27 



SHEEP'S FESCUE (HARD FESCUE). 



For the many varieties of this grass consult Stebler's 

 " Best Forage Plants." 



The bristle blades are more or less erect. When vm. 5. 

 cut, the bristle is seen to be merely a very narrow 

 blade folded along the median line. So long as the 

 fold persists, the bristle character is maintained. 



The ligule is not seen ; nevertheless a very short 

 and characteristic ligule is present, but the base of 

 the blade covers it over, concealing it from view. 



The point of union between sheath and blade vm. 4. 

 should be examined by the lens. The rounding and 

 thickening, at this spot, are very characteristic features. 



The sheath is often rough from short stiff hair, and, 

 in this respect, resembles the inner surface of the 

 bristle blade. 



Summary : 



a. Bristles slender and erect. 



b. Ligule inconspicuous, apparently absent. 



c. Sheath characteristically rounded, and thickened 



at apex. 



d. Roots fibrous, not cord-like. 



Group IX. (See Part II.) 



