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stronger soils in many parts of Massachusetts it is one of the most aggres- 

 sive of species, and often in time comes to predominate almost to the 

 exclusion of more valuable kinds It tiowers about with orchard grass. 



Meadow Fesctie and Tail Meadow Fescue. — These two species re- 

 semble each other so closely that they may be spoken of together, 

 though one, as indicated by the name, commonly attains a considerably 

 greater height than the other. These fescues are intermediate in 

 coarseness between redtop and timothy. They produce abundant and 

 vigorous underground stems, and are therefore aggressive and per- 

 sistent species. They are best suited in strong, retentive soils, retaining 

 considerable moisture, and in such soils the meadow fescue at least 

 often comes in spontaneously. These grasses have a bright, clean 

 foliage, unusually free from rust or blight, and form a very close turf. 

 They produce abundant stem and flower, as well as leaf growth . It is 

 the belief of the writer that farmers having soils of the kind indicated, 

 and desiring mowings which shall be fairly permanent, will do well to 

 give these grasses a trial. 



In the paper of last year the results of a comparison of a mixture of 

 seeds in which these species were prominent with another mixtui'e in 

 which timothy was most prominent in the first year after seeding were 

 presented. Somewhat later in this paper the results of the continued 

 comparison of the two methods of sowing in the second year will be 

 given. 



The fescues start quite quickly after being cut, and on good soils pro- 

 duce a fair amount of rowen. It is often stated that meadow fescue is 

 especially welj adapted for use in pastures; but an experiment in lawn- 

 mowing this sjjecies, which it was believed would throw light on the 

 question of its suitability for grazing, indicates that it will not endure 

 such treatment The lawn-mowed portion of a plot of meadow fescue 

 in one of our experiments died out completely within about a year of 

 such treatment, while the half plot handled as a mowing was still in 

 perfect condition. 



She€p''s Fescue, Bed Fescue, Eard Fescue a7id Slender Fescue. — 

 These species of the fescue order are very much smaller and finer than 

 the two fescues which have been spoken of. They are sometimes rec- 

 ommended in works on grasses ; but the writer has not been convinced, 

 as the result of considerable opportunities to observe these grasses 

 under different conditions, that they are ever likely to prove of value in 

 mowings. They will thrive in lighter soils than many grasses, and are 

 very persistent. In dry hill pastures they are of possible value, be- 

 cause of their ability to thrive under the conditions existing there. 

 Under no circumstances is it believed these grasses should be included 

 in mixtures for mowings. 



Tall Oat Grass. — This grass will do better on the moderately light 

 soils than many others In such soils it is persistent, and will make a 

 large crop in seasons when some other species fail. The seed is large, 

 the young plants growing from it especially vigorous ; and, as a conse- 

 quence, this species will take possession of the ground and make a crop 

 within fewer weeks after sowing than almost any other. Unfortunately 

 the seed in the markets often shows a low percentage of germination, 

 and the price at which it is held is high. Tall oat grass comes into 

 bloom at about the same time as orchard grass, and is fairly suitalde, 

 therefore, for sowing with that grass. When the conditions as relating 

 to farm work are such as to render it possible to secure a part of the 

 hay orop exceptionally early, a mixture consisting largely of orchard 

 grass and tall oat grass has much to recommend it for the lighter soils. 

 it is asserted by some authorities that tall oat grass has a bitter flavor, 

 which renders it unj)alatable to animal.'? ; but the writer has observed 

 no distaste for it on the part of any stock to which hay made from it 

 has been fed. Tall oat grass starts quickl}- after cutting, and in favor- 

 able seasons will give three crops on rich soil. 



