THE FORAGE AND FIBER CROPS IN AMERICA 



cula L.), and slender fescue (F. octoflora Walt.). All have 

 rather fine leaves with a dwarf habit of growth and are adapted 

 to high inferior sandy and gravelly dry soils. Slender fescue 

 has the shortest culms, but is characterized by its long slender 

 leaves, which are of a light, livid green color. In Great Britain, 

 although the yield is small, sheep's fescue is highly prized as 

 a pasture as well as for its indication of a dry soil adapted to 

 sheep. This and other species of Festuca form a part of the 

 sheep ranges of western United States. 



91. Adaptation of Related Species. Speaking of English 



conditions, Lawson says: "The 

 hard fescues may be classed 

 among the best native grasses 

 for general purposes. It will 

 thrive on a great variety of soils 

 and produce a greater weight 

 of fodder than might be expect- 

 ed from its comparative dwarf 

 habit of growth, and is found 

 to resist the effect of severe 

 drought in summer and to retain 

 its verdure during winter in a 

 remarkable degree. It consti- 

 tutes a great portion of the best 

 natural pastures in the country, 

 especially where the soil is light 

 and dry." Another drought-resisting species is red or creeping 

 fescue (F. rubra L.). This species on account of its creeping 

 habit forms a close, lasting sod which is said to make it valuable 

 on embankments where soil is dry, or for binding light sandy 

 seacoasts. 



Two other species are especially adapted to wet, moist, cold 

 soils rich in humus namely, various leaved fescue (F. hetero- 

 phylla L.) and floating fescue (F. ftmtans L.). The latter is 



Sheep's fescue variety fine leaved taken 

 at Cornell Station June 14. Plant 

 grown from a single seed is 2 1 months 

 old. Has not yet come into bloom. 

 Note the fine basal leaves. Highest 

 culms 14 inches; clump 16 inches 

 wide. 



