THE SELECTION OF GRASSES AND CLOVERS. 47 



pasture grass for sheep on poor light soils and in hilly country, 

 especially where the subsoil is chalk, and it is generally believed 

 to exercise a beneficial influence on the wool. It forms a prin- 

 cipal component of the pastures on chalk downs, where its 

 herbage is very sweet and nourishing, and South Down mutton 

 doubtless owes its fine flavour and quality to being fed on this 

 wholesome grass. In Scotland it constitutes a large part of 

 the sheep herbage of the Highlands, and all through Russia and 

 Siberia it affords almost the only pasturage for cattle and sheep 

 on dry, sandy, rocky soils where no other grass will grow. 



Its roots penetrate to a great depth, and it is a remarkable 

 fact that if it is highly manured it begins to yield up its place to 

 other grasses. It is therefore most unwise to sow this grass on 

 rich fertile land. 



Slieep's Fescue is peculiarly suited for autumn, or, correctly 

 speaking, for late summer sowing. The seedlings are so tiny 

 that they are liable to be choked by spring weeds, and if sheep 

 are turned in too soon they tear up many plants. But when well 

 established on suitable soil Festuca ovina propagates itself largely 

 by the roots, and is a match for any intruder. It attains full 

 development in the second or third year. 



On the soils for which it is specially adapted it is almost 

 indispensable, and the feeding value is very high. It is difficult 

 to state what quantity should be sown per acre. On good soils 

 none, except for ornamental purposes, but on dry hilly pastures 

 it should form a considerable part of the seeding. 



The botanical description and chemical analysis are given 

 on page 148, facing an illustration. 



Festuca duriuscula {Hard Fescue). — The common name 

 applies solely to the flower heads, which, when ripe, become 

 decidedly hard. TJie herbage, however, is tender, succulent, and 

 much liked by all kinds of cattle. 



Hard Fescue is widely distributed, and forms one of the 

 principal constituents of the sheep pastures of this country, (hi 



