Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/202

182] after the land has been laid dry for a week. Rolling prepares the grass for being cut close to the surface, when mown; which is a circumstance of considerable importance; because the ant-hills, and other little elevations, are thus pressed closely to the ground, and many inconveniencies will be thereby effectually removed.  MEADOW-GRASS, or Poa, L. a genus of plants comprising 53 species, 16 of which are natives of Britain: the principal of these are:

1. The aquatica, or, growing in marshes and on the banks of rivers, flowering in the months of July and August.—This species is uncommonly valuable for being propagated on the banks of rivers or brooks, where it is devoured with great avidity by horses, cows, and sheep: but, as it is apt to blow or distend the bowels of cattle, when eaten too largely, or when its panicles are burnt, these circumstances deserve some attention. It abounds particularly in the Isle of Ely, rising to the height of six feet, though usually mown when about four feet high: after being dried, it is bound up in sheaves, then formed into ricks, in which it undergoes a slight degree of fermentation, to improve its sweetness for provender. In this state, it is provincialiy called White-lead, from its acquiring a white surface when dry: it is peculiarly useful for milch cows; but horses do not relish it, when thus prepared.—The reed meadow-grass is one of those vegetables that deserves to be more generally known and cultivated; as it likewise affords, if properly dried, an excellent substitute for straw, in thatching.

2. The pratensis, or, which grows on dry banks, and even on walls: it flowers in the months of May and June. This plant thrives better in dry than in moist situations, whence it retains its verdure during hot and dry seasons, longer than any other vegetable. Its root spreads along the ground almost as rapidly as the couch-grass, and is nearly as difficult to eradicate: it ought, therefore, to be introduced with great caution, where the pasturage is not intended to be permanent.—Though eagerly eaten by cattle, and esteemed to be one of the best grasses for hay, its value decreases, as its quantity every year diminishes in dry soils; and it at length produces very indifferent crops. This diminution is occasioned by its roots matting together, and exhausting the land; which effects, however, may be prevented by manuring the soil, and are not so perceptible on moist grounds, where the plant will flourish, though not so luxuriantly as in dry situations.

3. The annua,, or Suffolk-grass, which grows on pastures, in paths, gravel-walks, and the borders of fields; it flowers during the whole summer.—This grass is devoured with avidity by every kind of cattle; and as it abounds in the county of Suffolk, where the finest salt-butter is prepared, Mr. conceives it to be the best grass for milch-cows.

4. The trivialis, ; Bird-grass; Fowl-grass; or Fold-meadow-grass. It is perennial, grows in moors, moist pastures, and the sides of hedges; and flowers from June to September. This plant is reputed to be in every respect the first