46 PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY PASTURES 



wholesome grass. In Scotland it constitutes a large part 

 of the sheep herbage of the Highlands, and all through 

 Russia and Siberia it aifords almost the only pasturage for 

 cattle and sheep on dry, sandy, rocky soils where no other 

 grass will grow. In this country horned stock show it no 

 favour. 



The roots penetrate to a great depth, and it is note- 

 worthy that as the plant is unable to avail itself of nitrogenous 

 manures, it soon disappears from a pasture which is manured 

 to suit stronger-growing grasses. 



Fine-leaved Sheep's Fescue is peculiarly adapted for 

 autumn or, correctly speaking, for late summer sowing. The 

 seedhngs are so small that they are liable to be choked by 

 spring weeds, and if sheep are turned in too soon they tear up 

 many plants. But when well established on a poor thin soil 

 Festuca ovina tenuifolia maintains its position, and is a match 

 for any intruder. Full development is not attained until the 

 second or third year. 



The long, slender, setaceous, folded leaves, no thicker than 

 thread, and tightly encased by the sheaths in pairs and threes, 

 together with the russet green of the foliage, will ensure the 

 recognition of this grass in upland pastures. 



On the soils which especially suit Fine-leaved Fescue 

 it is almost indispensable, and the feeding value is very high. 

 For dry hiUy pastures a considerable proportion of seed 

 should be included in the mixture. 



For illustration, description, and chemical analysis, see 

 pages 164 and 165. 



FESTUCA DURIUSCULA 



{Hard Fescue). 



The common name applies solely to the flower-heads, 

 which, when ripe, become decidedly hard. The herbage, 

 however, is tender, succulent, and much liked by all kinds 

 of cattle. 



