PERENNIAL GRASSES OF MINOR IMPORTANCE 227 



such dense growths the lower leaves turn brown readily. 

 Hay yields of 1| and 2 tons to the acre are recorded, but 

 this is exceptional. It should not be planted where better 

 hay grasses can be grown. 



At present the commercial seed supply of red fescue 

 comes from Europe. It is often mixed with or adulterated 

 with other fescues, where seeds can scarcely be distin- 

 guished. In recent years a variety known as Chewing's 

 fescue has been exported from New Zealand. It is identical 

 with the European, at least for all practical purposes. 

 The variety sold as Festuca dumetorum is apparently 

 Festuca rubra grandiflora, which is somewhat larger than 

 the typical form. 



MEADOW FOXTAIL (Alopecurus pratensis) 



264. Meadow foxtail is native to the temperate portions 

 of Europe and Asia. It is quite variable, 6 or 8 varieties 

 having been botanically named, but none of these have 

 come into agricultural use. 



The culture of meadow foxtail dates from about the 

 middle of the eighteenth century, when it was recommended 

 by Kalm in Sweden and especially by Schreber in Germany. 



265. Characteristics. Meadow foxtail is a long-lived 

 perennial grass producing loose tufts with numerous 

 basal leaves. The rootstocks are comparatively few and 

 but 2 to 4 inches long as a rule. The culms grow usually 

 to a height of 3 feet, but rarely reach 6 feet. Under very 

 favorable conditions three cuttings may be secured in one 

 season, but usually only two cuttings. 



It begins its growth very early in spring, more so even 

 than sweet vernal-grass. The grass should be cut for 

 hay when in full bloom, but it is said to retain its feeding 

 value for a considerable time thereafter. 



