184 THE GRASSES OF TENNESSEE. 



tained that an acre of the Briza media cut in flower, weighed 

 9,528 pounds, which lost, in drying, 6,431 pounds. The 

 amount of nutritive matter was only 409 pounds. Cut 

 when the seeds were ripe, the produce weighed 9,528 pounds 

 and furnished 483 pounds of nutritive matter. The after- 

 math weighed 8,167 pounds, with only 255 pounds of nutri- 

 tive matter. A thin, sandy soil gave 10,890 pounds, with 

 453 pounds of nutritive matter. A moist, clayey soil gave 

 8,167 pounds and of nutritive matter 293 pounds. A rich, 

 black, loamy soil furnished 9,689 pounds, and 462 pounds 

 of nutritive matter. Sandy soils, as is shown by these ex- 

 periments, are better suited to it than rich clayey or cal- 

 careous soils. It would suit the soils of the Cumberland 

 Table-land, and many parts of West Tennessee. The seeds 

 weigh from ten to twelve pounds per bushel. Analysis 

 shows the dried grass to contain, of flesh-formers, 5.2; heat 

 producers, 42.8; fat, 2.6. It rank among the poorest of the 

 grasses, but is hardy and better than none at all. 



SMALL ' FESCUE.--(*esfcja tenella.) 



The small fescue has a spike-like panicle, somewhat one-sided, from 

 seven to nine flowered; awn awl-shaped, palea slender; leaves bristle- 

 formed; stem slender, six to twelve inches high; leaves slender ; flowers 

 harsh, often purplish, panicle nearly erect; has a grayish green color. 

 Flint. 



Flourishes on dry thin soils. Not of much value. 



SHEEP'S FESCUE .--(Festuca ovina.) 



Has a narrow panicle, short, tufted, bristle-shaped leaves, of a grayish 

 green color, somewhat tinged with red; spikelets two to six flowered; 

 awn often nearly wanting. Perennial. Flint. 



The Fescue grasses are very popular in New England 

 and grow well in Tennessee, having been introduced in some 

 localities. They are perrennial and grow in tufts, and from 

 their profuse foliage they form excellent pasturage for cattle 

 and especially for sheep, hence the name of one variety. 

 Mixed with other grasses the Sheep's Fescue would be a good 

 addition to our native grasses. It would be especially use- 



