48 PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY PASTURES 



where it will take several years to adapt itself to uncongenial 

 surroundings. 



The folded, almost cylindrical, stiff, deep glaucous green 

 leaves, which radiate from the point of union of the short 

 sheaths, and the absence of a ligule, are sufficient to determine 

 the presence of this species in the pasture. 



As Hard Fescue is the most widely 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 regarded as the least expensive and most desirable base, 

 or bottom-herbage grass, of a permanent mixture for nearly 

 all soils. But for alternate prescriptions it should be used 

 cautiously. 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. 

 At Kidmore the bone plots exhibited the most favourable 

 results. 



For illustration, description, and chemical analysis, see 

 pages 166 and 167. 



FESTUCA RUBRA 



(^Red Fescue). 



The popular name is derived from the reddish brown 

 colour of the lower leaf-sheaths. The difficulty of obtaining 

 true 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 

 some writers have wholly condemned Red Fescue. I am 

 unable to go that length, and regard the plant as an essential 

 constituent on poor dry harsh soils and upland pastures, 



