lolium perenne Sand Sea Lyme Grass ... sia set si ... — Elymus arenarius Sea Reed sie a ain ih ee ... — Ammophila arundinacea Sheep’s Fescue Grass... a sil 2 ... — Festuca ovina Slender Foxtail Grass... we 168 sie ... — Alopecurus agrestis >» Fescue Grass ... fe dam fis ... — Festuca loliacea Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass art a ... — Poa pratensis Soft Grass : 38 ba os «.. — Holcus lanatus Spiked Rye- Grass. like Pose, a mee aie ... — Festuca loliacea Squitch, or Twitch Grass ge one ie ... — Agrostis vulgaris Stoloniferous Meadow Grass... sie sik ... — Poa trivialis Suffolk Creeping Grass ae ae -_ ... — Agrostis vulgaris Sweet-Scented Vernal Grass... oe eee ... — Anthoxanthum odoratum ... Tall Meadow Fescue Grass... 2% ote ... — Festuca elatior - », Oat-like Grass cist Kis sie ie ... — Arrhenatherum avenaceum Timothy Grass ... ea 0s es ‘ine ... — Phleum pratense Tussac Grass... er ang ‘ies ... — Dactylis caespitosa ... ‘ Upright Sea Lyme Grass hs a5 ee ... — Elymus arenarius Various-leaved Hard Fescue Grass... “ .. — Festuca ed Water-Grass, Floating ... sas so aa ... — Poa fluitans . », Meadow Grass ... was am pe s+ — Poa spitatles, Wood Fescue Grass... des sa a ... — Brachypodium eqlvatiouth ... >, Meadow Grass ... ae Eee a ... — Poa nemoralis », Millet Grass io sie i ... -— Milium effusum >, Wheat Grass... a a0 ... — Brachypodium Sylvatituan, Woolly Soft Grass ai ae a a ... — Holcus lanatus Yellowish Oat Grass... oe a ate ... — Trisetum flavescens Yorkshire Fog... ap _ ang ‘ie *.. — Holcus janatus POA TRIVIALIS Rough Stalked or Stoloniferous Grass. ENGLISH NAMES OF GRASSES “oe 43 TI.—ARTIFICIAL GRASSES PAGE Birdsfoot Trefoil .. See Lotus corniculatus ... 34 oP Greater a8 sis aah ..» — Lotus major as 34 Black Medick .. — Medicago lupulina ... 34 Broom . — Cytisus scoparius 34 Burnet... se oi ads ae ir ... — Poterium Sanguisorba 36 Clover, Alsike ... es oc si sity ... — Trifolium hybridum 36 >, Crimson ... bid ha oe ihe .. — Trifolium incarnatum 36 », Dutch White... Ba a a ... — Trifolium repens 38 » Hybrid 2. 0. ee ee — Trifolium hybridum 36 » Italian .. os ve te vee ... — Trifolium incarnatum 36 » Red ies aie 70% oe Bek ... — Trifolium pratense ... 37 % », Perennial ... te sae a ... — Trifolium pratense perenne 38 », Scarlet .., ae ae ie ae ... — Trifolium incarnatum 36 », White... ix Lg “a Fea — Trifolium repens 38 >» Yellow ... bes 28 a ‘ifs ... — Medicago lupulina aes 34 3 rr Suckling wits as aus ... — Trifolium minus ve/ fliformne a7 Cowgrass .. a cue te a ... — Trifolium pratense perenne 38 French Finger Grass a i wis dies ... — Onobrychis sativa ... 35 Furze... aaa re aa sa A ... — Ulex europzeus 38 Gorse... ae ae Se as - ... — Ulex europzeus 38 Hop Trefoil aia bes ie ye 8 ... — Medicago lupulina ... 34 Lady Finger Grass gis me es ke ... — Lotus corniculatus ... 34 Lucerne ... F aes — ih es ‘4. — Medicago sativa... 35 Lupuline oi eee ac ae nee — ... — Medicago lupulina ... 34. Milfoil... ae is a wise ee ... — Achillea Millefolium 34 Nonsuch ... ons ois en ee veg ... — Medicago lupulina ... 34 Parsley... saa aide aa sis aa ... — Petroselinum sativum 36 Plaintain ... ai is 3a ss ws = Plantago lanceolata 36 Rib Grass we ae tis sii sits ... — Plantago lanceolata 36 Sainfoin ... ae 23 ee sa ies ... — Onobrychis sativa ... 35 Tare — daw ais a ite lise ... — Vicia sativa 39 Vetch Hey ss ase she kas oe ve — Vicia sativa 39 Whin 289 eA ine oe ae be ... — Ulex europzus 38 Yarrow ... on iat iss wey ase .. — Achillea Millefolium 34 Yellow Trefoil ... ine a iv ee — Medicago lupulina .. = 34 », Suckling Trefoil ae ua was ... — Trifolium minus zve/ iliforme 37 CULTIVATED GRASSES IN THE ORDER OF THEIR FLOWERING AVERAGE PERIODS AT WHICH THEY RIPEN THEIR SEEDS AND NAMES OF GRASSES teas Ane ene Page Dactylis czespitosa le First week of March First week of June... 25 Anthoxanthum odoratum Second week of April Fourth week of May, 23 Alopecurus pratensis Fourth week of April Third week of June 23 Poa annua The whole Summer... The whole Summer ar Poa pratensis First week of June ... First week of July .. 32 » alpina Ditto ax ; Dit xe a 30 Festuca ovina = Second week of June Ditto Ade a7 », duriuscula Ditto... oer Ditto 26 » rubra us Ditto Ditto rr 28 Dactylis glomerata Ditto Third week of ‘August ‘id 25 Lolium perenne Seles © ates Ditto Second week of iy 29 25 ys ar tentie ... Ditto Ditto 30 », italicum ... Ditto Ditto 28 Poa trivialis ... Third week of of June Ditto ... 32 >, nemoralis er Ditto * Fourth week of July 31 a »» var. sempervirens ... Ditto Ditto ts 32 59 fimitams ... a. Ditto Ditto 31 Phleum pratefse ... Ditto Ditto ee 30 Milium effusum : 26 Ditto Second week of August 30 Arrhenatherum avenaceum . Ditto : Third week of July : 24 Festuca heterophylla Fourth week of June Second week of August 27 Alopecurus agrestis Pe First week of on ey First week of October ... 23 Brachypodium sylvaticum ... Ditto Fourth week of July 24 Agrostis vulgaris ... Ditto Second week of August 22 Holcus lanatus Ditto Third week of July 28 Festuca pratensis ... Ditto First week of ae 27 ne elatior Ditto Ditto 26 Cynosurus cristatus Ditto Ditto... 24 Elymus geniculatus Second week of July First week of August : 26 » arenarius Ditto Fourth week of August ... 25 Trisetum flavescens Ditto Second week of eu 32 Ammophila arundinacea Ditto Ditto ‘i 23 Phalaris arundinacea Ditto Ditto... ae 30 Agrostis alba ... Ditto Third week of ‘August ase 22 Poa aquatica ... Ditto Second week of case 31 Festuca loliacea Ditto Ditto th a 27 Holcus mollis Ee Ditto Ditto... ade 28 Agrostis alba var. stolonifera Third week of Jaly Third week of ‘August istry Geel 223 Aira ceespitosa Ditto Second week of a soul (23 Festuca gigantea ... Ditto Fourth week of August .. 26 Select List Horticultural & Agricultural Works PUBLISHED BY WM. BLACKWOOD & SONS, EDINBURGH & LONDON This day is Published CULTIVATED PLANTS: TuHeErr Pro- PAGATION AND IMPROVEMENT. By F. 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By WILLIAM SEL- LAR, M.D., F.R.S.E., Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, formerly Lecturer on Materia Medica and Dietetics ; and HENRY STEPHENS, F.R.S.E., Author of the ‘Book of the Farm,’ &c. Post 8vo, with Engravings, 16s. THE BOOK OF THE LANDED ES- TATE. By Rozert E. Brown, Factor and Estate Agent, Wass, Yorkshire. Royal Octavo, with numerous Engravings. One Guinea. “We can heartily commend this book for the instruction of both land-owners and estate agents. It is full of solid practical knowledge, clearly arranged and expressed—a repertory of all that is essential to be known theoretically by the managers of properties. How estates should be divided into farms, what sort of farm-buildings there should be, what leases or arrangements with tenants should be most profitably entered into, the management of a home farm, the use of machinery, especially steam machinery, in agriculture, estate book-keeping—are all discussed with ample detail and information. ‘The author is evidently a shrewd Scotchman or North-country man, who has thought out the whole business in his own practice, and writes accordingly.”— Economist. ‘ “Tt is impossible even to glance at a tithe of the useful information and advice contained in this volume, which will be certain to be the landlord and agent’s vade mecunt.” — Saturday Review. “‘Mr Brown’s Book offers minute and ample answers to every possible inquiry which the landowner’s ingenuity can suggest.”—Pall Mall Gazette. “ Mr Brown is plain and practical in his remarks ; he is evidently a cautious and sensible land-agent, and his valu- able work testifies to his having made good use of his opportunities, his observation, and his experience.” —No7th British Agriculturist. : THE LIVE STOCK OF THE FARM. 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