COMMON PASTURE GRASSES. 



15 



as in Rye Grass. The chief distinguishing character of this 

 grass is the distinct roughness of the upper surface and 

 edges of the blade when it is drawn from tip to base over 

 the tongue or Up. This test 

 needs to be made carefuUy 

 or blood wiU flow. 



Meadow Fescue is a 

 perfectly permanent grass, 

 suited to medium heavy 

 soils. It produces a con- 

 siderable quantity of fodder, 

 and is well hked by stock 

 in spite of the coarseness 

 of its leaf. These features 

 make it one of the most 

 admired grasses in England, 

 but in New Zealand it has 

 not proved itself of great 

 utility. It establishes its 

 full growth but slowly, and 

 does not yield its maximum 

 return until two or three 

 years after sowing. When 



once estabhshed, however, it appears to hold its place 

 long after many other grasses have disappeared. This 

 feature and its excellent EngHsh reputation justify 

 wider trials of this grass in different locaUties where 

 permanent pasture is desired on land of fair quaUty or 

 with good rainfall. Its past performances in New Zealand, 

 however, do not warrant its being sown in more than 

 experimental quantities. A seeding of about 15 pounds per 

 acre in a mixture should be tried on a smaU area, rather 

 than a very light seeding on a larger area. The seed is almost 

 entirely of American origin, and costs about lid. per pound. 



Fig. 7. — Meadow Fescue, 

 (after Fream). 



