52 PEEMANENT AND TEMPGEABY PASTUEES. 



especially where the subsoil is chalk, and it is generally believed 

 to exercise a beneficial influence on the wool. It forms a prin- 

 cipal component of the pastures on chalk downs, where its 

 herbage is very sweet and nourishing, and South Down mutton 

 doubtless owes its fine flavour and quality to being fed on this 

 wholesome grass. In Scotland it constitutes a large part of 

 the sheep herbage of the Highlands, and all through Eussia and 

 Siberia it aflfbrds almost the only pasturage for cattle and sheep 

 on dry, sandy, rocky soils where no other grass wiU grow. 



Its roots penetrate to a great depth, and it is a noteworthy 

 fact, 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. Hence it is most unwise to 

 sow this grass on rich fertile land. 



Fine-leaved Sheep's Fescue is pecuharly suited for autumn 

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

 are so tiny that tliey 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 tcnui- 

 folia propagates itself largely by the roots, and is a match for any 

 intruder. Full development is attained in 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 re- 

 cognition of this grass in upland pastures. 



On the soils for which Fine-leaved Fescue is specially adapted 

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

 It is diiEcult to state what quantity should be sown per acre. 

 On good soils none, except for ornamental purposes ; but on dry 

 hilly pastures it should form a considerable part of the seeding. 



The botanical description and chemical analysis are given 

 on page 158, facing an illustration. 



