MEADOW FESCUE. 79 
It was introduced into North America, probably from England where 
its cultivation began about 1820. 
Habitat: As indicated by its name, Meadow Fescue is a com- 
mon grass in meadows in the Old World; it also grows naturally in 
waste places, along roadsides, railways and river banks. 
‘Cultural conditions: It does especially well in soil rich in 
organic matter. It is well adapted to clay, although perhaps not 
so well as Orchard Grass, and it can be successfully grown on sandy 
land if sufficient moisture is available and the soil is not too shallow. 
It is better fitted for medium wet soil than is Orchard Grass, especially 
in a pasture, as it stands tramping better. On the other hand, on 
account of its rather deep root system, it is fairly resistant to drought. 
Generally speaking, Meadow Fescue will grow on almost any soil, 
provided it is reasonably moist and not too poor. As it stands cold 
remarkably well, it might be used to advantage in many parts of 
Canada. 
Habits of growth: If sown with other grasses or with Red 
Clover, Meadow Fescue is rather slow in growth, reaching full de- 
velopment the second or third year after sowing. If sown alone, a 
good catch may be secured the first year. It keeps its yielding 
power for many seasons, especially when given a light top-dressing 
of manure once a year. It starts growth early and is ready to cut 
about the same time as Orchard Grass or a few days later. 
Agricultural Value: Hay from Meadow Fescue is somewhat 
inferior to that from Orchard Grass. The nutritive value is highest 
when the grass is in flower and it should therefore be cut when in 
full bloom or a little earlier. If left until flowering is over, the stems 
get hard and woody, losing their nutritive value rapidly and becoming 
unpalatable. After cutting, the grass quickly recovers, giving a fair 
second growth, principally of leaves from the basal shoots. It is 
therefore valuable for summer and fall pasture, especially as it stands 
tramping well and does not get bunchy as does Orchard Grass. 
Meadow Fescue is a fairly good milk producer but its chief 
value is for fattening cattle. It should not be used alone for driving 
horses as it is slightly laxative. Like Orchard Grass, it should be 
grown with other forage plants; with Red Clover and Timothy, for 
instance, it considerably increases the feeding value of the mixture. 
When sown alone for hay or pasture, forty to forty-five pounds’ of 
good seed should be used to the acre. 
