The Botanists Companion, Vol. II | Page 7

all others for horses;
and I think it might be cultivated to advantage on high sandy soils, as a
late crop of green fodder. The seeds are similar to Millet [Footnote: The
Hungarian horses are remarked for their sleekness, and it is said that it
is in consequence of being fed on Mohar.].

31. PANICUM crus galli. COCK'S-FOOT-PANIC-GRASS.--This
plant has, I believe, never been recommended for cultivation; but it

possesses qualities which render it worth attention: it will sometimes
grow to the height of four feet, is very fine food for cattle, and will no
doubt make excellent hay. It stands dry weather better than most other
grasses I know. The seeds will not vegetate before May, and the crop
not in perfection till late September. In dry soils I think it could be
cultivated to advantage if sown among a crop of Tares or Rye in the
autumn; and after they are cut in summer, this would spring up and be a
valuable acquisition in a dry autumn, as it would seldom fail producing
an abundant crop.
It grows thick, and would tend to clear the land as a smothering crop
over weeds: it is annual.

32. PHALARIS arundinacea. REED CANARY-GRASS.--This is not in
cultivation, but grows plentyfully on the muddy banks of the Thames; it
will also grow very well in a moderately dry soil; and I have observed
that cattle eat it when it is young. As it is early and very productive, as
well as extremely hardy, I think it might become valuable as early feed.
The seeds of this plant do not readily grow, but it might easily be
introduced by planting the roots in the spring. The Striped or Ribbon
Grass of the flower garden is only a variety of this. See Poa aquatica.

33. PHLEUM pratense. TIMOTHY-GRASS, or
MEADOW-CAT'S-TAIL-GRASS.--Is very coarse and late, and
consequently not equal to many of our grasses either for hay or pasture.
It has been highly recommended in America, where it may probably
have been found to answer better than it has done with us in cultivation.
The seed used to be imported from New York, and met with a ready
sale; but I believe it is seldom imported at this time. Dr. Walker says
the seeds were taken from South Carolina (where it was first cultivated)
to that State, by one Timothy Hanson, from whence it acquired its
name.
The same gentleman supposes it may be introduced into the Highlands
of Scotland with good effect, but is of my opinion as to its utility in

England.--Rural Economy of the Hebrides, vol. ii. p. 27.

34. PHLEUM nodosum. BULBOUS CAT'S-TAIL-GRASS. (Phleum
pratense var. ? Hudson.)--This affects a drier soil than the
Timothy-grass: it grows very frequently in dry thin soils, where it
maintains itself against the parching sun by its bulbous roots, which lie
dormant for a considerable time, but grow again very readily when the
wet weather sets in,--a curious circumstance, which gives us an ample
proof of the wise contrivance of the great Author of Nature to fertilize
all kinds of soil for the benefit of his creatures here below. There is
another instance of this in the Poa bulbosa, Bulbous Meadow-grass,
which grows on the Steine at Brighton, and which I have kept in papers
two years out of ground, and it has vegetated afterwards.

35. POA annua. ANNUAL MEADOW-GRASS.--This is the most
general plant in all nature: it grows in almost every situation where
there is any vegetation. It has been spoken of as good in cultivation,
and has had the term Suffolk grass applied to it, from its having been
grown in that county. I have never seen it in such states, neither can I
say I should anticipate much benefit to arise from a plant which is not
only an annual, but very diminutive in size.

36. POA aquatica. WATER MEADOW-GRASS.--This is quite an
aquatic, but is eaten when young by cattle, and is very useful in fenny
countries: it is highly ornamental, and might be introduced into ponds
for the same purpose as Arundo Phragmites: it might also be planted
with Festuca elatior and Phalaris arundinacea, in wet dug out places,
where it would be useful as fodder, and form excellent shelter for
game.

37. POA fluitans. FLOTE FESCUE-GRASS.--This would be of all
others the most nutritive and best plant for feeding cattle; but it thrives

only in water. I have noticed it only because it is highly recommended
by the editor of Mr. Curtis's Observations on British Grasses, 5th edit.
The cattle are very fond of it; but it is not to be cultivated, unless it be
in ponds, being perfectly aquatic.
Linnaeus speaks of the seeds being collected and sold in Poland and
Germany as