FESCUE, in botany: A genus of the digynia order, belonging to the triandra clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 34th order, Graminae. The calyx is bivalved; and the spicula or partial spike is oblong and a little roundish, with the glumes acuminated. There are 16 species; two of which, as being the most remarkably useful, are described under the article AGRICULTURE, n° 53—58.

Another species, called the fluitans, or floating fescue, from its growing in wet ditches and ponds, is remarkable for the uses that are made of its seeds. These seeds are small, but very sweet and nourishing. They are collected in several parts of Germany and Poland, under the name of manna seeds; and are used at the tables of the great, in soups and gruels, on account of their nutritious quality and grateful flavour. When ground to meal, they make bread very little inferior to that in common use. The bran, separated in preparing the meal, is given to horses that have worms; but they must be kept from water for some hours afterwards. Geese are also very fond of these seeds.—Mr Lightfoot recommends this as a proper grass to be sown in wet meadows.