AGEICULTURAL GEASSES. 63 



FESTUCA DURIUSCULA 

 {Hofrd Fescice). 



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. 



Hard Fescue forms one of the principal constituents of the 

 sheep pastures of this country. On all suitable soils it is of im- 

 portance in forming a close bottom to the turf among stronger- 

 growing varieties, and in this respect is of especial service for 

 upland pastures. Sinclair found Hard Fescue to thrive best in 

 company with Festuca pratensis and Poa trivialis, and my own 

 experience confirms his view. Mingled with Fine-leaved Sheep's 

 Fescue it forms a close and nutritious crop for sheep on down 

 land. 



Early in spring Hard Fescue starts into growth, flowering at 

 or a little before midsummer, and yields an abundant lattermath. 

 On moist and rich soils it afibrds an immense amount of herbage, 

 which sometimes grows higher than the flowers, and the plant 

 will stand drought well when the land is in good condition. As 

 the nutritive value is much diminished by the formation of seed, 

 the. crop should be cut in time to prevent deterioration. In hay 

 the presence of this grass is generally indicative of superior ' 

 quality, and mountain graziers insist that Hard Fescue contains 

 more ' proof than many varieties that receive a higher character 

 from the chemist. 



Festuca duriuscuta is more robust in growth than F. ovina 

 tenuifolia, and occupies a position among the smaller Fescues 

 similar to that filled by F. pratensis among the taller species. 

 The plant does not grow in tufts, but is perfectly distinct ; the 

 seed is larger, and is wanting in the rich golden-brown colour 

 which distinguishes true seed of Festuca ovina tenuifolia from that 

 of all other Fescues. On good soil Hard Fescue is also un- 

 doubtedly superior to Ked Fescue. The foliage is less harsh. 



