AGEICULTUEAL GE ASSES. 65 



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 Eed Fescue has sometimes been 

 wholly condemned, and, although I cannot go that length, I am 

 quite of opinion that Hard Fescue is infinitely superior, except 

 for poor dry harsh soils, and on upland pastures where the 

 employment of the former may fairly be considered essential, 

 especially for its great power of withstanding drought. This 

 quality naturally fits it for use on railway slopes, and for all 

 burning soils and hot chmates. Yet it will endure both cold and 

 shade ; indeed under these conditions it produces most herbage. 

 On deep soils where Meadow Fescue will thrive this grass is out 

 of place. 



Eed Fescue shoots rather later in the spring than Fine-leaved 

 Sheep's Fescue, and produces an abundance of small herbage 

 which fills up the bottom of a pasture, and also renders it ser- 

 viceable in ornamental grounds. It flowers in June, ripens seed 

 about the middle of July, and is one of the few grasses which im- 

 prove as they get older, the leaves and stems being actually more 

 nutritious, as well as of superior bulk, at the time of ripening seed 

 than earher in the season. All cattle like it, and it is so great a 

 favourite with hares that a quantity should be grown where this 

 game is preserved in large numbers. For hay it is of small 

 utility, and the lattermath is inconsiderable. Eed Fescue must 

 be regarded as especially a pasture grass. Sinclair believed it 

 to attain perfection in the second year, and limited its duration 

 to seven or eight years. 



In the absence of the flowering culm, the reddish purple 

 base of the short sheaths, and the long, flexuous, shining, deep 

 green, half-closed leaves, together with the pale-red underground 

 stolons, are a sufllicient guide in determining this variety. 



The seed is larger than that of Festuca duriuscula, and 

 germinates well — decidedly better in the open air than under 

 artificial conditions. 



