Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Timothy-Grass

TIMOTHY-GRASS, or Phleum, L. a genus of plants, comprehending eight species, four being indigenous; of which the following are the principal, namely:

1. The nodosum, or Knotty Timothy-grass, grows chiefly on the dry, hilly, pastures in the vicinity of Bath, and flowers in the month of June.—This species, in the opinion of Mr. Sole, is well calculated for dairy-pastures; as it affords a large quantity of rich milk, and is eagerly eaten by cows. It is also relished by sheep and other cattle; though disliked by horses, where they find the meadow or fescue-grasses.

2. The pratense, or Common Timothy-grass, thrives generally in moist pastures, and flowers in July, The culture of this grass has been strongly recommended by Mr. Rocque, in the 4th vol. of the Museum Rusticum et Commerciale. According to him, it is eaten by horses and cows, preferably to any other pasture-grass; though Dr. Pultney observes, that it is disliked by sheep, and is not relished by horses or cows: Mr. Sole, and the Rev. Mr. Swayne, likewise, remark, that the Common Timothy-grass is very coarse, of little value for cattle, and does not deserve to be cultivated in England. Notwithstanding such diversity of opinion, we appeal to the authority of Linnæus, who expressly states, that Common Timothy-grass should be sown on lands, which have been newly drained; as it is very luxuriant, attains the height of 3 or 4 feet, and prospers in wet and marshy situations. Farther, we learn from Bechstein, that its stalk grows to the height of 6 feet; that horses, and swine, are exceedingly partial to this grass; consequently, that it merits the attention of farmers, who wish to improve moist meadows over-grown with moss.