AGRICULTURAL GRASSES 57 



FESTUCA RUBRA 



(^Red Fescue). 



The common name is derived from the reddish browii 

 colour of the lower leaf- sheaths. The difficulty of obtaining 

 true seed of this grass has fostered the frequently expressed 

 opinion that it is only a form of i^. dujiiiscula. But besides 

 a more robust habit, it is further distinguished by its creeping 

 roots, which enable the plant to remain green and succulent 

 when other grasses are burnt up. For this creeping tendency 

 some wTiters have wholly condemned Red Fescue. I am 

 unable to go that length, and regard the plant as an essential 

 constituent on poor dry harsh soils and upland pastures, 

 especially for its great power of withstanding drought. This 

 quality naturally fits it for use on railway slopes, and for all 

 burning soils and hot chmates. Yet it will endure both cold 

 and shade ; indeed, under these conditions it produces most 

 herbage. On deep soils where INIeadow Fescue will thrive this 

 grass is out of place. For golf links, putting gi-eens, and 

 recreation grounds Red Fescue is unequalled in the endurance 

 of hard wear. It also offers the further advantage of needing 

 mowing less frequently than some other grasses, and for this 

 reason it is useful on banks and slopes. 



Red Fescue shoots rather later in the spring than Fine- 

 leaved Sheep's Fescue, and produces an abundance of small 

 herbage which fills up the bottom of a pasture, and also 

 renders it serviceable in ornamental grounds. The plant 

 flowers in June, and ripens seed about the middle of July. 

 This is one of the few grasses which improve as they get older, 

 the leaves and stems being actually more nutritious, as well 

 as of greater bulk, at the time of ripening seed than earUer in 

 the season. All cattle like the herbage, and with hares it is so 

 gi-eat a favourite that a quantity of seed should be sown where 

 this game is preserved in large numbers. Red Fescue must be 



