Sutton’s vasculum
This metal box contains glass phials filled with seeds and specimens of dried grasses. It was sold by Sutton’s Seeds from the late 1800s until after the First World War. Sutton’s vasculums were purchased by museums and agricultural colleges for use in teaching. In 1912 they cost 10 shillings and 6 pence.
Most of the seeds are species used agriculturally. But one grass seed, Poa nemoralis sempervirens, was recommended for lawns.
In ‘Permanent and Temporary Pastures’, Martin Sutton wrote, ‘this variety grows very well in early spring, yields a greater bulk of herbage than Poa pratensis, bears drought remarkably well, and is the most valuable of cultivated Poas. For lawns and ornamental grounds it answers admirably and is indispensable for sowing under the shade of trees’.
Most of the seeds are species used agriculturally. But one grass seed, Poa nemoralis sempervirens, was recommended for lawns.
In ‘Permanent and Temporary Pastures’, Martin Sutton wrote, ‘this variety grows very well in early spring, yields a greater bulk of herbage than Poa pratensis, bears drought remarkably well, and is the most valuable of cultivated Poas. For lawns and ornamental grounds it answers admirably and is indispensable for sowing under the shade of trees’.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- 94/1999/2038
- Collection Class
- Plants
- Common Name
- Sutton’s vasculum
- Simple Name
- plant
