Ohs. This grass has been introduced and cultivated to a considerable
extent. Our farmers, however, are not agreed upon its merits. Some
condemn it as unworthy of culture either for pasture or hay ; while
others set a high value on it for both. The fact seems to be, that it is
inferior to Timothy (Fhleum pratense, L!\ for hay ; yet it has the ad-
vantage of the latter in being mature at tne same time with clover, —
with which both are usually cultivated. It is also less exhausting to
the soil. But its great value is as a pasture, when sown sufficiently
thick, which, however, it rarely is, — ^and hence is apt to form bunches
or tussocks. It is of quick growth, and is speedily reproduced after
being cut, or eaten down ; so much so that we may almost literally ap-
ply to it the lines of Virgil : —

<' Et quantum longis carpent armenta dlebus
Exigua tantum gelidus roe nocte T&^nei.^—Chorg. 2. 201.
" Cool dews restore beneath night's transient hours.
All that the herd each live-long day devours."— ,S5ott«6y.
This grass also possesses the additional advantage of thriving well in ,
the shade of trees, and answers a very good purpose .in orchards, &c.
The seed is usually sown in autumn, immediately after Wheat or Rye



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380



WEEDS AND USEFUL PLANTS.
25S



Fte. 258. Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomoraU). 269. A spikatet.
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GBASS FAMILY. 881

12. GLYOE'BIA, R. Brown. Manna Grass.
