42 



soils. As it is one of the earliest grasses in the spring, and one of the 

 latest in the fall, it makes an excellent grass for fall and winter pas- 

 turage. This is one of the most common of the fescue grasses, and, 

 althouiih introduced into this country from Great Britain over a hun- 

 dred years ago, it does not yet receive the attention which it deserves. 

 It is sometimes known as Randall grass, evergreen grass, and English 

 blue grass, the last an unfortunate name, as it in no way resembles the 

 Poas^ or true blue grasses. Many of our experimenters took this to 

 be the Kentucky blue grass, and in consequence did not even attempt 

 to sow the seed. The forage is much relished by cattle, either green 

 or when cured for hay. When grown for hay it should always be 

 mixed with other grasses. Redtop and alsike clover will grow well 

 on the same kinds of soil, and the three make an excellent mixture for 

 either temporary or permanent pastures. 



A large quantity of the seed of meadow fescue was secured for the 

 Department, through Prof. N. E. Hansen, during his visit to Russia, in 

 1898. This Division, through the Section of Seed and Plant Introduc- 

 tion, has distributed 424 packages, of li pounds each, sufficient to sow 

 one-twentieth of an acre, to all parts of the United States. One hun- 

 dred and one reports have been received from the experimenters, 

 giving in detail the results obtained and their estimates of its value. 

 Very favorable reports have been received from Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, 

 Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana. Nebraska, North Dakota, 

 Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. 



The following are some of these testimonials which have been received 

 from the different States : 



GEORGIA. 



Mr. E. J. Hartman, Orr, Gilmer County : 



The English bkie grass has done splendidly so far. It seems to be an excellent 

 grass for sheep, and if mixed with other grasses does also for cattle. 



Mr. B. Lumsden, Macon, Bibb County : 



The seed was received too late to sow. I planted some this spring near my fish 

 pond in the shade and it is now looking quite well. 



INDIANA. 



Mr. Henry Wehry, North Vernon, Jennings County : 



It seems to be well adapted to moist soils, as it grew to be 4 feet high and also made 

 a good growth after it was cut for hay. It would be a splendid pasture grass. 



IOWA. 



Mr. C. Steinman, Mapleton, Monona County : 



The seed was sown with oats about the last of April and did well. 



Mr. S. H. Talley, Packwood, Jefferson County : 



The quality of the product is very good. I think it an excellent grass for pasture. 

 It grew three feet high tlie i)resent year and is very hardy as to drought. 



