The Rough-stalked Meadow Grass (_Poa trivialis_, fig. 19) is a common species in moist meadows, where it often forms a considerable portion of the herbage: it is distinguished from the smooth-stalked by the long-pointed tongue (_ligule_) to the leaves (_a_), and a stem which is somewhat rough to the feel, especially when drawn downwards through the fingers. This grass yields a quantity of herbage, but our experience leads us to conclude that it does not possess quite so good a quality as Sinclair and authors who have copied from him would lead us to suppose, as we have found it wanting in feeding qualities, or what the farmer calls “proof.” It usually forms a large part of the hay of the irrigated meadow, which, though often large in quantity, is yet not equal to that of ordinary good meadows in feeding properties. The Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass (_Poa pratensis_), distinguished by a blunt ligule (_b_) and smooth stem, is as abundant in dry situations as the former is in damp ones. We confess to a great partiality for this grass, notwithstanding that authors speak slightingly of its value; but the truth is, that it varies with soil and situation, it being a species which, when growing on a wild moor, is poor in both quantity and quality. But we know of no better sign of the improvement of a bad meadow than the increase of this grass, and its putting on, as it will do under such circumstances, of its richest green tint. _Poa nemoralis_ (Wood Meadow Grass) is a more slender form, whose wild _habitat_ is in woods and shady places, especially on calcareous soils. This points it out as a useful grass for wood-glades and positions beneath trees, in which it may very properly be employed. In laying down permanent pastures we should, then, employ these three poas as follows:— _Poa trivialis_, for low, damp situations and irrigated meadows. _Poa pratensis_, for sound dry pastures and uplands. _Poa nemoralis_, for rides between woods, wood-glades, and shady places. [Illustration: _Fig. 20._ Meadow Fescue.] Meadow Fescue (_Festuca pratensis_, fig. 20) may be taken as the type of the broad-leaved fescues. It is a common and good succulent grass in rich meadows, and should always be employed in seed mixtures for such situations, A variety, botanically known as _F. loliacea_, is unbranched, like the lolium or rye grass. The position of this is on rich river flats: we have seen it on the banks of the Isis at Oxford, forming a large part of most excellent herbage. [Illustration: _Fig. 21._ The Tall Fescue.]