CH. vm] Tall Fescue 147 



coarseness disappear when the plant is sown with others in suitable 

 proportions, and when proper attention is given to grazing and 

 mowing. When abundant in a meadow the crop should be cut 

 by the time this plant is in flower. No other permanent grass 

 after cutting yields a larger or more valuable aftermath. 



Commercial Seed is imported into Britain from New Zealand, 

 America, Denmark, Sweden, France, etc. where crops are specially 

 grown for seed production. New Zealand and Danish seed is 

 usually of the best quality, and the supply from these sources 

 is increasing. 



The most common weed impurities are Bromus mollis, Holcus 

 lanatus, Lapsana communis and Docks (Rumex crispus, etc.). 

 Other weed seeds to look for are Plantago lanceolata, Anihemis 

 arvensis, Ranunculus sps. (see Figs. 72, 114, 151, 155, 164, and 

 166). Sometimes seeds of Rye-grasses, Tall Fescue, Meadow 

 Fescue, etc. are present either as natural impurities, or possibly 

 as adulterants. 



Good samples contain not more than three to eight per cent, 

 of chaff, and at least 90 per cent, of pure seed. Good seed will 

 give a Germination of from 60 to 70 per cent, in seven days and 

 90 to 95 per cent, in from 15 to 21 days. 



Festuca elatior, sub-sp. arundinacea, Hackel. 



For Botanical description see p. 99. 



Tall Fescue is indigenous to the temperate parts of Europe 

 and Asia. It is commonly met with on tenacious clay soils and 

 in wet marshy places. It forms much larger and more distinct 

 tufts than Meadow Fescue ; its leaves and stems are much longer 

 and coarser, and it produces more "top growth." Its full develop- 

 ment is reached by the fourth year after sowing. Although its 

 produce is too coarse for it to be largely used under ordinary 

 conditions its value becomes at once apparent on soils of the 

 extreme types. It will thrive on poorly drained clays, fen lands, 

 and other soils which are too wet for our superior grasses. At 

 the same time its deeply penetrating roots enable it to withstand 

 long spells of drought. Providing the soil is sufficiently deep to 

 allow its roots to descend into it this plant will grow well even on 

 light loose soils and remain fresh and green through the driest 



102 



