8 PLANTS USEFUL IN AGRICULTURE.
plied to this, although they are different in many respects. Those whowish to obtain more of its history may consult S'tillingfleet's Observa-tions on Grasses, p. 384.
22. FESTUCA vivipara. Viviparous Fescue-Grass. —This affords astriking instance of the protection that Nature has contrived for keep-ing up the regular produce of the different species of plants ; as whenthe Festuca ovina is found in very high mountainous situations, placesnot congenial to the ripening seeds of so light a nature, the panicleis found to become viviparous, i. e. producing perfect plants, whichbeing beaten down with heavy rains in the autumn, readily strike rootin the ground.
This plant was introduced into our garden many years ago, and stillpreserves this difference; otherwise it is in all respects the same as theFestuca ovina.
23. "FESTUCApinnata. Spiked Fescue-Grass. —I have observed thisnear the Thames side to be the principal grass in some of the mostabundant meadows; and as the seeds are very plentiful, lam of opi-nion it might be very easily propagated : it is, however, not in culti-vation at present.
24. FESTUCA loliacea. Darnel Fescue-Grass. —This in appear-ance is very like the Lolium perenne, but is a more lasting plant in theground. Where I have seen it wild, it is certainly very good; but it isliable to the objection of Festuca elatior, the seeds grow but sparingly.
25. HOLCUS lanatvs. Yorkshire Grass, or Meadow Soft-Crass. —This has been much recommended as fit for meadow land. I am notan advocate for it. It is late in blooming, and consequently not fit forthe scythe at the time other grasses are ; and I find the lower foliagewhere it occurs in meadows to be generally yellow and in a state of de-cay, from its tendency to mat and lie prostrate. I hear it has beencultivated in Yorkshire; hence probably its name. Two bu-hels of theseed would sow an acre; and it is sometimes met with in our seed-shops.It will grow in any soil, but thrives best in a moist loam.
26. HOLCUS mollis. Creeping Soft-Grass. —Mr. Curtis in thethird edition of his Treatise on Grasses says, he is induced to have abetter opinion than formerly of this grass, and that Mr. Dorset alsothinks it maybe cultivated to advantage in dry sandy soils. I have ne-ver seen it exhibit any appearance that has indicated any such thing,and do not recommend it.
27. HORDEUM pratense. Meadow Barley-Grass. —This is pro-ductive, and forms a good bottom in Batter<ea meadows : but although1 have heard it highly recommended, I should fear it was much infe-
thii