34 A TEXT-BOOK OF GRASSES 
the blue-grass region, especially when combined with 
other grasses. Its chief faults are that it grows in tus- 
socks and that the seed is expensive. The former draw- 
back militates chiefly against its use as a meadow-grass 
as the hummocks interfere with mowing. It withstands 
drought somewhat better than does timothy or blue-grass, 
hence is useful along the western edge of the timothy 
region. In eastern Kansas, it is used as a pasture-grass in 
combination with meadow fescues. (See Bur. Pl. Ind. 
Bulletin No. 100.) 
34. Meadow fescue.—This is a common European 
forage-grass which has many excellent qualities but has 
not been extensively grown in the United States. It does 
not compete with timothy and blue-grass chiefly because 
the seed is more expensive and less reliable, faults it shares 
with several other good grasses. It is adapted to the same 
region as timothy and blue-grass. A taller form or 
agricultural variety with more open panicle is grown 
under the name of tall fescue. The seed of meadow fescue 
produced in the United States is nearly all grown in east- 
ern Kansas. Meadow fescue is sometimes incorrectly 
called English blue-grass. (See Farmers’ Bulletin No. 
361.) 
35. Rye-grasses.—Of these there are two kinds, the 
English rye-grass and Italian rye-grass. These are both 
standard forage-grasses of Europe but are infrequent in 
cultivation in this country. They are excellent grasses 
and deserve a wider use. The poor quality and high cost 
of the seed, together with the traditional importance 
attached to timothy and blue-grass, probably account 
for their restricted use. 
Canada blue-grass—This grass will not compete with 
Kentucky blue-grass on limestone soils, but in portions 
es 
