J2

PLANTS USEFUL IN AGRICULTURE.

cultivated this by itself for seed in tolerably good land, and after sometime I found it matted so much by its creeping roots as to become quiteunproductive both of herbage and seed. Care should therefore be takenthat only a proper portion of this be introduced. The seeds of tills andPoa trivialis are the same in bulk, and probably the same proportionshould be adopted. The seeds of both species hang together by a sub-stance like to cobwebs, when thrashed, and require to be rubbed eitherin ashes or dry sand to separate them before sowing.

Sect. II.— ARTIFICIAL GRASSES*.

II

Under this term are included such plants as are sown for fodder,either with a view to form permanent pastures when mixed with thegrasses, or as intermediate crops on arable land. In'those cases theyare usually sown with a spring crop of Oats or Barley, and the artificialgrasses are protected after the harvest by the ".tubble left on the ground,affording the succeeding season a valuable crop, either for pasturageor hay.

40. ACHILLEA Millefolium. Yarrow. —This has been much re-commended for sheep feed ; but I observe it is frequently left untouchedby them if other green herbage is found on the land. It will thrive inalmost any soil, but succeeds best in a good loam. The seed used isabout twelve pounds per acre.

41. ANTHYLL1S vulnerariu. Kioney Vetch. —This plant is not incultivation, but it has been noticed that where it grows naturally thecows produce better milk and in greater quantity. It, grous best incalcareous soils : the seeds arc large, and easily collected. This plantwell deserves attention.

42. CICHORIUM Iniyhus. Ciciiohy, or Blue Succory.— Muchhas been said of the good properties of this plant; and if it has themto the full extent mentioned by different authors, I wonder there is notlittle else than Cichory grown in this country. It is very prolific, andwill grow extremely quick after the scythe during the summermonths: but I fear, from the observations I have made, that it doesnot possess the fattening quality it is said to have. The plant is so ex-tremely bitter, that although cattle may be inclined to feed on it early

* This technical term is generally known to farmers. It is applied toClovers, and such plants as usually grow in pastures, and not strictlyGramma.