THE SELECTION OF GEASSES AND CLOVEES. 49 



foliage of Hard Fescue assumes a bluish-green colour, and is 

 then known as Festuca glauca. 



As Hard Fescue is the most widelj^ distributed of the 

 small Fescues, the seed is naturally the cheapest, and is fre- 

 quently accepted for the higher priced sorts by those who are 

 unacquainted with its appearance. This variety may properly 

 be considered to be one of the least expensive and most desirable 

 bases, or bottom-herbage grass, of a permanent mixture for all 

 soils that are not very wet. But caution is recommended in 

 including it in alternate mixtures, because on some soils the 

 plant is difficult to eradicate, and after a ley is broken up it is 

 often troublesome among corn. 



Stimulating manures do little or nothing for Hard Fescue ; 

 they only encourage other grasses at its expense. 



The botanical description and chemical analysis are given 

 on page 150, facing an illustration. 



Festuca rubra ( Red Fescue ) derives its name from the 

 reddish-brown colour of the lower leaves. The difficulty of 

 obtaining pure seed of this grass has fostered the frequently 

 expressed opinion that it is only a form of F. duriuscula. But 

 besides a more robust habit it is further distinguished by its 

 creeping roots, which enable the plant to remain green and 

 succulent when other grasses are burnt up. For this creeping 

 tendency it has sometimes been wholly condemned, and, although 

 I cannot go that length, I am quite of opinion that Hard Fescue 

 is infinitely superior, except for poor dry harsh soils, and on 

 upland pastures where the employment of Eed Fescue may fairly 

 be considered essential, especially for its great power of with- 

 standing drought. This quality naturally fits it for use on rail- 

 way slopes, and for all burning soils and hot chmates ; yet it will 

 endure both cold and shade. On deep soils it is comparatively 

 of so little value that Meadow Fescue may advantageously be 

 allowed to replace it. 



Eed Fescue shoots rather later in the spring than Sheep's 



