LIGHT SEEDS. 137 
FINE-LEAVED FESCUE (FESTUCA TENUIFOLIA, T1BB.). 
‘This is another variety of sheep feed, but is mostly used 
for lawns and ornamental grass plots, therefore we do not 
propose to discuss it further. 
‘SMOOTH-STALKED MEaDow Grass (POA PRATENSIS, LINN.). 
RouGH-STALKED MeEapow Grass (POA TRIVIALIS, Linn.). 
The £oa family is of minor importance to the Festuca and 
other families of grasses ; nevertheless it is of great value on 
certain lands adapted to permanent pasture, where its 
elegant seed heads cannot fail to attract attention. 
Although Poa pratensis is separate and distinct in its habits 
and requirements from Poa ¢vivialis, we have thought it better 
to couple these grasses for the purpose of our notes. 
Poa trivialis has a broader leaf and a rougher stalk than 
Poa pratensis, the leaf is narrower and more pointed, whilst the 
stalk is smooth. The seed of Poa pratensis is straighter, and 
slightly hairy some distance from its base; whereas the seed 
of Poa trivialis carries its hairs from the base. On close 
inspection it will be found slightly scimitar-like in shape at 
the small end, whilst it is altogether slenderer than Poa 
pratensis seeds. 
Poa pratensis is hardy, likes dry soil, and will resist 
drought ; whereas Poa ¢rivialis prefers moisture to drought, 
and it will grow and thrive under the drip and shade of trees, 
although it is more susceptible to cold. 
Poa pratensis spreads from its roots, and rapidly forms a 
thick bottom swarth, which is sometimes thick enough to 
become a nuisance. oa ¢rivialis is of an upright growth, 
and fibrous rooted ; it hardly spreads at all, whilst its herbage 
is more nutritious than Poa pratensis. From this it will be 
seen that it is better to sow Poa pratensis on light lands, and 
