52 



In fact, we know of lawns on such sorts of soil, which consist 

 almost entirely of Hard Fescue and have been lying for several 

 years, that rank even now amongst the finest we ever saw. This 

 does not imply, of course, that the plant would do so well on 

 every such soil and under every condition and that it would be 

 adviseable to sow this variety by itself or nearly so. But there is 

 nothing against its being used very freely in lawn-mixtures destined 

 for lighter or sandy soils. 



Festoca elatior {Tall Fescue). A tall 35 to 45 inches high 

 growing large tuft-forming grass, producing an abundance of broad 

 leaves and a plant of great agricultural and nutritive value. It 

 thrives on rich, especially on such heavy clay soils that border 

 on rivers which during winter-time leave their fertile deposits on 

 such lands. It produces there exceptionally big crops of splendid 

 fodder, relished by all sorts of stock. There are many such mea- 

 dows in Holland where the Tall Fescue forms by far the 

 majority of the grass-plants present, and they are none the less 

 valuable for it; for, experience has taught, that there we have one 

 of the heaviest fattest sorts of cattle and the best dairy cows that 

 give, together with the largest quantity, the best finest-flavored 

 milk, richest in cream. 



Also for hay-making it is one of the most valuable grasses, 

 both for bulk and nutritive value. It should, however, be borne in 

 mind, that like every tall-growing grass, it tends to go hard towards 

 maturity, and that it should therefore be cut in due time to 

 preserve its softness and tenderness. It ressembles much the 

 Dactylis glomerata (Orchard-grass) in that respect, except 

 that it grows a bit taller, and goes a little less hard than that 

 variety. If, however, the Orchard-grass is being mown in due time, 

 it cannot fail, that the Tall Fescue has its right time also, as it 

 comes to maturity about a week later even. 



It is, therefore, to be considered one of the very best grasses 

 which should be used in a fair proportion in pasture mixtures for 

 good heavy and moist, though not marshy soils. 



Festuca heterophylla {Various-leaved Fescue). An even 

 tuft-forming, 25 to 30 inches high growing under-grass with very 

 narrow blades and even finer brush-like bottom-leaves. It thrives 

 on lighter soils, especially in a wild state; prefers the open spots 

 in woods and the outskirts of these and likes the warmer regions. 



