LIGHT SEEDS. 135 
We do not believe that any practical farmer conversant with 
it would care to encourage it except on litter-growing grounds, 
where it will stand extreme moisture or drought, and continue 
to grow when other grasses fail. 
Stock eat it freely in its young stage, and we have heard it 
recommended for very poor light land. 
Its seeds weigh about 25 lb. per bushel, and one pound 
should produce 250,000 germinating seeds. 
SHEEP’s FescuE (Festuca ovina, Linv.). 
This kind of fescue, unlike others of its species, thrives best 
on dry soil; but it is not much used, because its seed is so 
dear and difficult to obtain. 
It is a dwarf grass, and in these hard times Duviuscula is 
found better suitable to the grower’s banking account, whilst 
it is perhaps the better grass of the two. Ovua is much used 
for grass plots and lawns, being one of the smallest grasses 
cultivated ; what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. 
The tiny tufts of dark green narrow leaves, rising from their 
slender seed stalks, are highly nutritious and valuable. 
In Scotland and mountainous countries it is much 
esteemed, and it may be sown with impunity somewhat late in 
the autumn, except on dry ground, or pastures much exposed 
to the sun and wind. 
It is a first-class quality grass, and is best used in conjunc- 
tion with foxtail and meadow fescue, because it gives these 
grasses a better chance. 
It does not flower till Midsummer, it grows under a foot in 
height, its roots penetrate to a great depth ; but in spite of all 
this it takes several years to establish itself, and is so tiny in its 
early life that it is apt to be smothered. 
Its seeds are very small, having a short awn, and small seeds 
sifted from other similiar grasses are sometimes palmed off on 
the buyer as Festuca ovina. 
