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 



