THE SELECTION OF GRASSES AND CLOVERS. 39 



The introduction of Meadow Fescue into America in recent 

 years furnishes another example of an alteration in character 

 which such a change sometimes brings about. The time of 

 flowering is much earlier there, the plant thrives at a higher 

 altitude, and it often grows four feet high, instead of only about 

 two feet hiofh as in England. In East Tennessee it flourishes 

 and makes superior hay at 1,500 feet above the sea level. 

 The verdant growth during winter in North Carolina has 

 secured for it the name of ' Evergreen Grass,' and in Virginia it 

 is known as ' Eandall Grass.' 



In habit Meadow Fescue resembles true Perennial Eye Grass, 

 but the herbage of the former is more leafy, and the seed-culms 

 fewer. On light thin soils, and at altitudes where Festuca pra- 

 tensis is unsuitable, an additional quantity of true Perennial Eye 

 Grass, combined with Festuca duriuscula and Festuca ovina, may 

 well take its place. 



Although Meadow Fescue occasionally grows rather rank, 

 the herbage is always tender and succulent, and the quality of the 

 hay flrst-rate. With cattle the plant is ever a favourite, and, if 

 possible, is even more relished than Foxtail. These two grasses 

 flourish under the same conditions, except that the Fescue 

 scarcely stands heat as well as Foxtail. For practical purposes 

 I am inclined to regard Festuca pratensis as the better grass, 

 especially as the germination of the seed is more reliable, and 

 experiments have shown its decided superiority in bulk. Up to 

 the time of ripening seed an acre produced 209 pounds more 

 nutritive matter than did an acre of Foxtail in the whole year. 

 The early growth of Meadow Fescue is not large by comparison, 

 but before the end of June it leaves Foxtail far behind. After 

 the crop of the latter has passed its prime, the former continues 

 to grow, and thus fills up the gap which would otherwise be 

 apparent in the pasture. At the time hay is cut Cocksfoot is 

 superior in bulk, but Meadow Fescue largely atones for tlie 

 deficiency by its increased development afterwards. 



Stock show a marked preference for Meadow Fescue over 



