29.  MELICA coerulea.  Blue melic-grass.—­This is common on all our heaths; it appears coarse, and not a grass likely to be useful.  Yet this kind is spoken of by Dr. Walker under the name of Fly-bent, who says it is one of the most productive and best grasses for sheep-feed in the Highlands of Scotland, where it grows to the height of three feet, a size to which it never attains in this part of the country.  It is found in all soils, both in dry and boggy places.

30.  PANICUM germanicum.  German Panic, or Mohar.—­I notice this plant here, although it is not a native of this country; neither is it in cultivation.  It was introduced some years since by Sir Thomas Tyrrwhit from Hungary.  It is said there to be the best food of 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.