56 PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY PASTURES 



similar to that filled by F. pratensis among the taller species. 

 The plant does not grow in tufts, but is perfectly distinct ; the 

 seed is larger, and is wanting in the rich golden-brown colour 

 which distinguishes true seed of Festuca ovina tenuifoVia from 

 that of all other Fescues. On good soil Hard Fescue is 

 also undoubtedly superior to Red Fescue. The foliage is less 

 harsh, the root is not creeping, and in dry seasons Festuca 

 duriuscnla is more than able to hold its own. It should also 

 be stated that in dry seasons Festuca duriuscula temporarily 

 develops a partially creeping habit, and in wet seasons Festuca 

 ruhra becomes less creeping than in dry years. This does not 

 make it a matter of indifference as to which of the two is sown. 

 Each variety is constant in character on the soil which suits it, 

 and there is waste of time and fodder in putting either plant 

 on land where it will take several years to adapt itself to 

 uncongenial surroundings. 



The folded, almost cylindrical, stiff, deep glaucous green 

 leaves, which radiate from the point of union of the short 

 sheaths, and the absence of a ligule, are sufficient to determine 

 the presence of this species in the pasture. 



As Hard Fescue is the most widely distributed of the 

 small Fescues, the seed is naturally the cheapest, and is fre- 

 quently accepted for the higher-priced sorts by those who are 

 unacquainted with its appearance. This variety may properly 

 be regarded as the least expensive and most desirable base, 

 or bottom-herbage grass, of a permanent mixture for nearly 

 all soils. But for alternate prescriptions it should be used 

 cautiously. On some soils the plant is difficult to eradicate, 

 and after a ley is broken up it is often troublesome among 

 corn. 



Stimulating manures do little or nothing for Hard 

 Fescue ; they only encourage other grasses at its expense. At 

 Kidmore the bone plots exhibited the most favourable results. 



For illustration, description, and chemical analysis, see 

 5s. Edition. 



