Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/300

278] Our limits will not permit us to enter into an analysis of Mr. 's Memoir; we shall, therefore, only observe that the species now recommended, will thrive much faster than the common Oak in a similar situation; and that, as it carries up the thickness of its buts much higher, they contain five or six times the quantity of wood, found in the English species.—The Wainscot Oak has hitherto been employed only in making posts, pales, &c.; but it appears from Mr. W.'s observations, that it promises to be equally useful as the British trees, for every purpose of ship-building or of carpentry.  OAT, or Avena, L. a genus of plants, comprising 33 species, of which the following are the principal: and the six first mentioned are natives of Britain; namely,

I. The nuda,, or , growing wild in some parts of Staffordshire, and flowering in the month of July.—This species is cultivated in the county of Cornwall; where, in the time of , it was sold at the price of wheat. It is reputed to be nearly as good as the common oat; for it yields excellent meal; is equally useful in feeding cattle; and thrives on the poorest lands.

II. The elatior (Holcus avenaceus of Dr. ),, or , thrives on wet, damp soils; in meadows, pastures, and hollow ways; it flowers in the months of June and July.—This grass vegetates with uncommon luxuriance; and, though somewhat coarse, it makes tolerably good hay. It is eaten by cows, goats, and sheep, but is frequently very troublesome in arable lands; as its roots spread in a manner similar to couch-grass, and are very difficult to be eradicated.

III. The fatua,, or , is found in corn-fields, where it flowers in the month of July or August.—This species is eaten by horses, sheep, and goats: it is a pernicious weed in corn-fields, particularly among barley, where it is sometimes so prevalent, that it almost entirely choaks the growth of the latter. It may be extirpated by repeated fallowing, or by laying the land down to grass.

IV. The pubescens,, or , which grows on dry meadows, in chalky situations, and flowers in the month of June. It is refused by every species of cattle; and, on account of its roughness, does not deserve to be cultivated.

V. The flavescens,, or , thrives in meadows, pastures, and on hills, in a calcareous soil, and flowers in the months of June and July.—This species, though tolerably sweet, is inferior to the meadow and fescue-grasses. Dr. observes, that cattle do not relish it, but Mr. states it to be one of the best of this genus, for the use of the farmer.

VI. The pratensis,, or , is likewise a native of Britain, growing on heaths, and high calcareous lands; flowering in the month of July.—This species is a tolerably good pasture-grass, and particularly calculated for poor stony soils; as it prospers, where the meadow-grasses will not vegetate.

VII. The sativa, or, thrives on almost any soil; and, being extremely productive on land newly broken up, it is  nently