MEADOW FESCUE. 79 



It was introduced into North America, probably from England where 

 its cultivation began about 1820. 



Habitat: As indicated by its name, Meadow Fescue is a com- 

 mon grass in meadows in the Old World ; it also grows naturally in 

 waste places, along roadsides, railways and river banks. 



Cultural conditions: It does especially well in soil rich in 

 organic matter. It is well adapted to clay, although perhaps not 

 so well as Orchard Grass, and it can be successfully grown on sandy 

 land if sufficient moisture is available and the soil is not too shallow. 

 It is better fitted for medium wet soil than is Orchard Grass, especially 

 in a pasture, as it stands tramping better. On the other hand, on 

 account of its rather deep root system, it is fairly resistant to drought. 

 Generally speaking, Meadow Fescue will grow on almost any soil, 

 provided it is reasonably moist and not too poor. As it stands cold 

 remarkably well, it might be used to advantage in many parts of 

 Canada. 



Habits of growth: If sown with other grasses or with Red 

 Clover, Meadow Fescue is rather slow in growth, reaching full de- 

 velopment the second or third year after sowing. If sown alone, a 

 good catch may be secured the first year. It keeps its yielding 

 power for many seasons, especially when given a light top-dressing 

 of manure once a year. It starts growth early and is ready to cut 

 about the same time as Orchard Grass or a few days later. 



Agricultural value: Hay from Meadow Fescue is somewhat 

 inferior to that from Orchard Grass. The nutritive value is highest 

 when the grass is in flower and it should therefore be cut when in 

 full bloom or a little earlier. If left until flowering is over, the stems 

 get hard and woody, losing their nutritive value rapidly and becoming 

 unpalatable. After cutting, the grass quickly recovers, giving a fair 

 second growth, principally of leaves from the basal shoots. It is 

 therefore valuable for summer and fall pasture, especially as it stands 

 tramping well and does not get bunchy as does Orchard Grass. 



Meadow Fescue is a fairly good milk producer but its chief 

 value is for fattening cattle. It should not be used alone for driving 

 horses as it is slightly laxative. Like Orchard Grass, it should be 

 grown with other forage plants; with Red Clover and Timothy, for 

 instance, it considerably increases the feeding value of the mixture. 

 When sown alone for hay or pasture, forty to forty-five pounds of 

 good seed should be used to the acre. 



