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OF THE

STATES;

By Dr. GEO. NASEY, (Botanist; \
= = ae WITH AN
«|S APPENDIX | Pe.

:

‘the ‘CHEMICAL ‘CoMPOSITION OF GRASSES, by CLIFFORD
‘RICHARDSON, and a glossary of terms used me

a in describing STASSES.: | <i ee
| : til vk z ae

EW, REVISED, AND ENLARGED :vniox 7 Ser

‘ WITH 114 PLATES. + > : a

SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.

eee THE

“WASHINGTON:
MENT PRINTING OFFICE.

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ttle? 2h aul y meet iy eta ame Saas Oe ny SY Cet ea
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Sh
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LETTER OF SUBMITTAL,

gir: Herewith I present a Report on the Agricultural Grasses and
“Forage Plants of the United States, with illustrations.

3 This report is largely a revised and enlarged edition of the “Agricult.
' ural Grasses of the United States” published by this Department in

_ 1884. In the present report the principal forage plants, other than
___ grasses, which are emploved in agriculture, are treated of. The purpose
Bs is to give plain, general descriptions of the plants, together with prac-

- tieal notes and observations from persons who have tested them in

actual cultivation or who have given them special investigation. The
larger portion of the plants treated of are natives of the United States,
_ but such foreign species as have been tried here have also received

_ proper notice.
The great extent of this country, with its extraordinary diversities

3 4 eo climate ‘and soil, makes necessary a corresponding diversity in the
_ gubjects and methods of agriculture. With respect particularly to
- _ grasses and forage plants adapted to different sections of the country

we are yet in the infancy of our knowledge, and must patiently and in-
telligently conduct such experiments as will give us the precise infor-
mation we need. Every farmer and stock-raiser in the country is in-
terested in this subject, and it has been the endeavor of the writer to
present to the attention of such persons in any part of the country

some grasses or forage plants suitable to their wants.

GEO. VASEY,
Chief of Botanical Division.

Respectfully,

Hon. J. M. Rusk,
ss Geeretary of Agriculture.

__ AGRICULTURAL GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS OF THE UNITED
Se STATES.

a INTRODUCTION.

_ Every thoughtful farmer realizes the importance of the production
_ onhis land of a good supply of grass for pasturage and hay. He who
_ ¢an produce the greatest yield on a given number of acres will be the
__ most suecessful man; yet this is a subject which has been, and still is,
greatly neglected.
In the United States we have many climates, many kinds of soil,
' many geological formations, many degrees of aridity and moisture. It
= must be apparent that one species of grass can not be equaliy well
'_ adapted to growth in all parts of this extensive territory; yet hardly a
_ dozen species of grasses have been successfully introduced into our
_ agriculture. True it is that this number answers with a tolerable de-
gree of satisfaction the wants of quite an extensive portion of the
_ country, chiefly the northern and cooler regions. But it is well known
that in other localities the same kinds of grasses do not succeed equally
well, and one of the most important problems for those regions is to
obtain such kinds as shall be thoroughly adapted to their peculiarities
of climate and soil. This is particularly the case in the Southern and
‘ ; _ Southwestern States, the arid districts of the West, and in California.
- he solution of this question is largely a matter of experiment and
—_ observation.
The grasses which we have in cultivation were once wild grasses, and
are still such in their native homes.
The question then arises, can we not select from our wild or native
species some kinds which will be adapted to cultivation in those por-
_ tions of the country which are not yet provided with suitable kinds ?
Many observations and some experiments in this direction have already
been made, and if proper research is continued, and sufficiently thorough
experiments are followed up, there is no reason to doubt that proper
_ kinds will be found for successful cultivation in all parts of the country.
The plains lying west of the one hundredth meridian, together with
a ‘much broken and mountainous interior country, nearly treeless and
"arid, in New Mexico, western Texas, and Arizona, are unreliable for

the purposes of ordinary agriculture, but are becoming, more — more.

6

important as the great feeding ground for the multitudes of cattle which
supply the wants of the settled regions of our country as well as the
constantly increasing foreign demand. The pasturage of this region
consists essentially of native grasses, some of which have acquired a
wide reputation for their rich nutritious properties, for their ability to
withstand the dry seasons, and for the quality of self-drying or curing,
so as to be available for pasturage in the winter. This quality is due
probably to the nature of the grasses themselves and to the effect of
the arid climate. It is well known that in moist countries, at lower
altitudes, the grasses have much succulence; they grow rapidly, and
their tissues are soft; a severe frost checks or kills their growth, and
chemical changes immediately occur which result in rapid decay;
whereas in the arid climate of the plains the grasses have much less
succulence, the foliage being more rigid and dry, and therefore when
their growth is arrested by frost the tissues are not engorged with
water, the dessicating influence of ‘the climate prevents decay, and the
grass is kept on the ground in good condition for winter forage. Gen-
eral Benjamin Alvord, of the U. 8. Army, in an article on the subject
of these winter-cured grasses, states that they only acquire this prop-
erty on land which is 3,000 feet above the level of the sea. The region
having such an altitude includes, he says, all, nearly up to the timber
line, of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and New
Mexico; five-sixths of Arizona, one-half of Dakota, one-fourth of Texas,
one-fifth of Kansas, and one-sixth each of California, Oregon, and
Washington Territory, embracing about one-fourth of the area of the
whole United States.

Many of the grasses of this extensive region are popularly known as
‘‘bunch grass,” from their habit of growth; others are known as “ mes-
quite” and “grama grass.” ‘These consist of many species of different
genera, some of them more or less local and sparingly distributed,
others having a wide range from Mexico to British America,

The most important of the “ bunch grasses” may be briefly mentioned
as follows: Of the genus Stipa there are several species ; Stipa comata
and Stipa setigera occur abundantly in New Mexico, Texas, Arizona,
and California, reaching to Oregon. In Colorado, Kansas, and all the
prairie region northward, stretching into British America, Stipa spartea
- is the principal one of the genus. On the higher plateaus and near the

mountains the Stipa viridula is very common, extending from Arizona

to Oregon and British America. Somewhat related botanically is Ory-
zopsis cuspidata, avery rigid bunch grass, with a fine, handsome panicle
of flowers. It is equally wide-spread with the preceding. Another
widely diffused grass is Deschampsia cwspitosa, varying much in size
and thriftiness according to the altitude and amount of moisture where
it grows, but always having a light, elegant, spreading panicle of
silvery gray flowers.

One of the most extensively diffused grasses is Keleria cristata, vary-

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ae ing in height from 1 foot to 24 feet, with a narrow and closely flowered

spike. Several species of fescue grass (Festuca) are intermixed with
the vegetation in varying proportions; the most important of these

- probably are Festuca ovina in several varieties, and Festuca scabrella,

the latter especially in California, Oregon, and Washington.

The genus Calamagrostis (or Deyeuxia, as it has been called) furnishes
several species which contribute largely to the vegetation of this region.
They are mostly tall, stiff, and coarse grasses, but leafy and some of

_ them very nutritious. Of these, Calamagrostis sylvatica and Calama-

grostis neglecta are the least valuable. Perhaps the best of them is

: Oalamagrostis Canadensis, which is soft and leafy. Next in value, prob-
. ably, is Calamagrostis Aleutica, of California and Oregon, extending
into Alaska. Calamagrostis (Ammophila) longifolia, confined chiefly to

the plains east of the Rocky Mountains, is tall and reed-like, growing
in dense clumps, from 4 to 6 feet high.

_ Several species of Andropogon are diffused from Arizona to British
America, but are not found on the western coast. The principal species

are Andropogon scoparius, A. furcatus, and A. (Chrysopogon) nutans.
Some of them are known under the name of “ bluejoint.”

_ Other grasses also widely spread, but in more sparing quantity, are

several species of Poa and Glyceria. Several varieties of Agropyrum

repens, or couch grass, occur abundantly in saline soils, aud also Agro-

— pyrum glaucum, which is widely known as “blue stem,” and is considered
~ among the most nutritious of grasses. Brizopyrum spicatum, now called

Disticlilis maritima, and some species of Sporobolus, also form extensive
patches or meadows in saline soils. Besides there is a large number
of grasses of low growth and of more spreading habit, which are known
in the southwest and east of the Rocky Mountains under the names of
¢mesquite” and “ buffalo” grasses. The former belong mostly to the
genus Bouteloua, the most important species being B. racemosa, or tail
mesquite, and B, oligostachya, or low mesquite. The true buffalo grass _

is, botanically, Buchloé dactyloides, which in many places forms exten-

sive fields over large areas. It is of a low and densely tufted or matted
habit. Another similar grass, but of little value, spreading out in low,

___wide patches, is Munroa squarrosa. The above-mentioned species form
the larger proportion of the grassy vegetation of the great plains.

GRASSES FOR GENERAL CULTURE.

_ The grasses form one of the largest and most widely diffused families
of plants, being spread over all habitable parts of the globe. Some
kinds are restricted to particular localities, others are diffused over large

ERRATA.

Page 35, after “‘Andropogon furcatus” insert “ (A. provincialis) ”.
Page 111, after ‘““Ammophila arundinacea” for ‘‘43” read “48”; after ‘‘ Clover,
pin” for “103” read “102.” —
b: Page 112, after ‘“‘ Euchleng luxurians” for “30” read “31.”
Page 113, after ‘‘ Sporobolus heterolepis” for ‘‘ 107” read “106”; after “‘ Sweet
' vernal grass” for “39” read 40”; after ‘Trifolium stoloniferum” for “52” read
_ 83”: after “Trisetum subspicatum” for ‘‘51” read “52”; after ‘“ Wire grass” for
#107 ?-read 106.”
Page 147, for “‘ Millium” read ‘‘Milium”; in the same line, for ‘‘41” read 40.”
Page 148, after “ Trifolium incarnatum ” for ‘‘94” read “93.”
Plate 10, for ‘‘blue grass” read ‘‘ millet.”
Plate 62, for ‘‘Gramma” and “ gramma” read “ Grama” and “ grama.”
- Plate 63, for ‘‘gramma” read “‘ grama.”
Plate 83, for “‘ Rough-leaved fescue” read ‘‘ Bunch grass.”

2ST boning. aca ad PE ea $< OO

forms on actount of the size, quantity, and nutritive value of their |
grains. The fact of their great value being discovered, the observation
' _ would soon follow that by planting the seeds in suitable ground, and
- earing for the growing plants by the exclusion of all other vegetation,
acertain and reliable resource for sustenance would be obtained.
__ {his was the beginning of agriculture, and agriculture made possible
- the numerical increase and diffusion of human population. :
os History of Grass Culture.—The selection and cultivation of particular
. kinds of grasses with reference to their superior grazing qualities and
- fer the greater production of hay is, however, a comparatively modern
_ practice.
In the Philippine Islands, a

s we are informed by the United States

consul at Manilla (Mr. Julius G. Voight), a species of rice ee
sia hexandra) is cultivated for the purpose of supply ing feed pate 5 As
domestic animals which are kept for the cultivation of land and for the

carrying of burdens. | 7 9

10

. This grass (locally called zacate) is cultivated exclusively in low, wet
ground, and is flooded occasionally after the manner of rice, being first
started in seed beds and then transplanted to the previously flowed
field. How far this custom prevails in other eastern countries we do
not know, but from the general antiquity and uniformity of the prac-
tices of husbandry in those countries we may suppose that this practice
is there of ancient origin.

But as far as western nations are concerned the cultivation of spe-
cial grasses for hay is a modern improvement. Mr. Martin J. Sutton,
in a recent work on “Permanent and Temporary Pastures,” states that
Lolium perenne, or perennial rye grass, was the first grass gathered
separately for agricultural purposes. He further states that it has
been known since 1611, the date of the earliest agricultural book which
mentions it. Mr. George Sinclair, in his advertisement to the fourth
edition of the “ Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis,” says:

The time has been in this country [i. ¢., England] when providing sufficient for-
age for live stock in winter was a matter of the greatest difficulty, and great losses
were sustained, and many advantages given up, on account of the absolute want of
winter fodder. Old turf, suitable either for grazing or for the scythe, was supposed to
be a creation of centuries, and that a farmer, who wished to lay down a meadow in his
youth, must see the end of his ‘‘ three score years and ten” before he could possibly
possess a piece of pasture capable of keeping a score of sheep or a couple of cows.
So much was the wantof grass land felt among arable farmers in times past that the
tenancy of it was eagerly sought, its value was consequently highly prized, and
heavy fines were imposed for breaking itup. The banks of rivers were usually made
commonable, in order that the surrounding farmers might each have a share; and
these meadows were in many cases irrigated in order to increase still more the scanty
stock of winter fodder.

Perennial rye grass, as we have seen, began to be cultivated early
in the seventh century, and it seems to have been about the only grass
so cultivated for a hundred years longer. In 1763 it is said that a Mr.
Wynch brought from Virginia into England the Phleum pratense, under
the local name of Timothy grass, it having been cultivated in the
United States for some forty years. This was also soon established as
an agricultural grass in England, and a few years later was followed
by the introduction of orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) from Virginia,
by the Society of Arts; at least this statement is made by Mr. Parnell
in his work on British grasses, but is probably an error. It is con-
sidered doubtful by Mr. Charles Johnson in the “Grasses of Great
Britain,” who says it is eminently European, being distributed natu-
rally over the whole of Europe and the adjoining parts of Asia. It is
not known to be native in the United States.

As to Phiewm pratense (Timothy grass), it is naturally widely diffused
over Europe, but itis admitted by all thatits cultivation was first under-
taken in the United States, where it is also indigenous in mountainous
regions. Itis, however, well known that in Europe up to about the year
1815 there were but three or four kinds of grass generally cultivated,

11

At that time the Duke of Bedford instituted his famous series of ex-
_ periments at Woburn, in England, for determining the nutritive prop-

erties of different grasses. These experiments brought into notice

_ many before unnoticed grasses and greatly stimulated their cultivation :

and the subsequent development of this branch of agriculture has been
the means of obtaining astonishing results, not only in the multiplied
facilities for the grazing and fattening of cattle and sheep, but also in
the reaction of this business on the cultivation of grain, by tle greatly
multiplied means of obtaining manures by which the exhausted lands
were renewed and the yield of grain increased.

History of Grass Culture in the United States—In the early history of
this country, particularly in the Northern States, while the settlements

--were sparse, the natural pasturage was abundant, and the natural

meadows and marshes furnished a supply of hay for winter feeding.
But in course of time, by the increase of population, the farms began

to crowd each other, and the range for cattle was restricted.

Then probably arose the question of forming meadows and pastures

= of limited extent. Karly in the last century Mr. Jared Elliot (of Con-

necticut) made some valuable investigations respecting the grasses suit-

able for cultivation, and by practice and teaching sought to bring this

subject to the attention of the people.
In 1749 he wrote a particular account of the fowl meadow grass (Poa

: serotina) which is native in New England, giving an interesting account

of its value as a meadow grass.

He also refers to Herd’s grass, or Timothy, as having been found “in

a Swamp in Piscataqua by one Herd, who propagated the same.” It is

also said to have been cultivated in Maryland about the year 1720. This

“was some fifty years before its cultivation in England. It is also stated

by Parnell in his work on the British Grasses, that orchard grass
(Dactylis glomerata) was first cultivated in the United States, and thence
introduced into England about the middle of the eighteenth century.

Probably soon after this date two other standard grasses came into use,
_ viz, Poa pratensis (Kentucky blue grass) and Agrostis alba (redtop).

Some other grasses have had a limited trial, but the Timothy grass,
blue grass, orchard grass, and redtop have continued to be the prin-
cipal meadow grasses of the Northern States. To these should be added
red clover, which, although not a grass, is a very common meadow crop,
usually combined with Timothy.

Grass in the South.— Although the Southern States were earlier settled
than the Northern ones, there was a very different condition of agri-

culture as respects grazing and hay-making. In some of these States

the climate permits of the growth of grasses during the greater part of
the year, some species making their growth during the hot season and
others during the colder months, so that cattle may commonly. obtain
subsistence in the field throughout the year, and hay is little employed
except for horses and cattle kept to labor.

12

But these places suffer from protracted droughts in summer and fall,
which parch the pastures so that cattle and sheep are not then able to
find a sufficiency of feed. The pasture and meadow grasses of the North
have not been generally cultivated with success in the States which
border on the Gulf of Mexico, and the greatest want of- agriculture in
that region is the introduction of grasses that will maintain growth and
vigor during protracted droughts.

The same remarks may be made with respect to the grasses needed
for cultivation in the arid districts of the West, and there is every rea-
son to expect that grasses adapted to such conditions of climate and
soil will be*found. ._

Permanence of Pastures and Meadows.—It has long been a question as’
to how long land should be allowed to continue in pasture or meadow.
The answer to this question will depend very much on circumstances.

Unquestionably the best plan for farming is the practice of mixed
husbandry, or a mixture of raising grain crops and the fattening of do-
mestic animals; for with a diversity of products there is an alleviation
of the evils of frequent crop failures, which are usually limited to one
or two kinds, and also an alleviation of the fluctuations in the prices of
crops, so that where somé grain crops fail from any cause, the farmer
has a resource in those of another kind and in his live stock. Besides,
the rotation of crops, including the periodical laying down of cultivated
ground to grass, and the change of grass land to the growth of field
crops, results in the best condition of the soil.

In the practice of most farmers, meadow lands are seldom continued
more than three or four years without a change to the plow. But
pasture lands are more frequently kept undisturbed for a longer
time, and so long as they continue in a healthy, clean, and productive
state there can be no objection to their permanence; but whenever a
pasture becomes overgrown with weeds, or filled with worthless or
unproductive grasses, it is time for it to take its place in a system
of rotation and renovation, at the same time regarding the needs of
the soil in respect to fertilizing and cleaning from rocks, briers, and
other shrubs. |

Drainage of Grass Lands.—Generally speaking, there is the same benefit
to be derived from the proper drainage of grass lands, that is so con-
spicuously shown in lands devoted to other crops. All lands with an
impervious subsoil of stiff clay, or soils that are water-clogged, may be
greatly benefited by proper draining, both in the quality and quan-
tity of the grass product. On such land, properly drained, the grass will —
start earlier in the spring and will continue to grow later in the fall
than without drainage. All soils which rest upon a porous subsoil do
not need it, and land may have so strong a slope that the water is dis-
charged from it with sufficient rapidity without the aid of a drain.

Wet, water-soaked pastures generally abound in rushes and sedges,
which may grow luxuriantly, but are coarse and innutritious. The valu-

13

able grasses on such pastures are injured or destroyed by the tramping
of cattle, whose hoofs penetrate the wet ground.

An eminent German scientist has demonstrated that there is an intimate connection
& between a warm, dry soil and economy in feeding cattle. Friable land absorbs more

z heat than land which is saturated with moisture, and retains the heat for a longer

perioa. Upon the one, animals lie warmer, especially at ni ght, than they do upon the
other. Now a large portion of the food consumed by animals is utilized for the pro-

_ duction of the heat which is constantly dissipated from their bodies, It follows that

additional food becomes necessary to replace the animal heat lost by the colder sur-
roundings.*

The Selection of Grasses.—The selection of the proper kinds of grasses
to be employed for meadows or pastures must depend on several cir-

= cumstances, such as soil, drainage, habit of growth, productions, ete.

No one kind of grass can be expected to be adapted to all conditions,

' neither can any given mixture of grasses. There has been a great
' amount of empiricism in this matter. One man finds a certain grass to

be very thrifty and productive on his farm, and thinks he has found the
great desideratum, and at once proclaims his grass, perhaps gives it a
new name, and recommends its use, without regard to the conditions or
‘circumstances which may be absolutely essential to its success.
Others purchase seed of the new grass, perhaps at exorbitant prices,

= and without a knowledge of its peculiar habits or wants, give it a trial

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_ and find it a failure, probably because climate or soil, or other essential
_ conditions are unsuitable to its wants.
_ Mr. Sutton, writing on this subject, says:
~The whole question is one of experience, and I am well persuaded that those who
possess the largest knowledge, drawn from the widest sources, will concur in the
opinion that each individual case should be considered independently and upon its
own merits. I would lay greatstress upon the necessity of starting with a clear under-
_ standing of the condition and capability of the soil. The subsoil, too, must be taken
into account; for sooner or later its influence will tell decisively upon the existence
- of certain grasses.

_ Then the purpose of the grass crop must not be overlooked. Whether it is chiefly
for hay or entirely for grazing will prove an important consideration in determining
the sorts to be sown. Even the kind of cattle the land is intended to carry is worth
more than a passing thought. Milch cows, fattening stock, sheep, and horses, or a
combination of these animals, can be provided for if a definite object is held steadily
in view. >

In an old and well-settled country there is much accumulated experi-

ence among farmers, which a beginner may avail himself of to the avoid-
ance of serious mistakes. Still an observing and progressive man will
often find occasion for a departure from established rules and practices
in the introduction of new kinds for cultivation; indeed it is only thus
: that progress and improvement can be made; but it will also be wise to
- make such experiments with caution and without incurring too mach risk.
In some portions of our country the experience of the past is very
- unsatisfactory with respect to grass culture; and in other portions, as

circ

* Suéton on Permanent and Temporary Pastures.

14.

in the new settlements of the arid districts, all culture must be in the
nature of experiment, and much judgment and large information are
needed to guide the experimenter to the best results.

Relation of Stock to Pastures.—The farmer and grazier should always
bear in mind that his pastures should be adapted to the kind as well
as the quantity of stock which he keeps. Cattle and sheep are very
different in their feeding habits, the sheep cropping the grass very
close, and cattle requiring to have the grass longer in order to get a
bite. Horses again do not bite as close as cattle. By judiciously
proportioning the kind of stock kept on the pasture a much better
result may be obtained by keeping both cattle and sheep than by
keeping either alone. The field will thus be kept cleaner and in better
condition. |

Management of the Pasture.—Care must be observed that cattle or
sheep be not put upon grass too early in the spring, before the grass has"
fairly commenced to grow. This rule applies particularly to sheep, who
will in such cases eat the heart out of the grass crown, to its entire
destruction. When, however, the grasses have made a good start there
will be much of the taller stalks and coarser culms which the sheep will
reject, and which cattle will crop with avidity. As the season advances
there are often bunches of grass neglected by both cattle and sheep, giv-
ing to the pasture a rough and uneven appearance, when the mower |
should be run over the pasture, after which the old tufts will send up—
another crop of tender blades.

No precise date can be given for beginning to graze pastures in the spring. Cattle
should not be v.urned in until there is enough feed to keep them going without too
much help from hay, nor until the ground is firm enough to prevent their hoofs from
damaging the young shoots of the grasses.

On the’other hand, if the grass gets too old, the animals refuse much of it, and the
fodder will be lost. Pastures consisting largely of early, strong-growing grasses,
particularly cock’s foot (orchard grass), will need to be stocked before others which
produce finer and later varieties.*

It is sometimes a nice question to determine when to take stock off
the pastures in the fall. This will depend much on the length of the
growing season in any particular iocality. In northern latitudes the
growth of vegetation will be arrested early, and when the grass has
quite ceased to grow the stock should be removed that the ground may —
be in proper condition for an early start in the following spring. Usu-
ally, however, in northern sections of the country the question is effect-
ually settled by the early descent of the winter snows. In southern
latitudes the climate is so mild that the growing season continues all
winter, so that stock live mainly or entirely upon the growing grass,
there being sorts there which naturally make their principal growth in
the coolest portion of the year.

*Sutton on Permanent and Temporary Pastures,

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15

Supplementary Feed.—It often happens that a drought occurs in the
summer or fall, in which the pastures are dried and parched so that the
cattle fail to get a sufficient amount of feed. It is, therefore, the prac-
tice of careful and provident farmers to have a tract of land sown to
some kind of fodder, which may be drawn upon to supply the deficiency
of pasturage, and not only to keep the animals from suffering, but to

keep them also in a growing condition. Corn sown broadcast or in

close drills, or sorghum sown in like manner, are some of the best
grasses for this purpose.
Some varieties of sweet corn, combining earliness and productiveness

_ or large size, will be better than common field corn, especially to keep
up the supply of milk from cows.

Hungarian grass and millet make excellent fodder crops. They are
both considered to be but varieties of the same species, and there is
practically little difference between them. If sowed on tolerably rich

- ground they will produce sometimes a very large yield of grass. They
are of rapid growth, and are frequently ready to be cut two months

from the time of sowing. They generally produce an abundance of nu-

_tritious seeds, on account of which cattle thrive better on them than on

corn fodder. Beets and prickly comfrey are also recommended as fod-

der plants in some localities. |

- The pastures may also often be relieved by turning stock on to

stubble after harvest. ;
Humanity dictates that a man should not keep any more stock than

he can under ordinary circumstances care for and give sufficient feed.

But a provident and good manager will be enabled safely to keep a

- much larger number than a man who is shiftless and careless. He will

do this by making provision for casualties and probable contingencies.
It is much better and more profitable‘to have a surplus of feed than to
have a deficiency.

Kind of Grasses for Meadows and Pastures.—In this country there has
been very little variety in the kinds of grasses cultivated, the range
being generally Timothy, blue grass or June grass, orchard grass, and
redtop, usually combined more or less with red or white clover.

Farmers are influenced somewhat by the markets they supply. The

most popular hay inthe markets of the great cities is Timothy, and

meadows of this grass alone are very common, and when well managed
are very satisfactory and profitable. It is also very common to combine
Timothy with red clover in various proportions.

In low, wet meadows, particularly in New England, redtop is con-
siderably employed, and it is a common constituent of pastures in all

- the Northern States.

In England, great attention has been given to combining several
kinds of grasses in meadows, and it is claimed that the practive is
Yetter for the land and gives a larger yield than when one variety only

‘is employed. By using a mixture the ground may often be more uni-

eg

16

formly covered, and in pastures there will be, from the different flow-
ering time of the different species, a succession and continuation of a ~
supply of tender foliage.

Some species of grass are adapted to clay lands, some to sandy soils,
some to loam, some to dry upland, and some to low land; but even for
land of a uniform quality it is believed that a mixture of five or six suit-
able varieties will yield a larger crop than one alone. The mixture of
several varieties is perhaps most valuable in land that is designated for
pasturage, as then they reach maturity at different times and furnish
a succession of good feed, and also cover more completely and uniformly
the ground. But no cuiaial mixture of grass seed can be adapted to all .
situations and soils. Every farmer should study carefully the nature
of his grounds, its altitude, drainage and composition, and then adapt
his grasses to the circumstances.

Generally there are few cases where there will be any advantage in
employing more than five or six well-selected varieties for cultivation ©
in one field. For a permanent pasture under most circumstances the
following kinds in proper proportions would make a good mixture, viz :
June grass (blue grass), fox-tail (Alopecurus pratensis), redtop (bent
grass), Timothy, tall fescue, and perennial rye grass. This will give
a succession as to earliness of growth and flowering.

But in some localities and for some soils, as in Kentucky for instance,
the farmer who has a good pasture of blue grass will not think it capa-
ble of much improvement. As we speak of the individual kinds of.
grasses and their adaptation to different soils, the farmer will be able
to judge how far they will suit his circumstances.

Mixed Grasses for Pasturage.—For pasturage, however, we recommend a vari-
ety of grasses and thick seeding. Stock like variety and thrive better on it. Each
variety has its season of greatest excellence, and thus the best pasturage can be kept
up throughout the year. The common red clover should be sown with the grasses
for all pastures. It is arank grower and resists drought admirably. We are glad
moré attention is being paid to pasturage. Improved farming can not be carried on
without it, and in nothing are the majority of our farmers more neglectful than in
seeding more of their farms to good pastures.*

A Kentucky farmer gives the following mixture where an immediate
pasture is wanted:

/

BAGG DINGS 56 bess ci nk sa pginpeseieee tans tees pounds.. 8
Orchard grass 2650. cccn% cos seen chine eine Lewin o wakes ts do.... 4
PMOOGNY . ticees Sowid > oct cooks 60s coe kk evel eeisa aes ae do.... 4
BROG BlOVOR. oie i 'dSiic wn se whee mE hsm hs See earns aogse*. BS

To this may be added Italian rye grass, 4 pounds, and the same
amount of fescue grass if preferred, but the other is ordinarily sufficient.
This quantity is a heavy seeding for one acre. The blue grass will
not be seen much at first, but by the time the clover dies out it will
have taken hold of the entire surface.

*Colman’s Rural World, | | ;

17

52 SA writer in the New England Farmer recommends the following for-
- mula for a permanent pasture:
Early varieties—

RU RO VOD a Vola dh oties oS cdc deecesk Sstccce gt pounds.. 10
MINING Sod wen vag 4 5.2 oP we ba'doee ress Os wido. See =
ROMEO SERRA oe ans ccece nics pp bons vf dabslc=s 2c vac bushel.. 1
NIN NG sic os bas due npc cce.nsss Seeccd csc ecks Ce ses
Pr OPOIEBETNO. OTEBB ore io 6 ost on cscecceecs secon. ee rete |
Late varieties—

Nee N RMN WE ew oe vis ecw n'a ule 5 dpa se.anee aed cevcascies sd ETE |
I REIRII cass Sag oe vis s aus ok save <cdbsin, d0.5- 2552398
Meee 6 Sc oe cine was code cine aeci oud ceenk ig PO) |

; This forms an unusually heavy seeding, and probably the quantities
_ may be advantageously reduced, but the combination presents a vari-
_ ety that will give a succession from early till late in the season.

The more common mixture for meadows is as follows per acre:

: EE SS DS Re es ee bushel.. 1
CS Se ee |) Ment eass Tas tones ona eic ph eee GO, sos
SENT enya Mone Une on ee eee ecs Sle cece ....pounds.. 4

On highlands orchard grass might be substituted for the redtop.

Time and Manner of Seeding Grass Seed.— There has been much diver-
_ Sity of opinion as to the proper time of seeding land to grass. A very
_ common practice has been to sow the seed in the spring with a grain
- erop, generally of oats. If the season is favorable this method sue-
_ ceeds very well, having the advantage of no loss in the regular crops
of the land. The growing grain furnishes to the young grass shelter
' and shade from the heat of the sun, and after the removal of the crop
_ the grass spreads, and sometimes the same season furnishes a light crop
_ for the scythe or some grazing for the cattle. But the success of this
plan of seeding is not by any means certain. In a very dry season the
young plants may perish from drought, or in a wet season the grain
may lodge and smother the young grass. Hence others recommend
_ late summer or early fall seeding. A writer in the Massachusetts
- Ploughman makes the following statement :
_ -‘The last half of August is generally considered the best time for seeding; earlier
_ _ than this the weather is apt to be too hot for the ready germination of the seed, and
___weeds will get a start before the grass. The first half of September is a good time,
and we have sometimes had very good success with seeding as late as October 1, but
- would prefer to sow earlier if possible. If rye is sown with the grass seed it is best
done about the middle of September; too much rye will choke the grass, but a light
Be. seeding of about one-half to five-eighths of a bushel per acre will not injure the
grass much, and will give a much better return the next season than the grass alone.
Oe Too little care is usually bestowed upon the preparation of the land for seeding;
it should be worked only when just moist enough to make the lumps crush easily, and
should be harrowed repeatedly and rolled before sowing the seed, then brushed and
rolled again, which will leave the land in fine, smooth order for the mowing-machine
_ or scythe.
It is customary to mix Herd’s grass, redtop, and clover seed in seeding, but we
__ prefer to seed high land with Herd’s grass (Phlewm pratense) only low, moist land
> : with redtop (Agrostis vulgaris) and fescue, and clover by itself in the spring, for the

3094 GR 2

18 5;

<
XN

reason that the season of maturity of these grasses is very different ; the clover should
be cut about the 15th of June while in blossom, the Herd’s grass about July 1, and
the redtop about July 15. When they are mixed it will be impossible to cut phen
all in perfection; and if the Herd’s eran is cut too early in a: weather it is almost
sure to be killed out.

Mr. T. C. Alvord, of Vermont, writes in the Boston Cultivator as fol-
lows:

For a number of years past I have sown grass seed only in the spring. On such
lands as I wish to seed down without grain I fit my land in the fall if I can, as that
saves valuable time in the spring; but if I do not have time to perform the work in
the fall, I fit the land as early as I can in the spring, sowing the seedthen. Onalllands
that I seed down I finish working the land before the seed is sown, neverovering .
the seed. I think where grass seed is harrowed, raked, or brushed in much of the
seed is covered so deep that it never comes up.

Many people think that grass seed sown in the spring will not make a good crop of

hay the first season, and that it requires two seasons to doit. This isanerror. On

all the lands that I have sown with grass seed in the spring the grass has been ripe
enough to cut in from ten to twelve weeks from the time the seed was sown, while I
_ invariably get better crops than Ido when Iseed down with grain. If the grain lodges

it will kill the grass, and if the weather is dry the grass will dry up, while in both ~

cases the land will need reseeding; also weeds and foul grasses will-occupythe soil.
If grass seed is sown by itself in the spring it will generally get so good a start that
no ordinary dry or hot weather in the summer will injure the crop. When seeding
land in this way a sufficient quantity of seed should be sown, so that if it all grows
the Jand will be all occupied with grass, thus preventing the growth of weeds, also
giving a large yield with a better quality of grass, while forming .a thicker turf to
be turned under for the enrichment of the soil when the land is again plowed.

On all lands which I have seeded in this way the first crop of hay has averaged
two tons per acre.

Reseeding Old and Worn-out Meadows.— We have already stated that all _
wet lands with a clay subsoil should be subjected to a system of tile
drainage, but in some cases a temporary substitute may be found in a
certain manner of plowing, as is detailed in the following communica-~
tion from a correspondent of the American Cultivator :

I will state my experience, in brief, on cold, wet, swale-land that was once a ikales
ash swamp. The grass was so light and wild it did not pay for cutting. Immedi-
ately after haying I plowed it in deep wide furrows, being sure to lap them and turn
flat over. I took pains to make dead furrows where they should be, and also a clear
outlet at the lower end of the furrows. I harrowed lightly with a fine harrow, and-

went over the field with a hoe and fixed the loose sod, and top-dressed with alight

coat of manure and gravelly loam scraped up in the milking yard, and sowed ona
mixture of redtop, timothy, and English flat turnip seed, then brushed lightly.
Now for results: In the first place, I harvested turnips enough from the piece to pay
- for the labor of plowing and fitting the piece, and the next harvest I cut the heaviest
burden of hay from that land that I ever'saw on any meadow; it was waist-Ligh and
very thick. I accounted for it in this way, the land was thoroughly drained by the
spaces left between the furrows, and the decaying sod provided a rich, warm seed-
bed above the cold, wet, hard-pan, a portion of which had been brought to the sur-
face by the deep plowing. Of course a roller would not have been tolerated on the
piece, as it would have been detrimental to the best results. I wanted to get the
land up and keep it up as long as I could, and let it breathe by leaving space for air
to pass in under and come up through; and I believe that if such Jand was plowed
in that way clear up to freezing time and seeded then or left until early spring, when
clover seed could be added, most excellent results would follow.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF GRASSES,

_. A grass possesses the following parts: (1) The root, (2) the stem, (3)
__ the leaves, (4) the flowers.

__. (1) The roots are the fibrous branching organs which extend down-

a ward into the ground and appropriate the water or other liquid nutri-

tient to be conveyed into the stem and leaves.

2 . (2) A stem that rises above ground, either erect, ascending, or re-

' lining, is called a culm. In some species, in addition to the culm,
_ there are horizontal subterranean stems, improperly called roots. They
__ are known botanically as rhizomes, and are sometimes several feet long.

_ They may be distinguished from the true roots by their bearing a
- greater or less numberof scales and sending out erect branches as
- wellas fibrous roots. In some grasses there is a kind of bulb at the
base of the stem, in which is stored a concentrated mass of food for
_ the support of the plant under peculiar circumstances, as in protracted
“drought. This bulbous formation is a part of the stem, and not of the
' Toot. The stem or culm of grasses is usually cylindrical and hollow;
_ sometimes it is more or less compressed or flattened. It is divided at
- intervals by transverse thickened portions called joints or nodes, at
> which points leaves and someiimes branches are given off. These
-- nodes tend also to strengthen the stem. Stems are usually simple and
Searrsuched: except at the top, where they commonly divide into the
- more or Jess numerous branches of the panicle or flowering part. But
2 _ Some stems give rise from the side joints to leafy branches, which may,
Ss ike the main stem, produce smaller panicles at the top.
_ __ (8) The leaves take their origin at the nodes or joints in two ranks—
| that is, they are placed alternately on opposite sides of the stem at -
greater or less distances; thus, the first leaf will be on one side, the.
second on the opposite side a little higher up, the third still higher and

~ directly over the first, the fourth over the second, and soon. The leaves

consist of three parts: (1) the sheath, (2) the ligule, and (3) the blade.

The sheath is that part which clasps the stem. It is generally open on

one side, as will be readily observed in the leaves of a corn-stalk, batin

- some grasses the sheath is partly or even completely closed together

- by the adhesion of the opposite edges. The sheath is analogous to the

_ stem or petiole of the leaves of many higher plants. At the point where

2 - the blade of the leaf Bases the stem, at the top of the sheath and 0°.
ane 19

20

the inner side, there is usually a small, thin, membranous organ, called
the ligule or tongue. This is sometimes half an inch long, more com-
monly only two or three lines, and sometimes it is almost absent or re-
duced to a short ring, but its length and size are very coustant in the
same species. This ligule represents the stipules which occur at the
base of the leaves in many of the higher plants. The blade or lamina
is the expanded part of the leaf, but is usually called by the general
name leaf. In the majority of grasses the leaf is long and narrow; that
is, many times longer than wide. There is one central nerve, called the
midnerve or midrib, extending to the point of the leaf, with numerous
finer nerves on each side running paralle) to it, and not connected by
conspicuous transverse nerves nor giving off branches. These leaves are
in some species rough, in others smooth, hairy, or downy, ete. The agri-
cultural value of a grass depends mainly upon the quantity, quality,
size, and nutritive properties of the leaves.

(4) The flowers of the grasses are generally at the end of the stem or
the side branches, sometimes very few in number, sometimes in great
abundance, sometimes in a close spike, and sometimes in a panicle, with
many spreading branches or rays. The flowers may be single on the
branches or on the pedicels, or they may be variously clustered. In
the common redtop (Agrostis alba or A. vulgaris) there is a single flower
at the end of each of the smal) branchlets of the panicle. Each of these
flowers is inclosed by a pair of small leaf-like scales or chaff, called the
outer or empty glumes. The flower consists of (1) the essential organs
and (2) the envelopes. The essential organs are the stamens and pistils,
which may readily be seen when the grass isin bloom. The stamens,
of which there are usually three in each flower, consist of the anther and
filament, the anther being the small organ which contains the pollen or

dust which fertilizes the pistil or female organ, and the filament yes

the thread-like stem on which the anther is borne.

The pistil is the central organ of the flower, and consists of three

parts; the ovary, the style, and the stigmas. In most grasses the style
is divided into two branches. The stigmas are the delicate organs,
usually of a plumose form, at the extremities of these branches, which
receive the pollen for the fertilization of the flower; and the ovary is
that part at the base which contains the future seed.

The envelopes of the flower are usually two leaf-like scales or husks,
inclosing between them the stamens and pistil. These scales face each
other, one being a very little higher on the axis than the other, and also
usually smaller and more delicate in texture. This smaller scale is
called the palet; the other larger and usually coarser one the flowering
glume; its edges generally overlap and partly inclose the palet. —

The flower constituted as above described, together with the pair of
outer or empty glumes at the base, form what is called a spikelet. In
many cases, however, there are two, three, or more flowers, sometimes
even ten to twenty, in one spikelet. in which case they are arranged

: alternately on opposite sides of the axis, one above the other, with a
_ pair of empty or outer glumes at the base of the cluster. Such may be
seen in the blue grass (Poa pratensis), fescue grass (Festuca) and many

others.

__ There are innumerable modifications of these floral organs, and upon
the differences which exist in them the distinctions of genera and species
are based. In some cases the glumes are entire in outline, in some they
are toothed and lobed, and sometimes running out into a slender point
called an awn, sometimes with a bristle or awn on the back, ete. They
also vary in size from the twentieth part of an inch to an inch or more

- iniength. . .

PLATE 1.

FiG. 1. 1, fibrous roots; 4, culm; 5, node; 6, leaf.
2. 2, rhizoma; 4, culm; 6, blade of leaf; 7, ligule; 9, scales of the rhizoma.
3. 1, root fibers; 3, bulbous base of culm; 4, culm; 5, sheath; 6, blade.
_ 4, 2, scaly rhizomas; 4, node; 6, blade; 7, ligule; 9, scales of the rhizoma.
5, 1, fibrous roots; 2, creeping rhizoma; 4, culm; 5, sheath ; 6, blade; 7, enlm;
8, nodes.
* PLATE 2.

"The numbers in each of the figures are as follows: 1, sheath; 2, blade; 3, culm; 4,

node, or joint; 5, ligule.
~ The ligule is best shown in the lower right-hand figure.

PLATE 3.

-. Fig. 1. A dense spike (Alopecurus pratensis).

-——s-Q, An elongated, one-sided spike (Paspalum dilatatum).
3. Spike (Hordeum pratense).

4. Spike (Agropyrum repens).

5. Spike (Elymus condensatus).

6. Spike (Bouteloua polystachya).
7. Spike (Bouteloua oligostachya).
8. Panicle (Panicum Crus-galli).
9. Panicle (Agrostis exarata).
10. Panicle (Keeleria cristata).
11. Panicle (Distichlis maritima).
12. Panicle (Bromus secalinus).
13. Panicle (Hierochloa borealis).
14. Panicle (Poa pratensis).
15. Panicle (Dactylis glomerata).

PLATE 4.

1. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Agrostis vulgaris.

2. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Agrostis exarata.

3. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Sporobolus Indicus.
4. An opened spikelet of Calamagrostis Canadensis. .
5. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Phleum pratense.

6. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Muhlenbergia diffusa.
7. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of. Paspalum dilatatum.
* 8, Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Paspalum leve.

9. A spikelet of Aristida purpurea.
10. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Setaria setosa.

22

_ Fig. 11. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Setaria glauca.

12. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Alopecurus pratensis.”
13. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Holeus lanatus.

14. A spikelet of Deschampsia cspitosa and one of its flowers.

15. A spikelet of Poa serotina and one of its flowers.

16. A spikelet of Bromus erectus and one of its flowers.

17. The male and female spikelets of Buchloé dactyloides, the former both

closed and opened.
PASPALUM.

In this genus the panicle does not divide into numerous slender branches as in
many other kinds, but the flowers are arranged in several rows on one side of a nar-
row, flattened branch, called a rhachis. Each flower consists of two empty glumes
of ical or nearly equal length, of a flowering glume of a thickish, hard texture, the
edges of which overlap a palet of similar texture, and between these two are inclosed
the stamens and pistils.

This genus has its range principally in the Southern and Southwest-
ern States. The species are very numerous, are mostly perennial, and
vary much in form and habit. Some are tall and erect, some decum-
bent or spreading, aud others have the habit of sanding out runners,
which take root at short intervals and thus spread and form dense
patches. They areall relished by cattle, and some of them are consid-
ered valuable as wats grasses.

Paspalum dilatatum.

This may be called the hairy-flowered Paspalum. It has been found
native in Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and
Texas, and has been introduced into other States. It also oceurs in

South America. It grows from 2 to 5 feet high, with numerous leaves ©
about a foot in length and oue-third to one half an inch in breadth. It —

does not creep upon the ground like the following species, but is in-
clined to grow in tufts, which may attain considerable size. It is ree-
ommended both for pasture and hay by the few who have tried it.

This species has also been called Paspalum ovatum, but the name
above given, having been first applied, is the proper one.

Charles N. Ely, Smith Point, southeastern Texas, says:

Paspalum dilatatum was brought to this country about twelve years ago, and planted

by 8. B. Wallis. It is a promising grass for hay and pasture, growing best. on moist
lands, but doing well on upland. It iseasily subdued by cultivation, and is not in-
clined to encroach on cultivated lands. It is best propagated by roots or sets, the
seed not being reliable. It is rather slow in starting, but when well rooted it spreads
and overcomes all other grasses. Tramping and grazing is more of an advantage to
if than otherwise. I think that this grass will succeed in a great variety of soils. and
climates, but those planting it must have patience with it at first. '»

Mr. Wallis, above referred to, says:

This I consider the most valuable of all the grasses with which Lam acquainted; it

is perennial and grows here all the year round, furnishing excellent green feed for — .

stock at all seasons, except that the green blades freeze in our coldest weather per-

haps two or three times in a winter. It increases rapidly from seeds, and also repro-
duces itself from suckers, which sprout trom the nodes of the culm after the first crop

Pope) SaaS

if seed haa: ‘ripened: I have seen these suckers remain green for six or eight weeks
_ after the old stalks were as dead and dry as hay, and then, when the old stalks had
fallen to the ground, take root and fourm new plants. It grows well on all kinds of

_ dry land. Plants two or three years old form stools 12 to 18 inches across, The grass
~ ~has very strong roots and grows in the longest drought almost as fast as when it
‘rains.

2 - (Plate 5.)

| Paspalum platycaule.
= This has sometimes been called Louisiana grass. It occurs in all the
: Gulf States and in the West Indies and South America, It grows noe

" permanent, evergreen sod. It does. well on almost any upland soit:
and is said to stand drought better than Bermuda grass. It asnally
_ grows too short and close to the ground for hay, but for grazing it ap-
- parently has many good properties. {[t may be distinguished from the
< other Paspalums and from Bermuda grass by its flattened stems (whence
the name) and the very slender seed-stalks, each bearing only two or
: three very narrow, somewhat upright spikes. The leaves, especially on
_ the long runners, are short and blunt.

_ The facts of its being a perennial and seeding freely, of its doing
better than any other grass on poor soil, forming a compact tuft to the
exclusion of other plants, and of its bettie easily killed by cultivation,
~ will doubtless recommend it for more extended growth.

_ Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala., says:

xi > - It has taken a firm foot-hold in this section. It is perfectly hardy, prefers damp
a localities, and suffers somewhat from long droughts. It grows best in a sandy loam,
- Yather close, compact, and damp, in exposed situations, as it does not stand shade

a . well. It stands browsing and tramping well, and is greedily eaten by all kinds of
a ‘stock. Its vegetation begins earlier in spring than that of Bermuda. .

Ree Ge A. Frierson, Frierson’s Mill, La., in the Southern Live Stock Jone-
eS, nal, Says:

a "i It grows every where i in rather low, wet, clay lands, and stands grazing as well or
_ better than Bermuda.

BE: Brodnax, Morehouse Parish, La. :

_. _ ~ Paspalum platycaule was first noticed here about 1870 in very small patches. Since
then it has spread. rapidly from seed. It is not cultivated. It stands frost very well
when firmly rooted, staying green nearly all winter, and it stands drought splendidly.
It grows best on a poor quality of land high above overflow, or where water could
"4 = not stand on it. It is a splendid pasture grass, making a sod equal to Bermuda, but
itis not cut for hay. It is very easily destroyed, one plowing being sufficient to kill it.

: Mr. Prentice Bailey, of Baker County, northern Florida, sends a
obs “Specimen of Paspalum platycaule for identification, and says of it:

. On all old roads, where travel has killed the other grasses and packed the soil, it

covers the ground with a close, even turf; it forms such a thick turf that it is called
here ‘ ‘blanket grass.” The cattle in the woods are so fond of it and keep it eaten down

a 80 close, thes it is difficult to find any of it more than 2 or 3 inches in Relghs but on

24
good ground in protected places it grows to the height of several feet. It is only par-
tially killed through the winter. From the avidity with which it is eaten by all
kinds of stock, the closeness of turf formed, its ability to resist almost any amount of
tramping, and its rapidity of growth I think that it is a most valuable grass for this
country. a

Mr. F. W. Thurow, of Harris County, Tex., says that at present Pas-
palum platycaule furnishes about five-eightis of the pasturage in south-
eastern Texas, forming a dense sod. Stock of all kinds seem to relish
it, but is not as nutritious as Bermuda grass. (Plate 6.)

Paspalum distichum.

Several species of Paspalum have received attention in the South as
being useful pasture grasses and very durable from their creeping and
rooting habit. Paspalum distichum is one of these species. It grows
principally in low, moist ground. Its stems and culms are mostly pros-
trate and running, sending up here and there a few flower-bearing
culms. It is found in the Southern States and Texas, thence to Cali-
fornia. Farther south it is found in most tropical countries. Mr. W.
A. Sanders, of Fresno County, Cal., writes recently as follows:

Are you aware of the value of Paspalum distichum for seeding pond-holes that dry
up or nearly so in autumn? Such ponds are usually spots of bare, stinking mud, but
when well set to this grass will yield all the way up to 80 tons (in the green state) of
autumn feed for stock, especially valuable for cows first, then follow with sheep till
every vestige is devoured. Surely it has an immense food value in such places.

(Plate 7.)

BECKMANNIA.

Beckmannia eruczformis (Slough Grass).

This genus is closely related to Panicum and has considerable re-
semblance to some forms of Panicum Crus-galli. It grows abundantly
in the Rocky Mountain Region from California and Oregon eastward
as far as lowa and Minnesota. It is found in marshy ground and in
sloughs, particularly in the neighborhood of streams.

It usually grows in tufts, and isof a coarse growth, the stout, roughish
culms rising to about 3 feet in height; the thickish leaves are about
half an inch wide and 6 to 8 inches long. These, as well as the loose, ©
long sheaths, are strongly marked with numerous parallel veins. The
panicle is generally long and narrow, from 6 to 10 inches long, and half
an inch to an inch wide, composed mostly of many very short, closely-
set branches, which are more or less interrupted below where the
branches are generally longer, sometimes 2 inches long and erect.

The spikelets are crowded very closely together on the one-sided
spikes, and each one consists of a pair of thickish, compressed, inflated,
boat-shaped, empty glumes, and between these, one lanceolate, acute
flowering glume, of thinner texture, with its still thinner palet, and the
stamens and styles. These are represented in plate 8, a showing an
enlarged spikelet, ) the same expanded to show the separate parts. In

25

80 me localities this grass is abundant and forms a valuable resource for
_ stock. The bottom leaves and sterile shoots are tender and much rel-
ished, (Plate 8.)

PANICUM.

e In this genus the mode of inflorescence is very variable, but most of the species
havea spreading, much-branched panicle, the terminal branchlets of which have
spikelets of a single perfect flower, or in some cases with a lower male or imperfect
_ flower also. -There are two or three empty glumes, the lower one generally much
_ shorter than the others; the perfect flower has a thick, hard glume with a palet
similar in texture, and with the stamens and pistil inclosed between them. The
_ other imperfect flower when present has a glume similar to the empty ones.

_ he name is probably derived from the Latin word panis, bread, be-
-_ cause some of the species were used, and are still used, for bread-making.
_ ‘Thespecies of this genus are very numerous (more than three hundred
_ on the globe), and of widely different appearance. We have about fifty
_ native species, most of which have little practical value except as adding
more or less to the wild forage of our woods and fields. But some
' Species, both native and foreign, are of very high agricultural value.

-_ Panicum maximum (True Guinea Grass).

_ YThis is a native of Africa, which has been introduced into many
' tropical countries, and in the West Indies is extensively cultivated.
' It has been brought into Florida and other places along the Gulf coast,
but is little known in the United States. It requires a long season, is
c. very susceptible to frost, and ripens seed only in the warmest part of
- the country. It nas often been confounded with Johnson grass, which
is very different. A sufficient point of distinction is the fact that John-
- son grass spreads by underground stems, while Guinea grass does not,
but remains in bunches.

Its chief value is for hay or soiling, and it should be cut frequently
to prevent it becoming too hard and coarse. It grows tall and rank,
_ reaches the height of 6 or 8 feet when mature, and yields a seed much
resembling millet. It is not adapted to the climate of the Northern
States. Panicum jumentorum is a synonym. (Plate 9.)

= - Panicum Texanum (Texas Millet).
< This grass is a native of Texas, and was first described and named
in 1866 by Prof. S. B. Buckley, in his preliminary reportrof the “‘Geo-
- graphical and Agricultural Survey of Texas.” It is frequently called _
- Colorado grass, from its abundance along the Colorado River in that
State. In some localities it is known as river grass; in others as goose
__ grass, from its being supposed to have been introduced by wild geese.
In southern Texas it is sometimes called buffalo grass, and in Fayette
County it is known as Austin grass from the fact that it was first util-
_ ized as hay near Austin.
~The most numerous and favorable reports regarding it are from
- Lampasas, Burnet, and Travis Counties, along the Colorado River, and

26

southward through the central part of the State. From no grass, so
little known, have more favorable reports been received, especially
from the section in which it is most abundant. It is but little known
outside of Texas. Of the thirty five valuable reports in regard to it,
all but six were from that State, and most of them from the region
above indicated.

The grass is an annual, growing usually from 2 to 4 feet high, and i 1S
especially valuable for hay. It prefers rich alluvial soils, but stands
drought well, though on dry uplands its yield is much reduced. The
plant is furnished with an abundance of rather short and broad leaves,
and the stems, which are rather weak, are often produced in consider-
able number from a single root, and where the growth is rank are in-
clined to be decumbent at the base. It is valuable for all purposes for
which the ordinary millets are used, and should be tried throughout
the South. In Texas, where most largely grown, it generally over-
comes other grasses and weeds; but in some of the other Southern
States crab grass and weeds have interfered with its growth. It has

not been much cultivated in the Northern States, but is deserving of a

trial; as with a good season it will probably be more productive than,
and of superior quality to, common Hungarian millet. (Plate 10.)

Panicum proliferum, var. geniculatum.

This variety occurs in the Southern States, where it is sometimes
ealled “sprouting crab grass.” It is an annual, growing in low, moist
ground. The stems are first erect, then become decumbent and spread-
ing, frequently attaining a length of 6 or 7 feet, bent and rooting at the
lower joints. It has much thesame habit as P. Texanum, but the stems
are smooth and more flattened; the leaves also are smoother and longer.
The stems are sometimes nearly an inch thick at the base and very suc-
culent. The main stem is terminated by a diffuse panicle sometimes
2 feet long.

Dr. Charles Mohr, of Mobile, says of it:

In damp, grassy places it prefers rich ground throughout the coast region. It com-
mences to vegetate vigorously in the hottest part of the summer, throwing out

numerous shoots from the joints, forming large-branched bushes. The foliage is rich ~

and tender; and the succulent, thick stems are sweet and juicy. After cutting, it

throws out numerous sprouts from the lower joints, which grow rapidly, so as to.

allow repeated cuttings until frost. It is through all stages of its growth much rel-
ished by horses and cattle. : a

(Plate 11.)
Panicum barbinode (Para Grass).

This species has been introduced from South America in some locali-

ties of the Southern States. In Cuba itis cultivated and highly valued
for its prolific growth and nutritive properties. It is not adapted to
culture in the Northern States. It is a coarse, reed-like grass, that
looks as if it should grow in the water; but it makes a heavy growth
on the high pine ridges of Florida. (Plate 12.) )

This i is the millet grass of India, or at least one of the Indian millets. —
eit has, i in Asia, been cultivated for ages, and is, in many parts, an —
- important article in the food supply of the natives. It is also cultivated
in Egypt, Turkey, and Southern Europe. It has been cultivated toa
limited extent in this country for forage, and will thrive and ripen in
the Northern as well as the Southern States.

~ Mr. Charles L. Flint says:
Millet is one of the best crops we have for sitting and feeding green for soiling |
purposes, since its yield is Jarge, its luxuriant leaves juicy and tender and much
relished by milch cows and other stock. The seed is rich in nutritive qualities, but
itis very seldom ground or used for flour, though it is said to exceed all other kinds
of meal or flour in nutritive elements. An acre well cultivated will yield from 60
_ to 70 bushels of seed. Cut in the blossoms, as it should be for feeding to cattle, the
_ seed is comparatively valueless. If allowed to ripen its seed, the stalk is no more
: es probably, than oat straw. It is well adapted to culture in dry regions.

_ (Plate 13.)

= Panicum Crus-galli (Barnyard Daan):
_ This is an annual grass, with thick, stout culms usually from 2 to 4
~ feet high. In the Southern States it is often employed, and is consid.
" ered a valuable grass. Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says:

In that and some other States it is mowed annually, and is said sometimes to fur-
nish four or five tons of hay per acre. It annually reseeds the ground and requires
no cultivation or other care, save protection from stock and the labor of harvesting.
In one county in Mississippi hundreds of acres are annually mowed on single farms.
~ Cows and horses are very fond of it whether green or dry.

“2 In the Northern States it is seldom employed. (Plate 14.)

i Paxiicam sanguinale (Crab Grass).
_ Thisis an annual grass, which, although a native of the Old Worla, —
has become spread over most parts of this country, and indeed over all
oe - tropical countries. It isthe most common crab grass of the Southern —
' States. It occurs in cultivated and waste grounds, and grows very
' rapidly during the hot summer months. The culms usually rise to the
' height of 2 or 3 feet, and at the summit have from three to six slender
_ flower spikes, each from 4 to 6 inches long. The culms are bent at the
a lower joints, where they frequently take root. At the New Orleans
=< Exposition there were specimens of this grass 5 feet 10 inches long.
_ Professor Killebrew, of Tennessee, says:
_ It is a fine pasture grass; although it has but few base leaves and forms no sward,
yet it sends out numerous stems or branches at the base. It serves a most useful
- purpose in stock husbandry. It fills all our corn-fields and many persons pull it out,
which is a tedious process. It makes a sweet hay, and horses are exceedingly fond of
it, leaving the best hay to eat it.
Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says that the corn and cotton fields
x are often so overrun with it that the hay which might be secured would
é more valuable than the original crop. It is sometimes mowed from |
ween the rows, sometimes cut across the ridges, with the corn.

28

+ |
% -

5 oh

Se Ce

Although so much esteemed in the South, it is considered a pest in

the Northern States. (Plate 15.)

Panicum virgatum (Tall Panic Grass; Switch Grass).

A tall perennial grass, 3 to 5 feet high, growing mostly in clumps in
moist or even in dry, sandy soil, very common on the sea-coast, and
also in the interior to the base of the Rocky Mountains. This is a good
and prolific grass if cut when young; when ripe it becomes harsh and
unpalatable. Itforms a large constituent of the native grasses of the
prairies, particularly in moist localities. It is said to be cultivated in
some parts of Colorado, and with very satisfactory results. (Plate 16.)
Panicum agrostoides. (Redtop Panicum.)

This is a perennial grass, commonly growing in large clumps in wet
meadows or on the muddy margins of lakes and rivers. It grows 4 to
6 feet high, is erect in habit, and developes its reddish panicles from

several of the joints as well as at the apex. The stem is somewhat ~—

flattened and very smooth, as are the sheaths; the leaves are 1 to 2
feet long, about half an inch wide, and somewhat rough on the margins
and midrib. The terminal panicle is 6 to 12 inches long, at first some-
what close, but becoming quite open and diffuse. The lateral panicles
are shorter and partly inclosed by the sheath at the base. The branches
of the panicle are mostly 1 or 2 inches long and rather densely flowered
nearly to the base. The spikelets are a little more than a line long on
very short pedicels, mostly racemose on one side of the branches, oblong,
acute, the lower empty glume ovate, acute, half as long as the upper
one, which is rather long-pointed and five-nerved; the lower or sterile
flower is a little shorter than the longer glume and a little shorter than

the perfect flower, which is oblong, obtuse, and under a lens shows a-

few beards at the apex. This grass produces a large amount of foliage,
which makes fair hay if cut before flowering time; if left later it con-
tains too many wiry stalks. It may be utilized as a hay crop in low
grounds, but it is doubtful if it can be made productive on dry, tillable
land. (Plate 17.)

Panicum anceps. (Two-edged Panic Grass.)

A perennial grass, when well developed resembling the preceding, but
of a smaller, lighter growth, generally found in moist clay soil. It has a
flattish erect stem, 2 to 3 feet high, with smooth leaves a foot or more
long, of a bluish-green color, and mostly near the base of the stem. The
root-stock is thick, scaly, and creeping near the surface of the ground.
The panicle is 6 to 12 inches long, with short branches near the top, the
lateral branches 3 to 6 inches long, rather distant, erect or somewhat

spreading. Usually there are also several smaller lateral panicles from —

the upper joints of the culm. The spikelets are about a line and a half
long, a little longer than those of Panicum agrostoides, oblong, lanceo-
late, a little curved, and sessile, or on very short pedicels. The lower
empty glume is broadly ovate, and about half as long as the five to

29

seven-nerved upper one. The lower glume of the sterile flower is as
long as the upper empty glume, and much like it in texture, while the
palet is thin, obtuse, and much shorter. The perfect flower is one-third
_ Shorter than the upper empty glume, oblong; the flowering glume and
its palet, as in most species of Panicum, is thick and of hard texture.
This can not be considered a valuable grass, but it frequently oceurs
| _ in neglected and poor land in sufficient quantity to afford considerable
- grazing for stock. It makes its growth late in the season, usually
_ reaching the flowering state in August. Dr. Mohr, of Mobile, remarks
S that it is not much relished by stock, being rather harsh and dry.

_ Professor Phares says:

‘It forms strongly rooted spreading clumps, often completely carpeting the ground

with ‘pretty, glossy, light-green foliage.

y

(Plate 18.)
ee _‘ SBTARIA.

3 5 In this genus the flowers are constructed as in the Panicums, but they are arranged
c. - in narrow, more or less cylindrical spikes. Below the spikelets are several bristles,
cS generally longer than the spikelets, which remain on the spike after the fall of the
_ flowers.

3 Setaria Italica (Hungarian Grass; German Millet).

| ‘this grass is supposed to be a native of the East Indies, but it has
' been extensively introduced into most civilized countries. It has long
' been cultivated as a fodder-grass both in Europe and in this country.
@e is an annual grass of strong, rank growth, the culms erect, 2 to 3 feet
high, with numerous long and broad leaves, and a terminal, spike-like,
& nodding panicle, 4 to 6 inches long, and often an inch or more in diam-
' eter. The varieties and forms of this grass differ greatly, so much so
- that some of them have been considered different species; but the gen-
eral opinion of botanists is that they are all varying forms of the same
= Species, dependent upon the character of the soil, thickness of seeding, -
x moisture or dryness, and time of sowing. It owes its value as a fodder
_ plant to the abundance of its foliage, and to the large quantity of seed
- produced. In some instances objection has been made to this grass on
- account of the bristles which surround the seed, and which have been said
3 : _ to penetrate the stomachs of cattle so as to cause inflammation and death.
- But it is plain that this opinion is not generally held, as the cultivation
of the grass is widely extended and everywhere recommended,
For forage it should be cut as soon as it blooms, when, of course, it is
- worth nothing for seed; but it is most valuable for forage and exhausts
- the land much less. If left for the seeds to mature they are very abun-
- dant and rich feed, but the stems are worthless, while the soil is more
damaged.

a The matured stems are very hard, indigestible, and injurious, and the ripe —
will founder more promptly than corn, and sometimes produce diabetes if moldy and

too freely used. If cut at the right stage the whole plant is safe and very valuable

30
forage. On good soil, if the ground be mivist, it will be ready for mowing in sixty.
days from seeding, and produce from 2 to 4 tons of hay per acre. It is folly to sow
it on poor land. Teekay .

(Plate 19. ie

Setaria glauca and Setaria viridis. .
These two kinds, called pigeon grass, are very common in » cultivated
fields, especially among stubble after the cutting of grain. They are as

nutritious as Hungarian grass but not so productive. (Plate 20.)

PENNISETUM.

The flowers in this genus are arranged in close spikes much like those of Setaria,

. but the bristles at the base of the spikelets fall off with the spikelets, instead of re-

maining attached to the rhachis, .

Pennisetum spicatum (Penicillaria spicata) (Pearl Millet; Cat-tail Millet; Egyptian
Millet).

This is supposed to be a native of Africa, but has been known frott
time immemorial in cultivation in India, Arabia, and Egypt. 3
It is an annual grass of luxuriant growth, frequently reaching 6 or
8 feet in height, with long, broad leaves, and a stout, solid culm ter-
minated with a thick, erect spike, 6 to 10 inches long, and three-quarters
of an inch in thickness, having a resemblance to the heads or spikes
of the common cat-tail (Typha latifolia). The stalks are freely pro-
ductive of suckers which furnish a large amount of succulent, sweet
leaves.
Professor Phares states:
It has been grown to some extent for twenty-five years in many parts of the
Southern States, more largely since 1865.
No crop will pay better or yield more forage than this on very rich, highly fertilized
land. On such land it has been cut on an average every forty-five days, from the
time of planting till frost, with a reported product of 80 or 100 tons of green forage, ©

or from 16 to 20 tons of dry hay. When it grows luxuriantly it is impossible to eure
it for hay on the ground upon which it is grown; so that it would be impracticable

to make hay of a large field of it sown solid. Hence it must be sown insmall patches
or in beds, with spaces between upon which to spread: it when cut This difficulty -

would occur only on rich and highly manured land. Any one can have the crop as
light as he chooses by sowing on poorly prepared or on exhausted land. ie

It is best adapted for cultivation in the South, where it will ripen
seeds, but in a favorable season it may produce a large amount of for-
age in the N orthern States.

TRIPSACUM, ,

Tripsacum dactyloides (Gama Grass).

A tall, stout, perennial grass, growing sparingly at the North, more
common southward and in the Western States. The flowers are in
spikes, generally from one to three at the top of the culm or from side —
shoots. The spikes are 2 to 4 inches long, the male flowers by them-
selves on the upper part, and the female flowers on the lower part.
The lower flowers mature seeds in short joints, which break apart at

he xo Saat , -
ry in my A *
i al 2 :
= ggg -! ra

omtas) Bae ee ;
Sree y= , ;
> > ef 3

2 a .

ty. pentesior Phaiee Says it was foraiétly found widely diffused
; ough the Southern States, from the sea-shore to the mountains. It—
now seldom seen, having been destroyed by cattle.

~ Mr Howard, of South Carolina, says of it:

This i is a native of the South, from the mountains to the coast. The seed stem runs
ip te the height of 5 to7 feet. The seeds break off from the stem asif from a joint, a
single seed ata time. ‘The leaves resemble those of corn. When cut before the seed _
stems shoot up they make a coarse but nutritious hay. It may be cut three or four
times during the season. The quantity of forage which can be made from it is enor-
a ous. Both cattle and horses are fond of the hay. The roots are alinost as large and
ong as cane roots. ‘It would require a team of four to six oxen to plow it up. It
€an, however, be easily killed by close grazing, and the mass 6f dead roots would
‘certainly enrich the land. As the seeds of this grass vegetate with uncertainty, itis
usually propagated by setting out slips of the roots about 2 feet apart each way.
’ rich land the tussocks will soon meet. In the absence of the finer hay grasses
is. will be found an abundant and excellent substitute. The hay made from it is
ry like corn fodder, is ae equal to it in value, and may be saved at a tithe of |
he expense.

(Plate 21.)

BUCHLAENA.

chleena luxurians (Teosinte).

- This grass is allied to and somewhat resembles Indian corn. Like it,
“it has the male flowers in a tassel at the top of the stalk, and the fertile
es arranged i in slender spikes mostly concealed from view by the loose
usk or sheath in which they are contained. These husks come from
arly every joint.

Prof. Asa Gray,in the American Agriculturist for August, 1880,
eaking of this plant, writes:

* The director of the botanic garden and Government plantations at Adelaide, South-
p Australia, reports favorably of this strong-growing, corn-like forage plant, the
ichlena luxurians ; that the prevailing dryness did not injure the plants, which
eserved their honittizg green, while the blades of the other grasses suffered materially.
ne habit of throwing out young shoots is remarkable, sixty or eighty rising toa
g height of 5 to 6 feet. Further north, at Palmerston (nearer the equator), in the course
of five or six months the plant reached the height of 10 to 14 feet, and the stems on
one. plant numbered fifty-six. The plants, after mowing down, grew again several
4inafew days. The cattle delight init in a fresh state, also whendry. Undoubt-
ly there is not a more prolific forage plant known; but, as it is essentially tropic _
‘its habits, thisluxuviant growth is found in tropical or subtropical climates. The |
hief drawback to its culture with us will be that the ripening of the seed crop will
be problematical, as early frosts will kill the plant. To make the teosinte a most
es useful plant in Texas, and along our whole Southern border, the one thing needful is
2 to develop early flowering varieties so as to get seed before frost. And this could be
_ done, without doubt, ifsome one in Texas or Florida would set about it, What it has -
~ taken ages to do in the case of Indian corn, in an unconscious way, might be mainly
done ina human life-time by rightly directed care and vigorous selection. Who is the
yn who is going to make millions of blades of grass grow where none of any account
er grew before ?

Seeds of this semi- tropical forage plant were distributed by the De-
iment i in the spring of 1886 and again in 1887. The plant consider-

32

ably resembles Indian corn, but is more slender, gives off suckers more
abundantly, and produces its seeds, a few together, in small tufts of
husks instead of inears. Each seed is inclosed by the peculiar hardened
outer glumes, which would probably make it more difficult to digest
than corn. The plant has not yet been extensively tried, owing to the
difficulty of obtaining seed, which it was necessary to import, and
which was therefore expensive and liable to be of poor quality. Expe-
rience has shown, however, that it will ripen in Southern Florida, and
in a few other favorable localities in the United States. Professor
Phares, of Mississippi, believes, from instances that have come under his
notice, that the seed may be successfully grown in some locations in the
southern portion of that State, and over a considerable part of south- _
eastern Louisiana, and that in all parts of the Gulf States, even where |

it does not mature, it is destined to become a most valuable forage
plant. Itis probable that by selection and continued trial it may be
made to ripen where it now does not.

J. ©. Neal, Archer, northern Florida:

Often tried, and with much fertilizer makes a tremendous growth, giving a large
amount of good forage, easily dried, and available. The seeds I received from the
Department of Agriculture last year were deficient in vitality, and but few grew, but
they showed that with good seed and care the teosinte would be a valuable forage
plant. It will not ripen seed. I have tried to ripen it for ten years and failed.

J. G. Knapp, Limona, southern Florida:

Great difficulty has been experienced in obtaining live seed of this most valuable
fodder plant, seed obtained from seedsmen, having been imported from HFonduras,
being too old to germinate. But during the past season a neighbor of mine has suc-
ceeded in obtaining a few seeds which grew, and his plants have matured their seeds,
allof which will be planted the present year. Seed has also been matured at Fort
Meade, in Polk County. Thus the question can be considered as settled, so far as
this locality is concerned, that teosinte will mature its seed, and the country is
placed in possession of the best soiling and fodder plant known to the agriculturists
of the world. It endures. heat, drought, and rains as well as sorghum and better
- than corn, and may be cured for hay. ;

Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobiie, Ala. :

This tropical grass does not ripen its seeds in this latitude; it scarcely unfolds
its blossoms before the advent of the first frost. It is very tender, being easily af-
fected by frost or drought. During a cold spring it is difficult to secure a good
stand, and it is only after warm weather has fairly set in that it begins to make a.
rapid growth, affording three cuttings and over of rich fodder on well manured
ground in a season of genial showers. It is too succulent to be easily cured for hay.
On that account and from the difficulty in securing a good stand and from the neces-
sity of procuring each season a supply of seed from abroad, this grass has not found
the favor with the cultivators of this section with which it is held in the subtropical
zone.

J. 5S. Newman, Director Experiment Station, Auburn, Ala.:

Teosinte was cultivated on our experiment grounds last season with very satisfac-
tory. results. It tillers like cat-tail millet, but makes a much more luxuriant growth.
It responds promptly and vigorously under the knife, and may be repeatedly cut dur-

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33

ing spring and summer. It does not, however, withstand drought as well as millo
. maize ov kaffir corn, and it died completely during our seventy-five days of drought

last fall. I have a few seeds which were matured on the grounds of Mr, George W.
Benson, in the open air, at Marietta, Ga. He ripened seeds two years ago on a few
plants which were forced in early spring and transplanted to the open ground, Last
year this seed was planted. in the open ground, and produced the plants which ma-
tured the seed which I have. He seems thus to have succeeded in acclimating the
plant, which is therefore likely to prove a valuable acquisition.

(Plate 22.)
ZIZANIA.

Zizania aquatica (Wild Rice; Indian Rice).
Its ordinary growth is from 5 to 10 feet high, with a thick, spongy stem, and abun-

dant long and broad leaves. The panicle is pyramidal in shape, 1 to 2 feet long, and

widely branching below. The upper branches are rather appressed and contain the
fertile flowers, while the lower branches contain only staminate ones. The spikelets

are oné-flowered, each with one pair of external husks or scales, which are by some

botanists called glumes, and by others called palets. These husks or glumes in the
fertile flower are nearly or quite an inch long, with an awn or beard as long, or twice
as long. The grain inclosed between them is half an inch long, slender and cylin-
drical. The glumes of the staminate flowers are about half an inch long and without
awns, each flower containing six stamens. These flowers fall off soon after they ex-
pand. ‘The fertile flowers also drop very readily as soon as the grain is ripened.

This is botanically related to the common commercial rice (Oryza sativa)

» but is very different in general appearance. It is widely diffused over
_ North America, and is found in Eastern Siberia and Japan. It grows

on the muddy banks of rivers and lakes, both near the sea and far in-
land, sometimes in water 10 feet or more deep, forming patches or mead-
ows coyveripg many acres or extending for miles.

The grass abounds in the small lakes of Minnesota and the North-
west, and is there gathered by the Indians for food. The husk is re-
moved by scorching with fire. It is a very palatable and nutritious
grain. Some attempts have been made to cultivate the grass, but the
readiness of the seed to drop must interfere with a successful result.

Near the sea-coast multitudes of reed-birds resort to the marshes,
where it grows, and fatten upon the grain. The culms are sweet and
nutritious, and cattle are said to be very fond of the grass. It is not
adapted to culture on any ordinary farming land, as it will live only

in the presence of water. (Plate 23.)

LEERSIA.

The flowers grow in spreading panicles. The spikelets are sessile, on short, one-
sided branches or spikes. ‘The spikelets are one-flowered, possessing but two scales, —
which may be called glumes or palets, which are strongly compressed, without awns,
bristly ciliate on the keels, the lower one broader and inclosing the seed. Stamens
one to six; stigmas two; grain flattened.

A genus of rough-leaved grasses growing for the most part in marshy

or moist ground throughout nearly all parts of the United States. There

are about five species, two of which are confined to the Southern States;
3594 GR——3

o4

the others, at least two of them, are very common, though rarely occur-

ring in great quantity. They are sometimes cut for hay. They can

ee Tae tie e

not be recommended for culture, but may be utilized wherever they —

grow spontaneously.

Leersia oryzoides (White Grass; Cut Grass; False Rice).
This is a handsome grass, the culms decumbent. It is commonly
called rice grass, from its strong resemblance to common rice. The

leaves are pale green, frequently a foot or more long, prominently veined »

below, very rough on the margins and on the sheaths. The panicle is
about 1 foot long, diffusely branched, the branches mostly in twos, aud
an inch or two distant. The spikelets are very flat, about 2 lines long,
nearly sessile, and borne mostly towards the ends of the long branches.
The leaves are so rough on the apne as readily to cut the hand if
roughly drawn through it.

Leersia Virginica (Small-flowered White Grass).

In this species the panicle is much smaller and narrower, and the
branches appressed. The spikelets are smaller, the glumes narrower
and smoother than in the first. (Plate 24.)

Leersia hexandra.

This species occurs in wet ground on the Atlantic and Gulf coast. It

also occurs in other tropical and semi-tropical countries. It might be
utilized in this country, if it becomes necessary, as it now is in some
other countries. In Manilla, one of the Philippine Islands (as we learn
from the United States consul at that place), this species is cultivated
as food for horses and cattle. It is treated like rice, being fransplanted
to wet and previously plowed meadows. The local name there is za-

cate. :
: HILARIA.
Hilaria Jamesii (Gietta Grass).

This is one of the characteristic grasses of the arid districts of Texas,

New Mexico, and Arizona, where it is sometimes called black grama.
It is found sparingly also in Colorado and Utah. There are several
other species growing in the same region, in some places quite abun-

dantly. They are relished by cattle, and are considered as next in value —

to grama grass. (Plate 25.)

ANDROPOGON.

This genus is quite largel y developed in the United States. They are

perennial grasses, mostly tall, and with rongh, wiry stems. Some of.

them occur in: nearly all parts of the country from New England to
Florida and west to Arizona. They are most abundant, however, in

the Southern States, where they have been employed for permanent ;
pastures. When they occur in quantity they can be utilized, but to be —

of value they should be kept from sending up their strong stems, as
_ these are universally rejected by cattle and horses. Most of the specie

:

35

are not to be recommended for cultivation, but some have been praised
ein the South as furnishing, with proper management, permanent and
reliable pastures.

3 Andropogon Virginicus and Andropogon scoparius (Broom Sedge).

_ Andropogon Virginicus and A. scoparius are the ones commonly em-
_ ployed in this way.

_ Dr. Charles Mohr, of Mobile, says that Andropogon scoparius grows
_ extensively in old fields, and in the dry, sandy soil of the pine woods.
Much despised as it is as a troublesome weed, it has its good qualities, which en- —
_ title it to a more charitable consideration. In the dry pine woods it contributes,
while green and tender, a large share to the sustenance of the stock.

1b is common on the Western prairies, growing in dense tufts, and is
_ known under the names of wire grass and bunch grass. It is, in most
_ places, a constituent of prairie hay, and it makes good fodder if cut
- early. (Plates 26 and 27.)

_- Andropogon macrourus.

_ Andropogon macrourus, or heavy-topped broom grass, is frequent near
% the coast, from New Jersey to Florida, and thence west to Texas, and
4 even to southern California. It has a stout culm, 3 to4 feet high, with
_ large, leafy clusters of flowers near the top. (Plate 28.)

.- Andropogon furcatus.

_ This is the tallest of our species. It grows erect to the height of 5
or6 feet, in rocky or hilly ground; or at the West it is abundant on the
"native prairies, where it is frequently called blue stem. The leaves are
2 long and frequently somewhat hairy on the sheaths and margins. The
_ spikes are in small clusters of from three to six, terminating the stalk,
' and also with several clusters from the side branches. The spikes are
- usually 2 to 3 inches long, rather rigid, and contain ten to twenty flow-
- ers each. At each joint there is one sessile, perfect flower, and one
_ stalked one, which is staminate only ; otherwise it is nearly like the fer-
z tile one. The outer glumes are about four lines long, the upper one —
_ tipped with a short, stiff awn.

This species, as above stated, is abundant on the prairies of the West,
_ where it is one of the principal hay grasses of the country, and is ex-
- tensively cut and cured for winter use. (Plate 29.)

E Andropogon Hallii.

_ This species much resembles the preceding, but the culms are stouter,
_ the leaves thicker and more succulent, the flower spikes are larger, and
the flowers generally more hairy. It prevails in very sandy soil, and
- is most frequent in western Kansas and in Colorado, Nebraska, and
northward along the Missouri River. The leaves and stems are com-
"monly of a light, bluish-green color. It will probably be well adapted
_tolight, sandy soils. ©

36

CHRYSOPOGON.

Chrysopogon nutans (Sorghum nutans) (Wild Oats).

The stalks are 4 to 6 feet high, smooth, hollow, straight, and having at the top a
narrow panicle, 6 to 12 inches long, of handsome straw-colored or brownish flowers,
which is gracefully drooping at the top. The spikelets are at the ends of the slender
branches of the loose panicle, generally of a yellowish color. At the base of each of
the spikelets are two (one on each side) short, feathery pedicels; the flowers which
they are supposed to have been made to support have entirely disappeared. The
outer glumes are about three lines long, both alike, lanceolate, obtusish, coriaceous,
five to seven-nerved, the lower one sparsely hairy, and with hairs at the base and on
the stalk below.

This isa tall, perennial grass, having a wide range over all the country
east of the Rocky Mountains. It grows rather sparsely and forms a
thin bed of grass. |

It is a nutritious grass, but should be cut early, as at full maturity
the stems are coarse and are rejected by cattle. (Plate 30.).

SORGHUM.

In this genus the spikelets are much as in Chrysopogon and Andropo-
gon, differing chiefly in habit and in the glumes of the fertile spikelets —
becoming hardened after flowering.

There are several species.

Sorghum halepense (Johnson Grass; Mean’s Grass).

This grass is a native of Northern Africa and the country about the
Mediterranean Sea. :
It was introduced into cultivation in this country more than fifty

years ago, and has recently attracted renewed attention, especially in
the Southern States. The name Johnson grass, which is the one now
most generally adopted in this country, originated from William John- —
son, of Alabama, who introduced the grass into that State from South
Carolina about the year 1840. It had previously been known as Mean’s
grass, and that name is still occasionally used. It has also been largely -
grown under the name of Guinea grass, but that name should be re-
stricted to Panicum maximum, described in another part of this bulletin.
It has been called Egyptian grass, Green Valley grass, Cuba grass, Al-
abama Guinea grass, Australian millet, and Morocco millet. In Cali- |
fornia it is best known as evergreen millet or Arabian evergreen mil-—
let. There seems to be good evidence that some of these names have ©
been used at times in order to sell the seed as a new kind at an un-
reasonably high price. Johnson grass seeds abundantly, and the seed
may be obtained of nearly all seedsmen under that name.
This grass is best adapted to warm climates, and has proved most
valuable on warm, dry soils in the Southern States. It has been tested —
quite generally throughout the country, and is often recommended for.
cultivation even in the North, but there its growth is much smaller than —

a re Lae ee el Meee eee ree Cee eae

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We te

Leeiie

RET A Sa eae Oe ERE RDM aR ATO ETS Ce EEE

a.

SAS PA IES ae Ae ett

37

at the South, and in severe winters it is killed outright. It is oceasion-
_ ally more or less winter-killed as far south as the northern portion of
Texas and Alabama. Its chief value is for hay, in regions where other
- grasses fail onaccount of drought. If cut early the hay is of good
quality, and several cuttings may be made in the season; but if the
_ eutting is delayed until the stalks are well grown the hay is so coarse

and hard that stock do not eat it readily. The seed may be sown at
any time when the soil is warm and not too dry. Failures often occur

from sowing the seed too early. If there is danger that the soil should
dry out before the seed can germinate, soaking the seed may be resorted
to with good results. Thick seeding gives a heavier yield and a better

quality of hay. From 1 to 2 bushels are usually sown per acre, accord-
ing to the cleanness of the seed. In case of failure to get a good stand

- the crop may be allowed to go to seed the first year, after which the
vacant places will be found to be self-seeded. On small patches in such
- eases the ground is sometimes plowed up and the underground stems

scattered along in the furrows over the vacant spots. In most localities

it is generally considered desirable to plow the land set in Johnson

grass about every third year; otherwise the root stocks become matted
near the surface, and the crop is more affected by drought. Plowing
causes it to grow more thickly and vigorously. If desired, a large por-

- tion of the root stocks may be removed at the time of plowing without
‘injuring the stand. The greatest objection to Johnson grass is the diffi-
culty of eradicating it. Care should be taken not to introduce it into
fields intended for cultivation. It spreads rapidly, both by the root

and by seed, and is apt to enter fields where it is not wanted. On stock-

_ farms this feature is not so objectionable as elsewhere. The grass is

not well adapted to pasture, and close pasturing is one of the means of

getting rid of it. Its succulent, subterranean stems are usually well
liked by hogs after they have become accustomed to them, and by

keeping hogs closely confined upon it, it may be eradicated. Another

- method of eradication which is recommended is to plow in the fall, so
~ as to expose it to the action of frost. In the South, where the grass is
| most largely grown, this is only partially successful.

There has been much discussion in the Southern papers respecting
this grass, some considering it a great blessing, others a curse, the fact
being that itis a blessing where a permanent grass is desired, avd a

great pest in land desired for general cultivation. It is probably too
- tender for the Northern States, but needs further trial. (Plate 31.)

Sorghum vulgare.

This name as at present applied includes several varieties quite dif-

ferent in appearance, as the variety saccharatum, or ordinary sugar
sorghum, millo maize, Kaffir corn, dourra, and broom corn. The
broom corn variety we need not discuss here. Some of the other vari-

aN

38

eties have been cultivated in various sections, and deserve especial
attention in certain localities.

This plant has been widely discussed within the last few years in the
agricultural press, and is valued by many who have grown it as a fod-
der plant in the South. There is considerable difference of opinion,
however, as to its relative value as compared with the other sorghums
and Indian corn. The following from among the replies received are
given as additional evidence in regard to it:

J. S. Newman, Director Experiment Station, Agricultural and Me-

chanical College, Auburn, Ala. :

The popularity of this plant is waning, it having no epee advantages: over com-
mon corn, cat-tail millet, or common sorghum.

As evidence that millo maize has undergone acclimation, I will add
that plants grown from seed freshly imported from South America do

not mature seeds here.
Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. :

In the last three seasons this has been grown successfully in this vicinity by several
parties. It ripens its seed before the advent of frost, which kills the plants to the
roots. It does very wellin the light soils of the coast plain, and perhaps every-
where in the pine region where there is a clay foundation. The growth of this grass
during the early part of the season is much retarded by the chilly nights and spells
of continued cold weather. It is only after the advent of settled warm weather that
it enters upon its period of more vigorous growth.

Four cuttings may be taken during the season. Plants intended for seed are left
undisturbed, and grow to a height of 18 or 20 feet, ripening in October. Great
trouble in securing the seed is caused by the ravages of numerous birds.

The fodder obtained from the repeated cuttings, on account of its sueculence, is
difficult to cure, and in damp weather almost impossible. To cure dry fodder for
winter use the plants are, after the second cutting, left to grow until towards the
end of the season, when, having attained a height of 12 to 15 feet, and before opening
their flowers, the staiks are cut and placed on end in small shocks. After being snf-
’ ficiently dried they are placed upright under an airy shed or barn, protected from
the damp. In this way sufficient ventilation is secured to prevent heating and mold-
ing, and. to keep the fodder sweet and palatable. The fodder is said to be preferred
by all kinds of live stock to any other fodder or hay. As to its nutritious value as
compared with corn fodder opinions differ. The seeds are planted in spring in beds,
which can be covered over during coo] nights, and from these are transferred, when
8 to 10 inches in height, to the field, and thereafter treated in the same manrer as
corn.

Florida Farm and Fruit-Growers:

ed Millv Maize.—It stands drought and does not blow down easily, but it does
not make as rank a growth as yellow millo maize. The seed is smaller than any of
the other sorghums, and makes a first-class chicken-feed.

PHALARIS.

Phalaris erent (Reed Canary Grass).
A perennial grass, with strong, creeping rhizomes, growing from 2 to
5 feet high, usually in low or wet ground. It ranges from New England

and New York westward to Oregon, and northward to Canada, also in ~

i’
Lu

Sa "

‘ ep
ee a ee oe ee ee

‘ also in the north of Europe. The culm is stout, smooth, and leafy ;
_ the leaves are mostly from 6 to 10 inches long and about half an inch
_ wide, the upper ones shorter.
'_ ___‘The well-known ribbon grass of the garden is a variety of this grass,
_ and will, it is said, easily revert to the normal type. In mountainous
_ regions it may be worth trial for meadows. (Plate 32.)

_ Phalaris intermedia (Southern Reed Canary Grass; Gilbert’s Relief Grass; Stew-

art’s Canary Grass; California Timothy Grass).
This species resembles the foreign Canary grass (Phalaris Canariensis) which pro-

a duces the seed commonly sold as food for Canary birds. It is, however, a taller and
— more robust species, growing 2 or 3 feet high, with a stout, erect culm and broad,
_ ~ linear leaves, which are from 4 to 10 inches long. The spike is oblong and compact,
' tlor2incheslong. There is a variety called var. angusta, in which the spike is 3 or
a 4inches long. The spikelets are much like those of the preceding species (Phalaris
arundinacea), having one perfect flower and two abortive ones. The outer glumes
' are lanceolate and nearly alike and have a narrow wing extending down the keel.
_ The glumes of the fertile flower are nearly like those of Phalaris arundinacea already
_ described.
_ This species grows in South Carolina and the Gulf States, extending
' to Texas, then stretching across to the Pacific coast and occurring
_ through California and Oregon. It has frequently been sent to the De-
_ partment from the Southern States as a valuable winter grass.
- Mr. Thomas W. Beaty, of Conway, 8. C., writes as follows:
' The grass I send you was planted last September, and the specimens were cut on
"the 9th of March, following. “You will notice that it is heading out and is just now
- in aright condition formowing. It is whollya winter grass, dying downin the latter
_ part of April and first of May; and it seems to me should be a great thing for the
~ South if properly introduced and cultivated, or rather the ground properly prepared
_ and the seed sown at the right time. It would afford the best of green pasturage for
_ sheep and cattle all winter. It is what we call Gilbert’s relief grass.

Many years ago Dr. Lincecum, of Texas, experimented with this grass
and recommended it very highly. In California it is called California
' -Timothy, and is said to have little or no agricultural value. It is an
- annual or biennial. Professor Phares says:

‘The variety angusta is much larger and more valuable. It grows 2 to 3 feet high
and in swamps 5 feet, with many leaves 4 to 10 inches long, the spike somewhat re-
' sembling the head of Timothy; stock like it well, especially as hay. Mr. D. Stewart,
- of Louisiana, having tested other grasses, prefers this for quantity and quality for
a winter and spring grazing, and for soiling for milk cows. There is much testimony

4 from many parts of the South of the same import, and this grass is doubtless worthy
_ of extended, careful testing. a
(Plate 33.)
er

ue

| ANTHOXANTHUM.
= Panicle somewhat spike-like. Spikelets apparently three-flowered,
- but only the terminal one perfect; the lower pair of glumes are equal,

3 the lower one much smaller than the upper one; above these and be-
_ low the perfect flower are two short, thin, two-lobed pubescent glumes,

40

sometimes called abortive flowers, each one with an awn between the
lobes; the upper or perfect flower is smaller, consisting of one broad,
thin, three-nerved glume, and one (commonly considered the palet) nar-
row, one-nerved, hyaline glume. No true palet. Stamens two; styles
two, distinct.

A. odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass).

A perennial grass, native of Europe, much employed as a part of
mixed lawn grasses, and frequently naturalized in meadows. It grows
thinly on the ground, with slender culms, seldom more than 1 foot to 18
inches in height, and scanty in foliage. The panicle is 2 to 3 inches
long, narrow, close, but expands considerably during flowering time.
It is very fragrant and gives a pleasant odor to hay. (Plate 34.)

ALOPECURUS.

Alopecurus geniculatus (Water Foxtail).

This species and its variety aristulatus, which is the more abundant
form, is native to this country. It commonly grows on the muddy
banks of streams and lakes, and sometimes is found in wet meadows
and ditches. It seldom reaches more than a foot in height; the stem
is usually bent at the lower joint, and the sheaths of the leaves are
more or less swollen, especially the upper one. Itis of no value for
cultivation, being useful only for the amount of grass it may contribute
to the wild forage of the place in which it grows.

Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Foxtail).
This is a perennial grass, a native of Europe, but it has been introduced into this

~ country and is frequently found in meadows of the Eastern States. it has consider-
able resemblance to Timothy, but will be readily distinguished by an examination.

It ordinarily grows but 2 feet high, but frequently in good soil reaches 3 feet or more.
The culms are erect, with four or five leaves at pretty uniform distances. The
sheaths are long and rather loose, particularly the upper one. The blade of the leaf
is 3 or 4 inches long, about one-quarter of an inch wide at the base, and tapering
gradually to a point. The panicle terminates the stalk, and is a cylindrical spike 2 or
3 inches long, dense, soft, and with the awns of the flowers conspicuously projecting.
- The spikelets are single-flowered, between 2 and 3 lines long. The outer glumes
are strongly compressed, boat-shaped, keeled, nearly equal, sometimes slightly united
together at the base, and have a line ofsoft, short hairs on the keels. These glumes
closely inclose the flower, which is of nearly the same length, and consists of a flower-
ing glume, but without any true palet. This flowering glume is folded upon itself

and incloses the stamens and styles. It gives rise onits back, near the base, to a fine

awn, which extends two or three lines beyond the glumes.

Mr. J.S. Gould says:

It flourishes in May, nearly four weeks in advance of Timothy, and ie one of the
earliest grasses to start in the spring. Pastures well covered with this grass will
afford a full bite at least one week earlier than those which do not have it. It does
not flourish in dry soils, but loves moist lands; no grass bears a hot sun better, and
it is not injured by frequent mowings, on which account, as well as for its early
verdure, it is valuable for lawns.

(Plate 35.)

nee hs fee

Ps
= yes eee ee

ee Sst At

= 3 Alopecurus occidentalis Rocky Mountain Foxtail).

_ This species is indigenous in Montana and Idaho, and is very com-
mon along mountain streams, frequently covering acres of the mountain
meadows. It is called in some localities mountain Timothy. It yields
| a large quantity of fine, bright hay, for which purpose it is often har-

~ vested and highly valued. It is of little value for grazing. Probably
under cultivation it would become as useful as the European species.

ARISTIDA.

Spikelets one-flowered, in a spicate or an open branching panicle, generally on fili-

form pedicels; outer glumes unequal, often bristle-pointed ; flowering glume narrow,

rolled around the flower, terminating with a trifid awn, or apparently three-awned.
Palet small and thin, inclosed in the flowering glume.

The grasses of this large genus are generally either worthless or of
little agricultural value. The perennial species in some localities fur-
nish a considerable amount of wild forage of an inferior character. They
are very abundant in sandy and sterile soil, especially in the Rocky
Mountain region.
Aristida purpurea. ;

Aristida purpurea prevails extensively on the Western plains, and it
is said to form an important part of the early feed of the cattle. It grows
in bunches, and is about 1 foot high. The panicle is somewhat spread-

ing, and the flowers are purplish, with spreading, slender awns, 1 inch
or more in length. (Plate 36.)

~

STIPA.

Spikelets one-flowered, terete, spicate, or paniculate. Outer glumes membranaceous,
keeled; flowering glume narrow, coriaceous, rigid, involute, with a simple twisted awn
from the apex; palet usually small and inclosed by the flowering glume. Stamens
generally three. The flowering glume has a hardened, often sharp-pointed and bearded
pedicel or stipe at its base.

This genus has its principal range in the region of the Rocky Mount-
ains and the Great Plains. They are mostly coarse, rigid grasses, hav-
ing little agricultural value. In common with many other kinds they
are usually called bunch grass, sometimes beard grass, or feather —
grass. The more abundant species are Stipa spartea, Stipa comata, and
Stipa viridula. These prevail from British America southward, on the
plains, and in the mountains. The genus is particularly distinguished

by the awn or beard of the flowering glume, and the sharp-pointed and
barbed stipe or base of the glume. Complaint has been made among
stockmen of great injury to sheep by the penetration of these sharp
points into the wool, and even into the flesh. The awns or feathery
appendages are in some species 4 to 6 inches long, and are subject to a
spiral twisting when dry, which assists in forcing the seed into the
ground for germination. Stipa avenacea is the only species prevailing
in the Eastern and Southern States, and is of no agricultural impor-

42

tance. The long, feathery awns of Stipa pennata are beautiful and orna-
mental. (Plate 37, Stipa viridula.) |

Stipa spartea.

Stipa spartea is called poreupine grass, arrow grass, and deyvil’s
knitting-needles, from the long, stiff, twisted awns inclosing the seed.
The seeds ripen early and drop to the ground, and later in the season

‘the grass may be easily recognized by the persistent, bleached culms:

and empty glumes of the spreading panicle. The long root-leaves con-
tinue green and vigorous throughout the summer, frequently being 2
feet long. Although somewhat coarse the grass makes a very good hay,
and forms a considerable part of the wild prairie hay in Lowa, Nebraska,
Minnesota, and southern Dakota. It is called buffalo grass in the Sas-
katchewan region. It should receive attention in Western experiments
for a pasture grass. (Plate 38.)

ORYZOPSIS.

This genus differs from Stipa chiefly in having a shorter ovate or oblong flower,
with the callus at the base shorter and broader, and in having usually a very short
and deciduous awn to the flowering glume.

Oryzopsis cuspidata (Bunch Grass).

This grass has a wide distribution, not only in the Sierras of Califor-
nia, but northward to British America, and eastward through all the
interior region of Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and
Nebraska, to the Missouri River. Itis a perennial, growing in dense
tufts, whence its common name.

Tho culms are 1 to 2 feet high, with about three narrow, convolute leaves, the up-
per one having a long, inflated sheath which incloses the base of the panicle. The
radical leaves are narrow, rigid, and as Jong asorlonger than the culm. The panicle
is about 6 inches long, very loose, spreading and flexuous. The branches are in pairs,
slender, rather distant, and are subdivided mostly in pairs. The spikelets are at
the ends of the capillary branches, each one-flowered. The outer glumes are 3 to
4 lines long, inflated and widened below, gradually drawn to a sharp-pointed
apex, thin and colorless except the three or five green nerves, and slightly hairy.
The glumes inclose an ovate flower, which is covered externally with a profusion of
white, silky hairs, and tipped with a short awn, which falls off at maturity. This
apparent flower is the flowering glume, of a hard, coriaceous texture, and incloses a
similar hard, but not hairy, and smaller palet.

In Montana it is one of the most esteemed bunch grasses, and thrives
on soil too sandy for other valuable species. Professor Brewer states
that in southern California it is called saccatoo or saccatoa. (Plate 39.)

MILIUM.

Spikelets panicled ; outer glumes membranaceous, equal and convex, the flowering
glume and its palet coriaceous, much as in Panicum, but the articulation with the
rhachis is above the outer glumes, All the glumes are unawned, and there is no ster-
ile pedicel.

‘

, A ah la ele ay a
Te ee ee ee eee

43

: Miiium effusum.
A tall, perennial grass, 4 or 5 feet high, growing in damp woods in the northern
_ portions of the United States and in Canada. It is also found in Northern Europe
and in Russian Asia. r

_ Hon. J. 8. Gould, in the Report of the New York State Agricultural
Society, says, respecting this grass:

_ Meadows and borders of streams and cold woods. It thrives when transplanted to
~~ open and exposed situations. It is one of the most beautiful of the grasses; the pan-
icle is often a foot long, and the branches are so exceedingly delicate that the small,
| _ glossy spikelets seem to be suspended in the air. Birds are very fond of the seed.
"_-:«s*OMr. Colman says that he has raised 3 tons to the acre of as good, nutritious hay as
' _ could be grown from it, when sown in May. The plants multiply by the roots as
__-well as by the seed, sending out horizontal shoots of considerablelength, which root
at the joint as they extend.

(Plate 40.) -

MUHLENBERGIA.

Spikelets one-flowered, small, paniculate, articulated above the outer glumes;
flowering glume with a very short, usually hairy callus.

Muhlenbergia diffusa (Nimble Will).
Professor Killebrew, of Tennessee, says:

— It is hardly more than necessary to mention this grass, which forms in many sec-
tions the bulk of the pastures of the woods. It dves not grow in fields, but in woods,
~ where, after rains have set in, it carpets the earth with living green. Various opin-
ions are entertained as to its nutritive qualities. Some farmers assert that their stock

Ss ate fond of it, and that on sufficient range, cattle, horses and sheep will go into the
_ winter sleek and fat from this vigorous grass. Others regard it as well nigh worth-
=. less. :

(Plate 41.)

| Muhlenbergia glomerata (Spiked Muhlenbergia).

This grass grows. in wet, swampy grounds, chiefly in the Northern
and Western portions of the United States. It is found in Colorado,

Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. It grows to the height of 2 or
3 feet, stiffly erect and generally unbranched. .

= - The culm is hard, somewhat compressed, and very leafy. The panicle is narrow,
' __—- 2to 4 inches long, composed of numerous close clusters of flowers, becoming looser
= below, forming an interrupted glomerate spike. The spikelets are closely sessile in
a the clusters. The root-stock is hard and knotty, and furnished with numerous short,
firm shoots or stolons.

In the Eastern: States it is utilized as one of the native products of
wet meadows in the making of what is called wild hay. Specimens
haye been sent from Colorado and Kansas, and recommended as an
excellent grass for forage. (Plate 42.)

Muhlenbergia Mexicana.

A perennial grass of decumbent habit, 2 or 3 feet high, much branched,
_ from scaly, creeping root stocks. It is frequently found in moist woods
and low meadows or prairies. It probably would not endure up lea

——

44

culture, but in its native situations it fills an important place among
natural grasses. (Plate 43.)

Muhlenbergia sylvatica.

This species has much the appearance and habit of Muhlenbergia Mex-
icana. The panicle is looser, the spikelets not so densely clustered, and
the flowering glume bears an awn two or three times as long as itself.
It is found in dry, open, or rocky woods and fence corners. In agricult-
ural value it corresponds to that species. (Plate 44.)

PHLEUM.

Phleum pratense (Herd’s Grass [of New England and New York]).

This is one of the commonest and best-known grasses. Tor a hay
crop it is extensively cultivated, especially in the Northern and West-
ern States. The height of the grass depends on the soil and cultiva-
tion. In poor ground it may be reduced to 1 foot, while in good soil
and with good culture it readily attains 3 feet, and occasionally has
been found twice that height. Itis a perennial grass, with fibrous roots.

The base of the culm is sometimes thickened and inclined to be bulbous. The culm
is erect and firm, with four or five leaves, which are erect, and usually 4 to 6 inches
long. The flower spike is cylindrical and very densely flowered, and varies from 2 to
6 inches in length. The spikelets are sessile, single-flowered, and cylindrical or ob-
longin outline. The outer glumes are rather wedge-form, with a mucronate point or
short bristle. The main nerve on the back is fringed with a few short hairs.

This grass, as known in cultivation, is supposed to have been intro-
duced from Europe, but the earliest account that we have of its culture
is that given by Jared Elliot, who says it was found by a Mr. Timothy
Herd in a swamp in New Hampshire, and that he began its cultivation,
As it was found to be a valuable grass, its cultivation soon spread, and
it was known as Herd’s grass.

It was not introduced into cultivation in England until some fifty
years later. I consider it very probable that the specimens found by
Mr. Herd were of native growth, for it is believed to be native in the >
White Mountains, in the Rocky Mountains, in Alaska, and in Labrador.
Itis also a nativeof Europe. But, however the question of its nativity
may be settled, the thanks of this country are due to Mr. Herd for the —
introduction into agriculture of one of the most valuable of grasses. It
is now a favorite meadow grass over a large part of the country, and its
hay is a staple, and more sought after in the markets than any other
kind. ;

Timothy thrives best on moist, loamy soil of medium tenacity, and is
not suited to light, sandy, or gravelly soils. Under favorable circum.
stances and with good treatment it yields very large crops, often four
tons to the acre. One writer states that he has known whole fields
in Missouri grow to the height of 5 or 6 feet, the soil, a pulverized
clay, being particularly suited to this grass. He also states that he has

45

known fields of this grass to be highly productive for-thirteen years in
‘succession. Farmers should not lose sight of the fact that the roots do
not extend widely, and that much of its vitality depends on the thick-
ened bulb-like base of the stem; therefore there is danger that, if mowed
too late in the season so that the bulbs and roots are left unprotected
from the weather, they may suffer from the action of frost, being some-
times lifted out of the ground froin this cause.

A well-informed farmer, writing in the Prairie Farmer, says that
Timothy is an exhaustive crop, the roots not penetrating deeply enough
to obtain nourishment from the subsoil. Feeding off with stock lays
the crown of the plants bare, which, being of a bulbous nature, are
_ easily injured by exposure. When, however, the aftermath is very
abundant, Timothy meadows may be pastured sparingly in the fall to
reduce the heavy growth of rowan that sometimes accumulates so as to
interfere with the mower; but in no case should sheep be allowed upon
it, as they are very apt to nip off the crown of the plant and thus destroy
it. Inorder to keep up the productiveness of a Timothy meadow, a good
top-dressing of s able manure should be applied and evenly spread in
the fall. This will protect the roots and cause a much thicker and
' stronger growth. ‘Timothy is often sown with clover in different pro-
portions, and under some circumstances this is a judicious practice.
But the more general practice is to have the Timothy meadows free
from other plants, and to sow about 12 pounds of seed to the acre.

When this grass is grown for the crop of seed, it should be allowed to
stand until the heads are ripe; 30 bushels to the acre have been pro-
duced. Of course the hay left after thrashing out the seed is coarse
and of inferior value. The clean seed weighs about 45 pounds to the
bushel. (Plate 45.)

SPOROBOLUS.

Spikelets one, rarely two-flowered, in a cuntracted or open panicle; outer glumes
unequal, the lower one shorter, often acute, unawned, one to three-nerved, mem-
- branaceous; flowering glume mostly longer, unawned; palet about equaling the
flowering glume and of the same texture, prominently two-nerved, Seed mostly
loose in a hyaline or rarely coriaceous pericarp. '

Sporobolus cryptandrus.

This species has an extensive range. It is common in sandy fields in
the Northern and Southern States, as well as over all the dry plains
west of the Mississippi, extending from British America to Mexico, fur-
nishing a considerable share of the wild pasturage of that region.
(Plate 46.)

Sporobolus Indicus.

This grass is a native of India, but has spread over most tropical and —
warm climates. It occurs more or less abundantly in all the Southern
States, and is called smut grass, from the fact that after flowering the
heads become affected with a black smut. It grows in tufts or loose

46

patches, from 13 to 3 feet high, with an abundance of long, flat, fine-
pointed leaves at the base, and a narrow terminal panicle, frequently a
foot in length, composed of short, erect, sessile branches, which are |

very closely flowered.

Professor Phares says:

It grows abundantly and luxuriantly on many uncultivated fields and commons,
and furnishes grazing from April till frost. It thrives under much grazing and many
mowings, and grows promptly after each if the soil is moist enough. Cattle and
horses are fond of it, if it is frequently cut or grazed down, but if allowed to remain
untonched long they will not eat it unless very hungry, as it becomes tough and un-
Epa and probably difficult to digest.

(Plate 47.).
AGROSTIS.

Spikelets one-flowered, in a contracted or open panicle; outer glumes nearly equal
or the lower rather longer, and longer than the flowering glume, one-nerved, acute,
unawned ; flowering glume shorter and wider, hyaline, three to five-nerved, awnless
or sometimes awned on the back; palet shorter than the flowering glume, frequently
reduced to a small scale or entirely wanting; stamens usually three; grain free.

Agrostis vulgaris (Redtop, Finetop, Herd’s Grass [of Pennsylvania], Bent Grass, etc. )

A perennial grass, growing 2 or 3 feet high from creeping root-stocks,
which interlace so as to make a very firm sod; the culms are upright,
or sometimes decumbent at the base, smooth, round, rather slender and
clothed with four or five leaves, which are flat, narrow, and roughish,
from 3 to 6 inches long, with smooth sheaths, and generally truncate
ligules. It is extensively cutivated.

Agrostis alba, the fiorin grass of Ireland, and Agrostis stolonifera are
usually ponsidared synonymous, and are distiigoiahed from Agrostis vul-
garis by having a closer, more verticillated panicle and with longer and
more acute ligules.

Mr. J. G. Gould’says of Agrostis vulgaris:

This is a favorite grass in wet, swampy meadows, where its interlacing, thick roots
consolidate the sward, making a firm matting which prevents the feet of cattle from
poaching. It is generally considered a valuable grass in this country, though by no
means the best one. Cattle eat hay made from it with a relish, especially when

mixed with other grasses. As a pasture grass it is much valued by dairymen, andin
their opinion the butter would suffer much by its removal.

Professor Phares, of Louisiana, says, respecting this grass:

It grows well on hill-tops and sides, in ditches, gullies and marshes, but delights in
moist bottom-land. It is not injured by overflow, though somewhat prolonged. It
furnishes considerable grazing during warm spells in winter, and in spring and sum-
mer an abundant supply of nutriment. Cut before maturing seed, it makes hay and
a large quantity. It seems to grow taller in the Southern States than it does farther
north, and to make more and better hay and grazing.

Mr. Flint says:

It is a good permanent grass, standing our climate as well as any other, and con-
sequently well suited to our pastures, in which it should be fed close; for if allowed
to grow up to seed the cattle refuse it; and this seems to show that it is not so much
relished by stock as some of the other pasture grasses.

(Plate 48.)

47

Agrostis canina. _

_ Agrass usually of low size, 6 to 12 inches high, with slender culms,
* and a light, flexible, expanded panicle, and with a perplexing variety
of forms. There are several varieties growing in mountainous regions
throughout the United States, and in Europe. It forms a close sod,
and affords considerable pasturage in those regions. It is probably one
of the grasses called Rhode Island bent grass.

| Agrostis exarata.

| This is chiefly a northwestern species, being found in Wisconsin and westward to

___ the Rocky Mountains, also from British America and California to Alaska. It is
very variable in appearance, and presents several varieties. It is generally more
slender in growth than the common redtop. The panicle is usually longer, narrower,
and looser. In all the forms the palet is wanting or is very minute. The form chiefl y
growing on the Pacific slope from California to Alaska is often more robust than thé

- Agrostis vulgaris, growing 2 to 3 feet high, with astout, firm culm, clothed with three

b> OF four broadish leaves, 4 to 6 inches long. The panicle is 4 to 6 inches long, pale

green, rather loose, but with erect branches.

;
>
er
4
a
w
4G
x
eae:

4 «oat deserves trial for cultivation, at least on the Pacific side of the con-
- _tinent. (Plate 49.)
3 CINNA.

Spikelets one-flowered, much flattened, in an open, spreading panicle; outer glumes
lanceolate, acute, strongly keeled, hispid on the keel, the upper somewhat longer
_ than the lower; fiowering glume manifestly stalked above the outer glumes, about
_ the same length as the outer ones, three-nerved, short-awned on the back near the
apex; palet nearly as long as its glume, only one-nerved (probably by the consolida-
= tion of two, Bentham); stamen one. A sterile pedicel sometimes present.

eC De Te ee ete x
ait es Ce a A Ay

is _ Cinna arundinacea (Wood Reed Grass).

_ A perennial grass, with erect simple culms from 3 to 6 feet high, and a creeping
: rhizoma; growing in swamps and moist, shaded woods ‘in northern or mountainous
_ districts. The leaves are broadly linear lanceolate, about 1 foot long, 4 to 6 lines
= _ wide, and with a conspicuous elongated ligule. The panicle is from 6 to 12 inches
long, rather loose and open in the flower, afterwards more close.

z This leafy-stemmed grass furnishes a large quantity of fodder, but
___‘ experiments are wanting to determine its availability under cultivation.
f° (Plate 50.)

2 Cinna pendula.

a This species is more slender, with a looser drooping panicle and more
__ capillary branches, and with thinner glumes. It occurs in the same
situations as the preceding, and is more common in the Rocky Mount-
-__ ains and Oregon.

AMMOPHILA.

Spikelets one-flowered, in a contracted, spike-like or open, diffuse panicle, with or

without a bristle-like rudiment opposite the palet; outer glumes large, nearly equal,
rigid, thick, lanceolate, acute, keeled, five-nerved; flowering glume similar in texture,
about equal in length, sometimes mucronate at the apex ; palet as long as its glume,
~ of similar texture, two-keeled, sulcate between the keels; hairs at the base of the
flower usually scanty and short.

48

Ammophila arundinacea (Beach Grass; Sand Grass).

This is Calamagrostis arenaria of the older books. The entire plant
is of a whitish, or pale-green color. It grows on sandy beaches of the
Atlantic, at least as far south as North Carolina, and on the shores of
the Great Lakes, but has not, so far, been recorded from the Pacific
coast. Italso grows on the sea-coast of the British Isles and of Europe.
It forms tufts of greater or less extent, ‘its long, creeping roots extend-
ing sometimes to the extent of 40 feet, and bearing tubers the size of a
pea, interlaced with death-like tenacity of grasp, and form a net-work
beneath the sand which resists the most vehement assault of the ocean
waves.” The culms are from 2 to 3 feet high, rigid and solid; the leaves
long, involute, smooth, stiff, and slender-pointed; the panicle is dense,
6 to 10 inches long, close and spike-like; the spikelets are about half
an inch long, compressed, crowded on very short branchlets.

This grass has no agricultural value, but from time immemorial its
utility in binding together the loose sands of the beach, and restrain-
ing the inroads of the ocean, has been recognized and provided for in
some places by law. Mr. Flint, in his work on grasses, says that the
town and harbor of Provincetown, once called Cape Cod, where the
Pilgrims first landed, one of the largest and most important harbors of
the United States, sufficient in depth for ships of largest size, and in
extent to anchor three thousand vessels at once, owe their preservation
to this grass. The usual way of propagating the grass is by transplant-
ing the roots. It is pulled up by hand and placed in a hole about a
foot deep and the sand pressed around it by the foot. There are un- ©
doubtedly many places on the sea-coast where this grass would be of
inestimable value in restraining the encroachment of the ocean. It
would also be useful in forming a dense turf for the protection of dikes
and banks subject to water-washing.

CALAMAGROSTIS.

This genus is characterized by having one-flowered spikelets, with the addition
at the base of the flowering glume of a small hairy appendage or pedicel, which is
considered to be the rudiment of a second flower. In addition to this the flower is
also generally surrounded at the base with a ring of soft hairs, and the flowering
glume usually bears an awn on its back, which is generally bent and twisted.

In this genus there are two sections, viz: 1st, Deyeuxia, in which there is a small
hairy pedicel in front of the palet of the smyle perfect flower; the glumes thin and
membranaceous. In thissection are most of our North American species. 2d, Calamo-
vilfa, in which the glumes and palet are thicker and more compressed, apd the sterile
pedicel or rudiment is wanting.

.

Calamagrostis (Deyeuxia) Canadensis (Blue-joint; Small Reed Grass).

A stout, erect, tall perennial grass, growing chiefly in wet, boggy
ground or in low, moist meadows. Its favorite situation is in cool, ele-
vated regions. It prevails in all the northern portions of the United
States, in the Rocky Mountains, and in British America. In those dis-
tricts it is one of the best and most productive of the indigenous grasses.

49 -

It varies much in luxuriance of foliage and size of panicle, according
to the location.

The culms are from 3 to 5 feet high, stout and hollow, hence in some places it is
called the small reed grass. The leaves are 1 foot or more long, flat, from a quarter
to nearly half an inch wide, and roughish; the stem and sheaths smooth.

The panicle is oblong in outline, open, and somewhat spreading, especially during
flowering ; it is from 4 to 6 or even 8 inches in length, and 2 or 3 inches in diameter,
of a purplish color; the branches are mostly in fives at intervals of an inch or less.
These branches vary in length from 1 to 3inches, the long ones flowering only toward
the extremity. The spikelets are short-stalked, the outer glumes about one and one-
half lines lowg, lanceolate and acute; the silky white hairs at the base of the flower-
ing glume are about as long as the glume; those on the sterile pedicel also nearly as
_ jong. The flowering glume is thin and delicate, about as long as the outer glumes,
and somewhat finely toothed at the apex, three to five-nerved, and bearing on the
back, below the middle, a delicate awn, reaching about to the point of the glume, and
- not much stouter than the hairs. The proper palet is thin, oblong, and about. two-
thirds the length of its glume.

Mr. J. S. Gould says:

It constitutes about one-third of the natural grasses on the Beaver Dam Meadows
of the Adirondacks. It is certain that cattle relish it very much, both in its green
state and when made into hay, and it is equally certain that the farmers who have it
on their farms believe it to be one of the best grasses of their meadows.

Professor Crozier, who spent some time in northwestern Iowa and
_ adjacent parts of Minnesota and Dakota, in studying the native grasses,
= says: ~
- This is considered by some to produce the best hay for cattle of all the native
_ grasses. It is very leafy, and stands remarkably thick on the ground. The seed
_ fipens early in July, but the leaves remain green until winter. “It is probably
hardly equal to some of the upland grassss in quality, but it gives a larger yield, and
_ is undoubtedly worthy of cultivation. Itis usually found upon the margins of ponds;
_ it will thrive, however, on land that is on'y slightly moist, and often occurs along
the banks of roadside ditches. On rather low land which has been broken and
allowed to go back it frequently comes in, and after a few years occupies the land to
the exclusion of all other vegetation.

_ (Plate 51.) |
Calamagrostis (Deyeuxia) sylvatica (Bunch Grass).

A coarse perennial grass, growing in large tufts, usually in sandy
ground in the Rocky Mountains at various altitudes, also in California,
_ Oregon, and British America. It furnishes an abundant coarse forage
* in the regions where it is found. The culms are from 1 to 2 feet high,
erect, rigid, and leafy; the radical leaves are frequently as long as the
culm, two or three lines wide, sometimes flat, but generally involute

and rigid. The culm leaves are from 3 to 6 or 8 inches long, rigid
and rough. The panicle is narrow and spike-like, 3 to 5 inches long,
| erect, rather dense, sometimes interrupted below, and varying from pale
green to purple. (Plate 52.)

Tee
| Calamagrostis longifolia.
ag Ati-

3594 GR—-—4 :

50

the preceding, but is much taller, the culms being 3 to 6 feet high, stout and reed- like ;
the leaves long, rigid, and becoming involute, with a long, thread-like point. The
panicle is quite variable, from 4 to 16 incbes long, at first rather close, but becoming:
open and spreading, the branches in the smaller forms being 2 or 3 inches long, and
in the larger ones often 10 or 12 inches and widely spreading. It is abundant on the
plains of western Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado, and furnishes a resource in winter
fur food for the cattle of the ranches.

(Plate 53.)
HOLCUS.

Spikelets two-flowered, crowded in an open panicle, the lower flower perfect, the
upper one male only, and with a minute, hairy rhachilla or rudiment at its base.
Outer glumes nearly equal, compressed, membranaceous, large (fully inclosing the
~two flowers), flowering glumes half shorter, the lowest awnless, the upper with a
short dorsal awn.

Holcus lanatus (Velvet Grass; Velvet Mesquite; Soft Grass, etc.).

Introduced from Europe and naturalized in many parts of the United
States. It makes astriking and beautiful appearance, but stock are not
very fond of it, either green or cured. It is a perennial, but not very
strongly rooted, and does not spread from the root as do most perennial
grasses. It seeds abundantly, and is generally propagated by seed,
though sometimes by dividing the plants. It prefers low land, but does
very well even on sandy upland, and its chief value is in being able to
grow on land too poor for other grasses.

The seed has been in market many years, but it has come into culti-
vation very slowly, and it is not generally held in very high esteem as
an agricultural grass, either in this country or in Europe. Some speak
well of it, however, and it has frequently been sent to the Department
from the South, with strong recommendations for its productiveness.

C. Menelas, Savannah, Ga.:

Known almost all over the South as yielding more than orchard grass, but for some
reason only grown where nature has planted it.

*

Mrs. J. W. Bryan, Dillon, northwestern Georgia:

My meadows and ditches are full of it, though it is not sown here. It is very valu-
able for pasture, and gives a very early and heavy yield of hay.

L. S. Nicholson, Crumly, northeastern Alabama:

This grass has been grown on a farm I own for about ten years. It does best. on
rich, moist land, but grows fairly well on poor, dry, sandy land, where other and, I
must say, better grasses fail.

_ It grows from 2 to 3 feet high, and makes apparently sufficient hay, but very light
and chaffy and of inferior quality. It appears to be hardy and will withstand drought
well. The grass is right pretty when growing, and nice for pasturing, but we have
other grasses so much better that can generally be grown on land that this would
occupy that I shall vote against it for all purposes.

Clarke Lewis, Cliftonville, Miss. : i

It grows on poor, sandy land to a height of 3 to 4 feet; stands drought well, but
can be killed by a slight overflow. It is valuable as a soiling plant, but makes inte
rior hay. It is an annual, and if intended for a permanent meadow must be ent only
ovce, and then allowed to reseed itself.

ee W., Ls Lewis, secretary Louisiana State Grange, Tangipahoa Par-
ish, La. (P. O., Osyka, Miss.) :

p. . It is hardy and cultivated in small lots, doing best on rich, sandy loam, yielding 2
to 3 tons per acre. I have experimented more than any one else in my section with
forage plants, especially winter grains and grasses. Have used rye and barley for

' winter feed, but have given them up in favor of the Holcus lanatus; have had this in
cultivation for thirty years. It is a perennial, but owing to its shallow roots it dies
out during our long, dry summer and fall from 50 to 75 per cent. One lot kept the
third year had less than 10 per cent. of the grass alive. Hence I have for twenty
years or more used it as an annual, sowing it with turnips, collards, or by itself. A
good way is to sow the seed broadcast and cover lightly in a late crop of turnips after

- the last cultivation. After the turnip crop is removed the first warm days in January

_ or February will start the grass into rapid growth. It is cut frequently through the

spring for green feed, and after oats are ready to cut is allowed to mature seed.

ie

‘Prof. D. L. Phares, in his “Farmer’s Book of Grasses,” says:

i eas is ok
igs pr aere

In the Eastern States this grass is called Salem grass and white Timothy; in the
_ South, velvet lawn grass, and velvet mesquite grass; in England, woolly soft grass
a _.and Yorkshire white. It has been sent to me for name more frequently than any

_ other grass. Having found its way to Texas, people going there from other States
_ hayesent backseeds to their friends, calling it Texas velvet mesquite grass, supposing
' itanative of that State. So far as has come to my knowledge nihe-tenths of all so-
_. called mesquite grass planted in the Southern States is this European velvet grass.
© It grows much larger in some of the Southern States than in the Eastern States or in
' England, and seems to have greatly improved by acclimation.

Velvet grass may be readily propagated by sowing the seed or dividing the roots.

It Inxuriates in moist, peaty lands, but will grow on poor, sandy, or clay hill lands
‘and produce remunerative crops where few others will make anything. The reason
© that cattle do not prefer it is not because of a deficiency in nutrition, but because of
' itscombination. It is deficient simply in saline and bitter extractive matter which

cattle relish in grasses.
| _ It is by no means the best of our grasses, but best on some lands. Other grasses
' are more profitable to me. It should be sown from August to October, 14 pounds equal
' to bushels per acre. Northward it is perennial, in the South it is not strictly so.

(Plate 54.)
iter ers : -TRISETUM.

_ Spikelets two to three, rarely five-flowered, in a dense or open pan-
' icle, the rachis usually hairy and produced into a bristle at the base of
' the upper flower; outer glumes unequal, acute, keeled, membranaceous,
_ with scarious margins; flowering glumes of similar texture, keeled,
acute, the apex two-toothed, the teeth sometimes prolonged into bristle-
like points, the middle nerve furnished with an awn attached above the
_ middle, which is usually twisted at the base and bent in the middle;
__ palet hyaline, narrow, two-nerved, two-toothed.

_ Aslender grass, usually about 2 feet high, growing in low meadows or
‘moist ground throughout the eastern part of the United States. The
culms are smooth, with long internodes and few linear leaves, 2 to 4
‘inches long; the panicle is oblong, 3 to 4 inches long, loose and grace-
fully drooping, the branches two to five together, rather capillary, 1 to

52

14 inches long and loosely flowered ; the spikelets are two-flowered;
the outer glumes are about two lines long, the lower one one-nerved,
the upper rather obovate and three-nerved; the lower flower is com-
monly awnless or only tipped with a short awn; the second flower is
rather shorter and with a slender, spreading awn longer than the flower.

This is a nutritious grass, but is seldom found in sufficient quantity
to be of much value. (Plate 55.)

Trisetum subspicatum.

The culms are erect and firm, smooth or downy. The panicle is spike-like, dense,
and cylindrical or elongated, and more or less interrupted, generally of a purplish
color. The spikelets are two or three-flowered. The flowers are a little longer than
the outer glumes, slightly scabrous, the flowering glumes acutely two-toothed at the
apex, and bearing a stout awn which is longer than its glume. |

A perennial grass of the mountainous region of Europe and North
America; undoubtedly furnishes a considerable portion of mountain
pasturage. It is found sparingly in New England, on the shores of
Lake Superior, in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Utah, California,
Oregon, and northward to the Arctic circle. It varies in height accord-
ing to the latitude at which it grows, being sometimes reduced to 3 or
4 inches, at other times running up to 2 feet high. (Plate 56.)

AVENA.
Avena fatua (Wild Oats).

This species is very common in Calfornia. It is generally thought to
have been introduced from Europe, where it is native, but it has become
diffused over many other countries, including Australia and South
America. It is thought by some to be the original of the cultivated
oat, Avena sativa, that the common will degenerate into the wild oat,
aud that by careful cultivation and selection of seed the wild oat can
be changed into the common cultivated oat. But on this question there
is a conflict of opinions, and the alleged facts are not-sufficiently estab-
lished. The wild oat differs from the cultivated one chiefly in having
more flowers in the spikelets, in the long, brown hairs which cover the
flowering glumes, in the constant presence of the long, twisted awn,
and in the smaller size and lighter weight of the grain. It isa great
injury to any grain-field in which it may be introduced; but for the
purposes of fodder, of which it makes a good quality, it has been much
employed in California. (Plate 57.)

ARRHENATHERUM.

Arrhenatherum avenaceum (Evergreen Grass; Meadow Oat Grass; Tall Oat Grass).

Culms 2 to 4 feet high, erect, rather stout, with four or five leaves each; the sheaths
smooth, the leaves somewhat rough on the upper surface, 6 to 10 inches long, and about
3 lines wide, gradually pointed. The panicle is loose, rather contracted, from 6 to 10
inches long, and rather drooping; the branches very unequal, mostly in fives, the
longer ones 1 to 3 inches, and subdivided from about the middle; the smaller branches
very short, all rather full-flowered. The spikelets are mostly on short pedicels. The

| 53

‘ structure of the flowers is similar to that of common oats, but different in several
_ particulars. The spikelet consists of two flowers, the lower of which is staminate
only, the upper one both staminate and pistillate; the outer glumes are thin and
- transparent, the upper ones about 4 lines long and three-nerved, the lower one nearly
* 3 lines long and one-nerved. The flowering glume is about 4 lines long, green,
_ Strongly seven-nerved, lanceolate, acute, hairy at base, roughish, and in the lower
_ flower gives rise on the back below the middle to a long, twisted, and bent awn; in
_ the upper flower the glume is merely bristle-pointed near the apex. The palet is thin
and transparent, linear and two-toothed.

__ This grass is much valued on the continent of Europe. The herbage
is very productive and its growth rapid. When growing with other
- grasses, cattle and sheep eat it very well, but do not like to be confined
_ toitexclusively. It is a perennial grass of strong, vigorous growth, in-
troduced from Europe and sparingly cultivated.
Protessor Phares, of Mississippi, says:
It is widely naturalized and well adapted to a great variety of soils. On sandy or
_ gravelly soils it succeeds admirably, growing 2 to3 feet high. On rich, dry upland it
' grows from 5 to7 feet high. It has an abundance of perennial, long, fibrous roots
_ penetrating deeply in the soil, being therefore less affected by drought or cold, and
ig enabled to yield a large quantity of foliage, winter and summer. These advantages
' render it one of the very best grasses for the South, both for grazing, being evergreen,
' and for hay, admitting of being cut twice a year. It is probably the best winter
a - grass that can be obtained. It will make twice as much hay as Timothy. To make
_ good hay it must be cut as soon as it blooms, and after it is cut must not be wet by dew
or rain, which damages it greatly in quality and appearance. For green soiling it may
"be cut four or five times, with favorable seasons® In from six to ten days after bloom-
- ing the seeds begin to ripen and fall, the upper ones first. It is therefore a little
3 fs troublesome to save the seed. As soon as those at the top of the panicle ripen suffi-
_ ciently to begin to drop, the panicle should be cut off and dried, when the seeds will
_ all thrash out readily and be matured,
| After the seeds are ripe and taken off, the long, abundant leaves and stems are still
green, and being mowed make good hay. It may be sown in March or April and
mowed the same season ; but for heavier yield it is better to sow in September or Octo-
ber. - Not less than 2 bushels (14 pounds) per acre should be sown. The average an-
= nual nutriment yielded by this grass in the Southern belt is probably twice as great
~ asin Pennslyvania and other Northern States.
A. P. Rowe, Fredericksburgh, Va. :
Tall oat grass has been seeded here and does well. It eomes in with orchard
| grass for hay, and the two might be seeded together with the best results.
/ . W. Wood & Sons, Richmond, Va. :
It is cultivated very generally for pasture and hay; and is the best grass we know
| for thin soils. It is hardy, stands drought moderately well, is easily subdued, and
lasts five or six years. |

: 3 Dr. W. J. Beal, Agricultural College, Michigan :

3 ; It is cultivated in a few places in the State, proving perfectly hardy, and doing best
on deep, porous soils where it stands drought very well, yieldiag perhaps 3 tons
er acre. It makes good pasture, and lasts a long time.

s _ J.J. Dotson, Cedarton, Tex.

“Ibis very fair for early spring pastures, and to cut for green feed when it first heads,
n March, but it is not liked as hay. It is too light and the seeds fall off too easily.
have never known it cultivated. Thrives only on low bottom-land,

_ (Plate 58.)

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54

CYNODON.

Cynodon Dactylon (Bermuda Grass).

A low, creeping perennial grass, with abundant short leaves at the base, sending
up slender, nearly leafless, flower stalks or culms, which have three to five slender,
diverging spikes at the summit, The spikelets are sessile in two rows on one side of
the slender spikes; they each have one flower, with a short-pediceled, naked rudi-
ment of a second flower; the outer glumes nearly equal, keeled; the flowering glume
boat-shaped, broader, and prominently keeled; the palet narrow, and two-keeled. |

This is undoubtedly, on the whole, the most valuable grass in the
South. It is a native of Southern Europe, and of all tropieal coun-
tries. It is a common pasture-grass in the West Indies and the Sand-
wich Islands, and has long been known in the United States, but the
difficulty of eradicating it when once established has retarded its intro-
duction into cultivation. Its value, however, is becoming more appre-
ciated now that more attention is being given to grass and relatively
less to cotton, and better methods and implements of cultivation are
being employed. Still, it seems probable, from the reports received,
that at the present time a majority of farmers would prefer not to have
it on their farms. It seeds very sparingly in the United States, and as
the imported seed is not always to be had, and is expensive, and often of
poor quality, those who have desired to cultivate it on a large scale ~
have seldom been able to do so. It is generally used as a lawn grass,
and to hold levees or railroad. embankments, and for small pastures.
In some localities, however, it has spread over a considerable extent of
territory. Its natural extension into new territory has been slow, —
owing to the partial or entire absence of seed, but it spreads rapidly
by its rooting stems when introduced. It is usually propagated arti-
ficially by means of the sets or rooting stems. These are sometimes
chopped up with a cutting-knife, sown broadcast, and plowed under ~
not very deeply ; sometimes they are dropped a foot or two apart in ~
shallow furrows, and covered by a plow; sometimes pieces of the sod are
planted two feet apart each way. By any of these means a continuous
sod is obtained in a few months if the soil is good and well prepared.
The chief value of Bermuda grass is for summer pasture. It grows
best in the hottest weather, and ordinary droughts affect it but little.
The tops are easily killed by frosts, but the roots are quite Hardy
throughout the Southern States. It is grown to some extent as far
north as Virginia, but in that latitude it possesses little advantage over
other grasses. In Tennessee; according to Professor Killebrew, its
chief value is for pasture, there being other grasses there of more value
for hay. Farther South, however, it is highly prized for hay. Tomake
the largest quantity and best quality it should be mowed several times
during the season. The yield varies greatly according to soil, being
generally reported at from a ton and a half to two tons per acre. Much
larger yields have been reported, however, in specially favorable local-
ities where several cuttings were made.

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55 .
Rese Bermuda grass is more easily eradicted from sandy land than from
clay, and on such land may be more safely introduced into a rotation.
To kill it out it should be rooted up or plowed very shallowly some time
in December and cultivated or harrowed occasionally during the winter.
If severe freezes occur most of it will be killed by spring; or it may be
turned under deeply in spring and the land cultivated in some hoed
crop or one which will heavily shade the ground. |
M. M. Martin, Comanche, Comanche County, central Texas:

a : Bermuda grass grows on any kind of soil in Texas, but will not stand the tramping
__ of stock on loose, sandy soil. It is hard to beat for a grazing grass, though long
droughts cause it to dry up. It is not very early to start in the spring.

= ~ Whitfield Moore, Woodland, Red River County, northeastern Texas:

* Bermuda stands droughts well, is a good fertilizer, grows well from fifteen to twenty
' ~ years from one planting, then only needs plowing to renew it. It is tolerably easily
subdued by shallow turning in early winter, so that it will freeze. It yields heavy
' __ crops of hay and can be mowed three times a year. It is the finest grass I have ever
' seen for summer grazing, and when inclosed from stock during the summer it is fine

_ winter grazing. It will stop washing, and cause low, wet land to fill up and become
eo - ary; ;

K. W. Jones, Buena Vista, Miss. :
in the fall, and,allowed to freeze during winter, there is no trouble to cultivate a crop

_ the next season. The ground becomes perfectly mellow, and though the grass is not
dead, it does but little injury to the crop.

KE. Taylor, Pope’s Ferry, Ga.: .

Nothing kills it except severe freezing. It is the best of all grasses, and thrives on
any soil, but best on clay. It furnishes good pasture from May until the middle of
4 November. For winter grazing bur clover is taking its place. The yield of hayis
about 2 tons per acre. It will reclaim the poorest lands, and is not very difficult to
; subdue. It ripens seeds in this State sparingly.

J.B. Wade, Edgewood, DeKalb County, northern Georgia:

5 This is about the most northern limit at which Bermuda grass grows in this State.

= It is beginning to be highly appreciated both for grazing and for hay. It stands

_ drought well, keeping green from May until November. It makes good hay, and can
4 be cut two or three times a year, producing on an average 24 tons of hay per acre.

s - While this is the most northern limit of Bermnda grass, it is also the most southern

| limit of blue grass. The two growing together on the same land produce a most per-
fect pasture, as the blue grass is green nearly all the fall, winter, and spring months,

~ while during the heat of summer, which prevents the growth of the blue grass, the
Bermuda flourishes. The two together in good, strong soil make a perfect pasture,
good all the year around.

: Prof. 8. M. Tracy, now Director of the Mississippi Agricultural Ex-
periment Station, formerly of the Agricultural College, Columbia, Mo.:
It has been in cultivation near St. Louis, in one locality only, for many years. It

_ barely survives the winter and would doubtless be destroyed by pasturing. : ent
noticed it very carefully about New Orleans, where it is by far the moat yaluaus

Bermuda has been a great terror to planters until recently. If plowed shallow late.

: 56

permanent pasture grass, and is thoroughly naturalized, if not anative. It is almost
the only grass grown there for winter pasture or for lawns. It stands drought well,
and grows anywhere except on very wet ground. It can be subdued by one year of
thorough cultivation.

Prof. J. B. Killebrew, in ‘‘The Grasses of Tennessee,” says:

Occasionally the traveler meets with patches of Bermuda grass in the cotton fields
of the South, where it is carefully avoided by the planter, any disturbance giving new
start to its vigorous roots. Some ditch around it, others inclose it and let shrubbery
do the work of destruction. It forms a sward so tough that it is almost impossible
for a plow to pass through it. It will throw its runners over arock 6 feet across and
hide it from view, or it will run down the sides of the deepest gully and stop its
washing. It does not, however, endure shade, and in order to obtain a good stand
the weeds must be mown from it the first year. It would be a good grass to mix with
blue grass, as when it disappears in winter the blue grass and white clover would
spring up to keep ihe ground in a constant state of verdure. This experiment has
been tried with eminent success. It grows luxuriantly on the top of Lookout Mount-
ain, having been set there many years ago. This mountain is 2,200 feet high, and
has, of course, excessively cold winters.

» (Plate 59.)
SPARTINA.

A genus of coarse, perennial grasses, growing mainly in marshy grounds, from
strong, scaly root stocks. The flowers are produced in one-sided spikes of the pan-
icle. The spikelets are closely sessile, and mostly crowded on the triangular axis.
They are one-flowered, and much flattened laterally. The empty glumes are unequal
strongly compressed and keeled, acute, the keel mostly hispid, -the upper one longer
than the lower; flowering glume compressed and keeled, awnless ; palet about
equaging its glume.

Spartina cynosuroides (Cord Grass).

A coarse and stont grass, growing from 3 to 5 feet high, with leaves 2 to 3 feet
long. The top of the culm for about 1 foot is occupied by from five to ten spikes, which
are from 14 to 3 inches long, and the spikelets are very closely imbricated. The
lower glume is linear-lanceolate, the upper one lanceolate with a long, stiff point.

This species has a wide range, from near the coast to the base of the

Rocky Mountains. In the Western States it is very common, often
forming a large part of the grass of the sloughs and wet marshes of
that region. It is frequently cut for hay, but is of inferior quality
unless cut very early.

In the bottom-lands of the Mississippi, where it is abundant, it has
been manufactured into paper. (Plate 60.)

Spartina juncea (Salt Grass ; Marsh Grass).

A much smaller species than the preceding, usually 1 to 2 feet high, from a
creeping, scaly root stock, the culms rigid and the leaves nearly round and rush-like.
There are from two to five spikes, which are 14 to 2 inches long and on short peduncles.

This grass forms a large portion of the salt-marshes near the coast.
It makes an inferior hay, called salt hay, which is worth about half as

- much per ton as Timothy and redtop. It is much employed as a pack-
- ing material by hardware and crockery dealers. (Plate 61.)

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BOUTELOUA.
(GRAMA Grass.)

Spikes single or numerous in a racemose, commonly one-sided panicle; spikelets
commonly densely crowded in two rows on one side of the rhachis, each consisting of
one perfect flower and a stalked pedicel bearing empty glumes and one to three stiff
awns; outer glumes unequal, acute, keeled, membranaceous ; flowering glume broader,
usually thicker, with three to five lobes, teeth, or awns at the apex; palet narrow,
hyaline, entire or two-toothed, infolded by its glume.
Bouteloua oligostachya (Grama Grass; Mesquite Grass).
This is the commonest species on the great plains. It is frequently
called buffalo grass, although that name strictly belongs to another
plant (Buchloé dactyloides). On the arid plains of the West it is the
principal grass and is the main reliance for the vast herds of eattle
which are raised there. It grows chiefly in small, roundish patches
closely pressed to the ground, the foliage being in a dense, cushion-like
mass. The leaves are short and crowded at the base of the short
stems. The flowering stalks seldom rise over a foot in height, and bear
near the top one or two flower-spikes, each about an inch long, and from
one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch wide, standing out at right angles
like a small flag floating in the breeze. Where much grazing prevails,
however, these flowering stalks are eaten down so much that only the
mats of leaves are observable. In bottom-lands and low, moist ground

it grows more closely, and under favorable circumstances forms a pretty

close sod, but even then it is not adapted for mowing, although it is
sometimes cut, making a very light crop. Under the most favorable
circumstances the product of this grass is small compared with the
cultivated grasses. It is undoubtedly highly nutritious. Stock of all
kinds are fond of it and eat it in preference to any grass growing with
it. It dries and cures on the ground so as to retain its nutritive
properties in the winter. No attempt is made by stockmen to feed cat-
tle in the winter; they are expected to “rustle around,” as the phrase
is, and find their living; and in ordinary winters, as the fall of snow is
light, they are enabled to subsist and make a pretty good appearance
in the spring; but in severe winters there are losses of cattle, some-

times very heavy ones, from want of feed. (Plate 62.)

_ Bouteloua racemosa (Mesquite Grass; Tall Grama Grass).
- This species ranges from Mexico to British America and east of the

Mississippi River, in Wisconsin and Illinois. It is easily distinguished

from the others by its taller growth and by the long, slender raceme of

twenty to fifty or more slender spikes. These are usually about half

an inch long and reflexed. There are from six to ten spikelets on each

spike. Although eaten by cattle, especially when made into hay, it is
not so much relished as some other kinds.

There are about a dozen other species of this genus occurring more
or less extensively in the Southwest, chiefly in New Mexico and Arizona,

elite te

58

all of which are nutritious grasses, but seldom occurring in sufficient
quantity to be particularly important. (Plate 63.)

ELEUSINE. | ; ¢

Spikes two to five or more, finger-like, at the summit of the culm, sometimes a few
scattering ones lower down; spikelets sessile and crowded along one side of the
rhachis; two to six (ormore)-flowered, the uppermost flowers imperfect or rudimentary ;
outer glumes membranaceous, shorter than the spikelet; flowering glumes usually
obtuse ; palet folded, two-keeled.

Eleusine Indica (Yard Grass; Crow-foot; Crab Grass; Wire Grass).

The culms are from 1 to 3 feet high, usually coarse and thick, and very .eaty, es-
pecially below. The leaves are long and rather wide. At the top of the culm there are
two to five or more thickish densely-flowered spikes proceeding from a common point,
witb sometimes one or two scattering ones lower down on the clum, The spikelets
are sessile and crowded along one side of the axis, each being from two to six-flow-
ered, the upper flower imperfect or rudimentary ; the outer glumes are membranaceous,
shorter than the flowers, the flowering glumes usually obtuse ; the palet folded and
two-keeled.

An annual grass belonging to tropical countries, but now naturalized
in most temperate climates. In the Southern States it is found in
every door-yard and in all waste places. |

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says:

The clumps have many Jong leaves and stems rising 1 or 2 feet high, and many
long, strong, deeply-penetrating, fibrous roots. It grows readily in door-yards, barn-
yards, and rich, cultivated grounds, and produces an immense quantity of seeds. It is
a very nutritious grass, and good for grazing, soiling, and hay. The succulent lower
part of the stems, covered with the sheaths of the leaves, render it difficult to cure

well, for which several days are required. It may be cut two or three times, and
Selds a large quantity of hay.

(Plate 64.)

Eleusine Aigyptiaca (Crow-foot.)

Two species of grass in the Southern States have received: the name
of crow-foot, viz: Hleusine Indica and Eleusine Algyptiaca, or, as it is
sometimes called, Dactyloctenium Algyptiacum. Dr. HW. W. Ravenel, of
Aiken, 8. C., states that in the lower and middle portions of that State
the name of goose grass is generally applied to the former, while the
latter is universally called crow foot. E. Indica, he says, is confined
to rich waste places and old yards and gardens, and is rarely or never
seen in ordinary cultivated fields, and is never used for hay, because
if is found only in tufts and sparsely, whilst H. Agyptiaca, is as abun-
dant as crab grass (Panicum sanguinale) in all cultivated fields, and it
is commonly used for hay. |

This is an important distinction, which ought to be generally known
and noticed in our popular account of these grasses. (Plate 65.)

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“ 59

2 BUCHLOE.

| Buchloé dactyloides (Buffalo Grass),

This grass is extensively spread over all the region known as the
Great Plains. [tis very low, the bulk of leaves seldom rising more than
3 or 4 inches above the ground, growing in extensive tufts, or patches,
and spreading largely by means of stolons or off-shoots similar to those
ofthe Bermuda grass, these stolons being sometimes 2 feet long, and

_with joints every 3 or 4 inches, frequently rooting and sending up

flowering culms from the joints. The leaves of the radical tufts are 3

: to 5 inches long, one. or one-half line wide, smooth or edged with a few

scattering hairs. The flowering culms are chiefly dicecious, but some-
times both male and female flowers are found on the same plant, but
in separate parts. Next to the grama grass it is, perhaps, the most
valuable plant in the support of the cattle of the plains. (Plate 66.)

TRIODIA.

Spikelets several to many-flowered in a strict spike-like or an open, spreading pan-
icle, some of the upper flowers male or imperfect; outer glumes keeled, acute or

- acutish, awnless; flowering glumes imbricated, rounded on the back, at least below,

hairy or smooth, three-nerved, either mucronate, three-toothed, or three-lobed at the
apex, or obscurely erose, often hardened, and nerveless in fruit; palet broad, promi-
nently two-keeled.

Triodia. seslerioides (Tall Redtop).

_ This grass grows from 3 to 5 feet high. The culms are very smooth; the leaves
are long and flat, the lower sheaths hairy or smoothish.

The panicle is large and loose, at first erect, but finally spreading widely. The
branches are single or in twos or threes below, and frequently 6 inches long, divided

and flower-bearing above the middle. The spikelets are on short pedicels, 3 to 4
lines long and five or six-flowered. The outer glumes are shorter than the flowers,

unequal and pointed; the flowering glumes are hairy towards the base, having

three strong nerves, which are extended into short teeth at thesummit. It isa large

and showy grass when fully matured, the panicles being large, spreading, and of a
purplish color.

It grows in sandy fields, and on dry, sterile banks, from New York
to South Carolina and westward. It is eaten by cattle when young,
but the mature culms are rather harsh and wiry and not relished by
them. It is, however, cut for hay where it naturally abounds.

The genus Triodia has its chief distribution in Texas and the adja-

cent region, where there are several species which seem to have some
_ importance in the grass supply of these arid districts. Among these

are Triodia trinerviglumis, Triodia stricta, Triodia Texana, and Triodia

acuminata.

These deserve further investigation. (Plate 67.)

ARUNDO.

Tall grasses with an ample panicle, spikelets two to many-flowered, the flowers

- _ rather distant, silky-hairy at the base, and with a conspicuous silky-bearded rhachis,

* ering ‘glumes membranaceons, slender, awl-pointed
glumes, two-keeled, pubescent on the keels.

, lanceolate, keeled, acute ; flow-»

all perfect ; outer glumes narrow, unequal, glabrous
; palets much shorter than the

60

Arundo Donax (Giant Reed Grass). /

This grass is often cultivated for its very ornamental plumes, — It is
a native of Southern Europe, but is well established on the borders of
the Rio Grande River, where it is probably indigenous, and has been
recommended for cultivation.

PHRAGMITES.

Only differing from Arundo in the lowest flower of the spikelets being
staminate only and glabrous.

Phragmites communis (Reed Grass).

A tall, coarse, perennial grass, growing on the borders of ponds and
streams, almost rivaling sorghum in luxuriance. It attains a height of
6 to 10 feet; the culms sometimes an inch in diameter, and leaves
an inch or two in width. The panicle is from 9 to 15 inches long,
loose, but not much spreading, of an oblong or lanceolate form,
and slightly nodding. The branches are very numerous, irregularly
-whorled, 4 to 8 inches long, much subdivided, and profusely flowering.
The largest panicles form very ornamental plumes, almost equal to
those of Arundo Donax, so much cultivated for ornamental purposes,
It sometimes attains the height of 15 feet. It is resorted to by cattle
only when finer and more nutritious grasses fail. (Plate 68.)

KCiLERIA.

Keeleria cristata.

This grass has a very wide diffusion, both in this country and in
Europe and Asia. It favors dry hills or sandy prairies, and on the
Great Plains is one of the commonest species. It occurs throughout
California and extends into Oregon. It varies much in appearance,
according to the location in which it grows, these varieties being so
striking that they have been considered different species; and perhaps
two species ought to be admitted. It is perennial, with erect culms
usually from 1 to 2 feet high, and a spike-like panicle varying from
3 to 6 inches in length,-and more or less interrupted or lobed at
the lower part. When grown in very arid places the culms may be

only a foot high, the radical leaves short, and the panicle only &

inches long. When grown in more favored situations the radical leaves
‘are sometimes 18 inches long, the stem 3 feet, and the panicle 6 inches.
The branches of the panicle are, in short, nearly sessile clusters, crowded

' above; looser and interrupted below. The spikelets are from two to

four-flowered. On the prairies west of the Mississippi it is one of the
commonest and most useful of the grasses. In Montana it is sometimes
called June grass. It is an early grass, ripening about the first of
July. (Plate 69.)

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61

EBRAGROSTIS.

Spikelets several; usually many-flowered, pedicellate or sessile, in a loose and
spreading, or narrow and clustered panicle; the rhachis of the spikelets usually gla- ;
brous and articulate under the flowering glumes, but often tardily so, and sometimes
inarticulate. Outer empty glumes unequal, and rather shorter than the flowering
ones, keeled, one-nerved ; flowering glumes obtuse or acute, unawned, three-nerved,
the keel prominent, the lateral nerves sometimes very faint; palet shorter than the
glume, with two prominent nerves or keels, often persisting after the glume and
grain have fallen away.

Eragrostis major.
: This is a foreign grass which has become extensively naturalized,”
= not only in the older States, but in many places in the Western and
_ ~ Southwestern Territories. It is found in waste and cultivated grounds,
' and on roadsides, growing in thick tufts, which spread out over the
: ground by means of the geniculate and decumbent culms, The culms
are from 1 to 2 feet long, the lower joints bent and giving rise to
long branches. The sheaths are shorter than the internodes, the
leaves from 3 to 6 inches long. The panicle is frequently 4 or 5 inches
long, oblong or pyramidal, somewhat open, but full-flowered; .the
branches single or in pairs, branched and flowering nearly to its base.
This grass is said to have a disagreeable odor when fresh. It produces
an abundance of foliage, and is apparently an annual, reaching matu-
rity late in the season. We are not aware that its agricultural value
has been tested. (Plate 70.)

Eragrostis Abyssinica.

Eragrostis Abyssinica is a species which has been introduced from
Abyssinia, and cultivated in Florida and some of the Southern and
Southwestern States, and is said to be remarkably productive and val-
uable for hay. Itis an annual grass, growing to the height of 2 to 3 feet.

The native Abyssinian name of this grass is “ teff,’? and from the
seeds the Abyssinians make their bread. It may be cultivated with —
ease at a height of 6,000 or 7,000 feet above the sea-level, where maize
ean hardly thrive. It comes to maturity in four months, yields forty
times its volume of seed, and, in the best variety, is said to make a

_ white, delicious bread. The traveler Bruce mentions teff with ap-
_proval, and there is some account of it in other books.. The Royal
Gardens of Kew obtained a quantity of seed, of which they sent a por-
‘tion to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and by the Department
it has been distributed to the agricultural stations for trial. There
are many other species, but none of much agricultural importance.

DISTICHLIS.

_ Distichlis maritima (Salt Grass; Akaline Grass).

3 It has strong, creeping root stocks covered with imbricated leaf-sheaths, sending
up culms from 6 to 18 inches high, which are clothed nearly to the top with ‘the
numerous, sometimes crowded, two-ranked leaves. The leaves are generally rigid

*
(

62

and involute, sharp-pointed, varying greatly in length on different specimens. The
plants are diccious, some being entirely male and some female. The panicle is
generally short and spike-like, sometimes, especially in the males, rather loose, with
_ longer, erect branches, and sometimes reduced to a few spikelets. The spikelets are

from 4 to 6 inches long and five to ten-flowered, the flowers being usually much.

compressed. The outer glumes are smooth, narrow, and keeled; the flowering ones
are broader, keeled, acute, rather rigid, and faintly many-nerved. The palets have
an infolded margin, the keels prominent or narrowly winged. The pistillate spike-
lets are more condensed and more rigid than the staminate.

This is described in most botanical works as Bryzopyrum spicatum, but
recently the name given by Rafinesque has been accepted and restored
to it by Mr. Bentham. It is a perennial grass, growing in marshes
near the sea-coast on both sides of the continent and also abundantly
in alkaline soil throughout the arid districts of the Rocky Mountains,

Although this can not be considered a first-rate grass for agricultural
purposes, it is freely cut with other marsh grasses, and on the alkaline
plains of the Rocky Mountains it affords an inferior pasturage. (Plate
71.)

DACTYLIS.

Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass).

The culm and leaves roughish, the leaves broadly linear, light green, and five to
six on the culm. The panicle is generally but 2 or 3 inches long, the upper
part dense from the shortness of the branches; the lower branches are longer and
spreading, but with the spikelets glomerated or closely tufted. The spikelets are
usually three to four-flowered, one-sided, and on short, ropgh pedicels. The glumes
are pointed and somewhat unequal, the upper one being smaller and thinner than the
lower. The flowering glumes are ovate-lanceolate, roughish, and ending in a share
point or short awn, and are rather longer than the outer glumes.

This is one of the most popular meadow grasses of Europe, and is
_ well known to most farmers in the Northern and Eastern States. It isa
perennial of strong, rank growth, about 3 feet high.

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says:

Of all grasses this is one of the most widely diffused, growing in Africa, Asia, every
country of Europe, and all our States.

It is more highly esteemed and commended than any other grass, by a large num-
ber of farmers in most countries, a most decided proof of its great value and wonder-
ful adaption to many soils, climates, and treatments. Yet, strange to say, though
growing in England for many centuries, it was not appreciated in that country till
carried there from Virginia in 1764. But, as in the case of Timothy grass, soon after
its introduction from America, it came into high favor among farmers, and still re-
tains its hold on their estimation as a grazing and hay crop. It will grow well on
any soil containing sufficient clay and not holding toc much water. If the land be
too tenacious, drainage will remedy the soil; if worn out, a top dressing of stable
manure will give it a good send-off, and it will furnish several mowings the first year.
It grows well between 29 degrees and 48 degrees latitude. It may be mowed from
two to four times a year, according to latitude, season, and treatment, yielding from
1 to 3 tons of excellent hay per acre on poor to medium land. It is easily cured
and handled. It is readily seeded and catches with certainty. It grows wellin open
lands and in forests ot large trees, the underbrush being all cleared off. I know but
one objection toit. Like tall oat grass it is disposed to grow in clumps and leave

fe ow

PT ene nt ee Pee Cover ee eee eae

much of the ground uncovered. This may be obviated by thick seeding, using
_ 24 or, better, 3 bushels of seed per acre. The gaps may be prevented by sowing
with it a few pounds of redtop seed. But as the latter multiplies annually from
___ seeds dropping, it would in a few years root out the orchard grass. In common with
many others I prefer red clover with orchard grass. It fills the gaps and matures at
the same time with the orchard grass ; the mixture makes good pasture and good hay;
_ but if mowed more than twice a year, or grazed too soon after the second mowing,
_ the clover will rapidly fail. One peck of red clover seed and 6 pecks of orchard
'__ grass seed is good proportion per acre.

eZ After being cut it has been found to grow 4 inches in less than three days. Sheep
- _ leave all other grasses if they can find this, and acre for acre it will sustain twice as
many sheep or other stock as Timothy. Cut at the proper age it makes a much bet-
be ter hay than Timothy, and is greatly preferred by animals, being easier to masticate,
digest, and assimilate; in fact more like green grass in flavor, tenderness, and solu-
Mr. J. 8. Gould, of New York, says:

- ‘The'testimony that has been collected from all parts of the world for two centuries
past establishes the place of this species among the very best of our forage grasses,
_ and we have not a sha cow of a doubt that the interests of our graziers and dairymen
would be greatly promoted by its more extended cultivation. It is always found in
__ the rich old pastures of England, where an acre of land can be relied on to fatten a
bullock and four sheep. It is admirably adapted for growing in the shade, no grass
' being equal to it in this respect, except the rough-stalked meadow grass (Poa tri-
- vialis). It receives the name of orchard grass from this circumstance. We have
_ seen it growing in great luxuriance in dense old New England orchards, where no
' other grass exeept Poa trivialis would grow at all. It affords a good bite earlier in
' the spring than any other grass except the meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis).
It affords a very great amount of aftermath, being exceeded in this respect by no
other grass except Kentucky blue grass (Poa pratensis), and it continues to send out
root-leaves until very late in the autumn. When sown with other grasses its tend-
ency to form tussocks is very much diminished ; indeed it is always unprofitable to
- _ sow it alone in mead ows or pastures, as it stands too thin upon the ground to make a
' _ profitable use of the land, and the filling up of the interspaces with other varieties
greatly improves the quality of the orchard grass by restraining its rankness and
_ making it more delicate. —

- From Colman’s Rural World :

- Orchard grass makes good winter pasturage, equally as good as blue grass, and far
better pasturage in seasons of drought than blue grass, as it is a deeper and larger-
rooted plant and resists drought better. When once established it can be fed as
closely as any other grass, and is no harder on land than any other. Indeed, land
pastured in orchard grass will continue to improve in fertility. If half of each of
our farms were well seeded to orchard grass it would be a great advantage to them.

/

. ee oettae
@ Pager ete!

_ From the Farmer’s Home Journal:

___-‘This is one of the most valuable of all the grasses, and is better adapted to the
South than any other with which we are acquainted. Its rapidity of growth and
the luxuriance of its aftermath, its power of enduring drought and the cropping of
< cattle, commended it highly to the farmer, especially as a pasture grass, and it is
i rapidly growing in favor. It starts earlier in the spring, aud continues growing
a later in the fall, and starts again more quickly after being cut, than any other grass,
__ thus furnishing both the earliest and latest grazing. Orchard grass is less exhaust-
Ses ing to the soil than Timothy. It will endure considerable shade. In a porous sub-
soil its fibrous roots extend to a great depth. It does well on any soil of even mod-
erate fertility which is not too wet for grass, and will grow and thrive where no other

64.

grass will. It does best on a sandy loam with a porous subsoil, but will grow on a

sand-bank if made rich enough. When sown alone, we would sow 2 bushels to .

- the acre. From the nature of its growth thick seeding is necessary to secure the best
results, and we think the farmer will never regret the extra first cost of sowing two
bushels per acre. 7

When sown thickly and properly protected from grazing it forms a close and very
durable turf. Nothing will hurt it except plowing. As to time of sowing, it may be
sown in August, September, October, February, March, or April, alone, or on wheat,
rye, or oats. Hay made from a mixture of this grass with clover is very nutritious,
second only to best Timothy hay made, falling very little behind it, while in
most lands in the South the yield will exceed that of Timothy.

Oxchard grass is ready for grazing in the spring ten or twelve days sooner than any
other that affords a full bite. When grazed down and the stock turned off, it will be
ready for regrazing in less than half the time required for Kentucky blue grass.

(Plate 72.)
POA.

Spikelets somewhat compressed, usually two to five-flowered, in a narrow or
joose and spreading panicle, the rhachis between the flowers glabrous or sometimes
hairy, the flowers generally perfect, in a few species dicecious; outer glumes com-
monly shorter than the flowers, membranaceous, keeled, obtuse or acute, one to three-
nerved, not awned; flowering glumes membranaceous, obtuse ar acute, five or rarely
seven-nerved, the ‘a Lodeacel ats nerves frequently obscure, often scarious at the apex
and margins, smooth or pubescent, often with a. few loose or.webby hairs at the
base; palet about as long as the flowering glumes, prominently two-nerved or two-
keeled.

Poa arachnifera (Texas Blue Grass).

This species was first described by Dr. Jolin Torrey in the report of

Captain Marcy’s exploration of the Red River of Louisiana, as having
been found on the headwaters of the Trinity, and named. Poa arach-
nifera from the profuse webby hairs growing about the flowers, although
it is found that this character is very variable, probably depending
somewhat on the amount of shade or exposure to which the grass is sub-
jected.

Several years ago Mr. Hogan, of Texas, sent specimens of the grass
to this Department, and as it was shown to be a relative of the Ken-
tucky blue grass, Mr. Hogan adopted for the common name Texas blue
grass. We give some extracts from his letters relating to the grass:

I find it spreading rapidly over the country, and I claim for it all and more in Texas

than is awarded to the Poa pratensis. It seems to be indigenous to all the prairie |

country between the Trinity River and the Brazosin our State. It. blooms here about
the last of March, and ripens its seeds by the 15th of April. Stock of all kinds and
even poultry seem to prefer it to wheat, rye, or anything else grown in winter. It
seems to have all the characteristics of Poa pratensis, only itis much larger, and
- therefore affords more grazing. I have known it to grow 10 inches in ten days dur-
ing the winter. The coldest winters do not even nip it, and although it seems to die
down during summer, it springs up as soon as the first rains fall in September,
and grows all winter. I have known it in cultivation some five years, and have never
been able to find a fault in it. It will be ready for pasture in three or four weeks
after the first rains in the latter part of August or 1st of September. I have never
entit for hay. Why should a man want hay when he can have green grass to feed
his stock on? as

65

Mr. James E. Webb, of Greensborough, Hale County, Ala., writing

_ to the Department December 26, 1888, says:

4 Recent experiments show that the Texas blue ¢ j ;

Bs. and grows here in west Alabama as finely as sith ten rtentitare a an
to furnish us what we so much need, a fine winter grass. With Texas blue ade
Melilotus and Bermuda grass, Alabama is a fine stock country. :

Mr. S. C. Tally, of Ellis County, Texas, has sent specimens of this
| grass. He says it is abundant there, bears heavy pasturing, and makes
a beautiful yard or lawn grass.
Similar favorable accounts have been received from others. It is
dikely to prove one of the most valuable grasses for the South and

* Southwest. By means of its strong stolons or offshoots it multiplies

- rapidly and makes a dense, permanent sod. It produces an abundance
of radical leaves which often become 2 feet in length, and those of the

culms are smooth and of good width, about 4 to 8 inches long
and 2 lines wide. The culms are 2 to 3 feet high, each with two or

__ tbree leaves, with long sheaths and blade, the upper leaf sometimes

' reaching nearly to the top of the panicle. The ligule is round and

‘short, or lacerated when old. The panicle is from 3 to 8 inches in length,

' rather narrow, and with short, erect branches of equal length, in clus-

_ ters of from three to five, the longest seldom 2 inches, most of them

_ Short, some nearly sessile and profusely flowering to the base. The

- spikelets usually contain about five flowers.

In many cases there is a remarkable development of long, silky hairs
at the base of each flower, but sometimes these are quite absent. (Plate
73.)

Poa compressa (English Blue Grass; Wire Grass).

_ This species has sometimes been confounded with the Kentucky blue
grass, from which it differs in its flattened, decumbent, wiry stems, its
. Shorter leaves and shorter, narrower, and more scanty panicle. It is
_ found in many old pastures, on dry banks, and in open woods. The
- culms are hard and much flattened, 1 foot to 18 inches long, more or
less decumbent, and frequently bent_at the lower joints. The leaves
are scanty, smooth, short, and of a dark, bluish-green color. The pan-
icle is short and contracted, 1 to 3"inches long. Very contradictory
accounts have been given as to its agricultural value, some denouncing
it as worthless and others entertaining a good opinion of it. It thrives
well on clay or hard, trodden, and poor soils.

Hon. J. 8. Gould says, respecting it:

% It is certain that cows that feed upon it both in pasture and in hay give more milk

- and keep in better condition than when fed on any other grass. Horses fed on this

hay will do as well as when fed on Timothy hay and oats combined.

These discrepant opinions may be due in part to having mistaken

the Poa pratensis for this grass. It is probably a nutritious grass, but

_ from its spare yield can hardly obtain much favor for a hay crop,

» (Plate 74.) °--.

ne 3594 GR-——5

66

Poa pratensis (June Grass; Kentucky Blue Grass; Spear Grass).

A perennial grass, growing usually 14 to 2 feet high, with an abundance of long,
soft, radical leaves, and sending off numerous running shoots from the base. The
panicle is pyramidal or oblong in outline, from 2 to 4 inches long, the branches
mostly in fives, at least below, 1 to 2 inches long, open and spreading, the longer
ones flowering above the middle. The spikelets are about 2 lines long, ovate,
closely three to five-flowered, mostly on very short pedicels. The outer glumes are
_acute; the flowering ones acute or acutish, five-nerved, the lateral nerves prominent,
the Sieve part of the lateral nerves and of the keel more or less hairy, and the base
clothed with webby hairs.

There are several well-marked varieties, which are much modified
and improved by cultivation. It is indigenous in the mountainous re-
gions of this country as well as of Europe, and has been introduced into
cultivation in many countries.

Its principal use is as a pasture grass and for lawns. For hay-mak-
ing there are many other grasses which furnish a heavier and more
profitable crop. It is a grass which seems to require special conditions
to bring out its best qualities, and hence it is held in very light or very
_ great estimation in different regions. In England it is used but little,
and never sown alone, but is generally recommended as a constituent
of permanent pastures because of the earliness of its growth. In New
Zealand, where it has been introduced, it is considered a curse rather
than a blessing, because it overruns alike pastures and cultivated
ground, and is as difficult of extermination as quack grass (Agropyrum
repens). It varies much in size and appearance according to the soil in
which it grows.

In all the Middle and Eastern States it forms the principal constitu-
ent of pastures, but in some parts it is not highly esteemed. From the
unexampled success its cultivation has met with in Honicky it has
acquired the name of Kentucky blue grass.

The following very valuable notes on this grass are from the pen of
Major Alvord, in Cassell, Peter & Co.’s work on Dairy Farming:

The Poa pratensis of the botanist has cbtained a very wide reputation as the Ken-
tucky blue grass, and led many into the mistaken belief that it was a peculiarly
American grass, confined to the famous pastures of the region whence it derived its
name. On the contrary, it is one of the most common gvasses in nearly all parts
of the country, being variably known as June grass, green meadow grass, com-
mon spear grass, and Rhode Island bent grass, and it is the well-known smooth-
stalked meadow grass, or greensward, of England. There is no grass that accommo-
dates itself to any given locality with greater facility, whether it be the Missisippi
Valley, New England, Canada, the shores of the Mediterranean, or the north of Rus-
sia. It is found thriving upon gravelly svils, alluvial bottoms, and stiff clay lands
in the permanent pastures of Missouri, and along the roadsides of Minnesota. Soil

and climate cause varieties in its size and appearance, and this protean habit ac--

counts for the various names by which it is known.

It probably attains its highest luxuriance and perfection as a pasture grass in the
far-famed blue grass district of Kentucky. The central part of Kentucky, an areaof
15,000 square miles or more, over limestone foundation, seems to be the richest blue
grass country. There its seed-stalks are 2 to 3feet high, with several long, parallel-

ape #64

_ sided leaves to each plant, and radical leaves often numbering thirty toastalk. The
e. root is perennial and throws off numerous and long-creeping root-stocks, enabling it
_ to form a dense matted tuft. The chief reputation of this grass isas a pasture ashe :
_ the sod is easily obtained and very enduring, there being no such thing known cs
- its running out on good land. Pastures sixty years unbroken afford their owners an
annual profit of at least $10 an acre. It starts very early in the spring, and grows
‘rapidly after being grazed off. It will furnish more late feed than most grasses, and
_ noamount of pasturing is sufficient to utterly destroy it. It endures the froste of
inter better than any other grass on the continent, and therefore pushes its way
orthward into the Arctic Circle. Severe droughts injure blue grass, yet it grows as
far south as the hilly parts of Georgia and Alabama, and in Arkansas, not, however
Vigorously as farther north, Although in a drought it often becomes dry enough
burn, if is greedily eaten by stock; it dries full of nourishing properties, and cattle
will fatten upon it unless it has been drenched with rains. Blue grass can not be re-
commended for the meadow, as it is hard to cut and difficult to cure; the foliage is
too short and too light after being dried.
~ It is an excellent grass for lawns, as it makes a dense, uniform mat of verdure,
and sends up but one flowering stem a year; for this purpose it is thickly seeded and
nd kept closely mown.

An experienced Kentucky agriculturist says the season of sowing
aay be any time from August to April.

‘The seed should be sown from 14 to 2} bushels per acre, and lightly brushed in on
well-prepared surface. The seed may be sown on a grain field without any prepara-
on. Some prefer to sow on small grain in February or March, on the snow. One
vantage in this is the evenness with which the seed may be sown. If the sowing
done later it would be advisable to harrow the field before suwing it, and roll it
fterward. A very loose or open surface is fatal to blue grass in the young state if
he weather be the least dry. No stock should be permitted on the grass the first
ear. Blué grass is sometimes destroyed in sandy soils by cattle, which in grazing
ullitup. In stiff clay this is not so likely to happen.

_ (Plate 75.) —

‘oa serotina (Fowl Meadow Grass).
Culms erect, 2 or 3 feet high, without running rootstocks. The leaves are nar-
wly linear, 3 to 6 inches long, and 2 to 3 lines wide, the sheaths long, smooth, and
' striate, the ligules long. The panicle varies with the size of the plant, from 5 to 10
: 12 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide and lax; the branches mostly in fives or
more numerous, nearly erect, from 1 to 4 inches long, the longer ones subdivided and
owering above the middle. There are some mountain forms or varieties in which
16 culms are 1 foot or less in height and the panicle greatly reduced. The spike-
ts are 1 to2 lines long, two to five-flowered, on short pedicels. The outer glumes
re about 1 line long and sharp-pointed. The flowering glume is rather obtuse, the
| iteral nerves not prominent, slightly pubescent on the margins below, and somewhat
"webby at the base. :
This species is most common in the Northern States, particularly in
w England, New York, and westward to Wisconsin, and also in re-

ced forms in all mountainous districts.

Professor Beal says : | |
‘The name fowl meadow grass is said to have been applied to this grass because

+s

ucks and other wild water-birds were supposed to have introduced the grass into @
or, low meadow in Dedham, Mass,

i 68
Mr. J. 8. Gould, of New York, says:

I have found it to grow on almost every kind of soil, but it attains the greatest
perfection in a rich, moist one. It is one of those grasses that thrive best when
combined with others; it will not make a superior turf of itself, but it adds much
to the value of a sward from its nutritive qualities and powers of early and late
growth. As it perfects an abundance of seed it may be easily propagated.

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says:

In portions of the Western States the grass has for some years been very highly
recommended. In the Eastern States it has been cultivated for one hundred and
fifty years or longer and valued highly. Jared Elliott, in 1749, spoke ofit as grow-
ing tall and thick, making a more soft and pliable hay than Timothy and better
adapted for pressing and shipping for use of horses on shipboard. He says it makes
a thick abundant growth on land more moist than is adapted to common upland
grasses, and may be mowed any time from June to October, as it never becomes so
coarse and hard, but the stalk is sweet and tender and eaten without waste. It has
not been sufficiently cultivated in the Southern States, so far as I am aware, to know
how long a meadow set with it may remain profitable. It is, however, worthy of
extended trial.

Mr. Charles L. Flint says:

It grows abundantly in almost every part of New England, especially where it has
been introduced and cultivated in suitable ground, such as the borders of rivers and
intervals occasionally flooded. It never grows so coarse or hard but that the stalk
is sweet and tender, and eaten without waste. It is easily made into hay, and is a
nutritive and valuable grass.

e(Plate 76.)

Poa tenuifolia.

_ This species, in several varieties, is common in California, Oregon,
Montana, etc., and is one of the numerous bunch grasses referred to in
the accounts of the wild pasturage of that country. The foliage of some
forms is scanty, but of others the radical leaves are long and abundant.
It is stated that the Indians gather its seeds for food. (Plate 77.)

Poa trivialis (Rough-stalked- Meadow Grass).

This species very much resembles the Poa pratensis. It is distin-
guished chiefly by its having rough sheaths, by its.long, pointed ligules,
its fibrous roots, and the smooth, marginal nerves of the flowering
glumes, whereas in Poa pratensis the sheaths are smooth, the lignles
obtuse, the root stock running, and the marginal nerves of the flowering
glumes are hairy.

It has been little cultivated by itself in this country, but is sometimes
found in low meadows or on the banks of shaded streams. It flourishes
best in low or wet ground and in shaded situations, and is not so well
adapted to general cultivation as the blue grass.

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says:

It is especially adapted to wood pastures, as it delights in shade, banks of streams,
and moist ground generally. It bears tramping, and is an excellent pasture grass.

It makes a good mixture with redtop and tall oat grass, and with other pasture :

:
;
Ey

grasses.

;
a
y
iM

Bee ae ee ee

ares

69

"Poa trivialis var. occidentalis:

2 This grass, apparently a variety of Poa trivialis, appears to be indige-
_ nous in Colorado and New Mexico. It has a larger, looser panicle
than the introduced plant.

Poa andina.

- This is a smooth, rigid, perennial grass, growing on the great west-
ern plains in arid situations. It varies in height from 1 to 2 feet, with
short, rigid, pointed root-leaves, and with usually one or two stem-
_ leaves, the upper one with a very short blade, or almost none. The

panicle is close and rather dense, 2 to 3 inches long, the spikelets about
three flowered, the empty glumes rather large and broad, and the

= flowering glumes pubescent on the nerves below.

___. It is probable that this species may be introduced with advantage
' into cultivation in the arid districts of the West. (Plate 78.)

GLYCERIA.

Spikelets terete or flattish, several to many-flowered, in a narrow or diffuse panicle,
the rhachis smooth, and readily disarticulating between the flowers; outer glumes
shorter than the flowers, unequal, membranaceous, one to three-nerved, unawned;

4 flowering glume membranaceous to subcoriaceous, obtuse, awnless, more or less hya-

line and denticulate at the apex, rounded (never keeled) on the back, five to nine-
nerved, the nerves separate, and all vanishing before reaching the apex; palet about
as long as its glume, two-keeled, entire or bifid at the apex.

The species of this genus are seldom employed in cultivation. They

mostly grow in wet or swampy ground, and where found in abundance

can be utilized for pasturage or hay-making.

Glyceria arundinacea (Tall Meadow Grass; Reed Meadow Grass).

This species is widely diffused in the northern portions of the United
States and Canada, and in the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Mon-
tana. It has a stout, erect, leafy culm, 3 to 4 feet high. The leaves_
are a foot or two long, a quarter to half an inch wide, flat, and some-

what fough on theedges. The panicle is large, 9 to 15 inches long, and
inuch branched. (Plate 79.)

_ Glyceria Canadensis (Rattlesnake Grass; Tall Quaking Grass).

The culms stout, about 3 feet high, smooth and leafy. The leaves linear-lanceo-
late, 6 to 9 inches long, or the lower ones much longer, about 4 lines broad and rather
rigid. The panicle large and effuse, 6 to 9 inches long, oblong; pyramidal, and at

2 length drooping. The whorls an inch or more distant, the branches semi-verticillate,

mostly in threes, the largest 3 to 4 inches long, and subdivided from near the base.

A grass belonging to the northern portion of the United States, usu-
ally found in mountainous districts, in swamps, and on river borders,
growing in clumps. It is quite an ornamental grass, resembling the
_ quaking grass (Briza). Cattle are fond of it, both green and when
_-made into hay. It is well adapted to low meadows.

a

10

Glyceria fluitans (Floating Manna Grass).

Culms are usually 3 to 4 feet high, rather thick and succulent, and quite oat
The leaves are 4 to 9 inches long, and 3 to 4 lines wide. The Bata is often a foot
long, very narrow, the short distant branches mostly in twos or threes, 1 or 2 inches
long, erect and close, each having usually two or four spikelets. The spikelets are
half an inch to three-quarters of an inch in length, rather cylindrical and nearly of
the same thickness throughout, seven to thirteen-flowered.

This species grows in shallow water on the margins of lakes, ponds,
and sluggish streams. |
Hon. J. 8. Gould says:

This grass is found growing in shallow water, overflowed meadows, and wet woods,

but will bear cultivation on moderately dry grounds. Schreber says that it is culti- —

vated in several parts of Germany, for the sake of the seeds, which form the manna
crop of the shops, and are considered a great delicacy in soups and gruels. When
ground into meal they make bread,-very little inferior to that made from wheat. In
Poland large quantities of the seed are obtained for culinary purposes. All granivor-
ous birds are exceedingly fond of these seeds. Trout, and indeed most fish, are very
fond of them; wherever it grows over the banks of streams the trout are always
found in great numbers waiting to catch every seed that falls.

There is a great difference of opinion among agricultural writers with respect to the
_ fondnesss of animals for the leaves and culms of this grass. We have often seen the
ends of the leaves cropped by cattle, but have never seen the culms or root-leaves
touched by them. On the other hand, reliable writers have asserted that cattle,
horses, and swine were alike fond of it.

Glyceria nervata (Nerved Meadow Grass).

This is similar in appearance to the tall meadow grass, but is smaller,
with a lighter panicle and smaller flowers. It has also much the same
general range. It usually grows along the wet margins of streams and
swamps. It is nutritious and might be advantageously mixed with
other grasses in wet grounds. Itis especially abundant in the Rocky
Mountains. It is sometimes*improperly called fowl meadow grass.
No attention has been given to its cultivation in this country. In the
Woburn Agricultural Experiments conducted in England by the Duke
of Bedford, this grass was under trial, and was very highly esteemed.
Mr. Sinclair states that in February, 1814, after the severe winter pre-
ceding, this grass was perfectly green and succulent, while not one
species of grass, out of nearly three hundred that grew around it re-
mained in a healthy state, but were all inferior and more or less injured
by the severity of the weather. The aftermath was found to be re-
markably abundant and nutritive. It was found to be adapted to most
soils except such as were tenacious. Mr. Sinclair also said that further
experience in the cultivation of the grass enabled*him to state that it
possesses very valuable properties, and that it will be found a valuable
ingredient in permanent pastures, where the soil is not too dry, but of a
medium quality as to moisture and dryness. (Plate 80.)

es eae eee eS er eer Le Pe

ee ee he ees ee ee

ree tt ae

oe Ran ek ol MT a a ley

71

PESTUCA.

Spikelets three to many-flowered, variously panicled, pedicellate, rhachis of the
a spikelets not hairy; outer glumes unequal, shorter than the flowers, the lower one-
-nerved, and the upper three-nerved, narrow, keeled, acute; flowering glume mem-

_branaceous, chartaceous, or subcoriaceous, narrow, rounded on the back (not
; keeled), more or less distinctly three to five-nerved, acute or tapering into a straight
' _ awn, rarely obtusish ; palet narrow, flat, prominently two-nerved or two-keeled.

>i awe

= Festuca elatior (Meadow Fescue Grass ; Tall Fescue; Randall Grass).

a A perennial grass, growing from 2 to 4 feet high, with flat, broadish leaves about a
foot long. The panicle is somewhat one-sided, loose, and spreading when in flower,
-. contracted after flowering, from 6 to 10 inches long, the branches 1 to 2 inches long,
- erect, mostly in pairs below, single above, subdivided; the spikelets are lanceolate
_ _ orlinear, about half an inch long, five to ten-flowered. The flowering glume is lance-
_ Olate, about three lines long, firm in texture, five-nerved, scarious at the margin,
~ acute, and sometimes with a short but distinct awn at the apex.

__ This is an introduced species now frequently met with in meadows;
_ it is one of the standard meadow grasses of Europe. Cattle are said to
be very fond of it, both green and as hay.

ee There is a smaller form or variety, which is the variety pratensis or
_ Festuca pratensis, Hudson.

Professor Killebrew, of Tennessee, writes of it as follows:

| _ This grass has received some attention in different parts of the State, and has met
with a warm reception from those testing it. It ripens its seeds long before any other
Be grass, and consequently affords a very early nip to cattle. It has been raised under
__ various names in Virginia, as ‘‘ Randall grass,” and in North Carolina as ‘‘evergreen

grass.”
_ Mtr. James Taylor, writing from North Carolina, says:
_ Theevergreen grass is very good for pasturing through the falland winter. It will
- do best when sown on dry land, and is well adapted to sheep. It grows'well on rocky
i Ail to the height of 4 or 5 feet when ripe, continuing green in the spring, and af-
' fording fine herbage throughout the winter. It is best to sow in the spring, with
oats. A peck of well-cleaned seed is enough for an acre, or a bushel in the chaff. It
'_ ripens about the first of June. If sown in the spring this grass will not go to seed
before the next year, but if sown in the fall it will bring seed the next spring. From
_ the limited cultivation it has met with in Tenneesee, it seems to be better adapted to
__ moist, low lands, though I have seen it growing on some of the high ridges of East
Tennessee, at least 1,500 feet above the sea. There it thrives luxuriantly, and makes
a very superior pasture.

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says:

4 It grows well in nearly all situations, wet or dry, on hill or bottom land, even
though subject to overflow, and matures an extraordinary quantity of seed. The

alone, 28 pounds, or about 2 bushels of seed, should be sown broadcast in August,
September, October, or from the middle of February to the Ist of April. From re-

maining green through the winter it is sometimes called ‘‘evergreen grass.” Mowed
and dried it makes a good hay, much relished by stock.

(Plate 81.)

seeds germinate readily, and it is easy to set a piece of land with this grass. Seeded —

ti ee

T2:

Festuca ovina (Sheeps’ Fescue).

A densely tufted, perennial grass, with an abundance of rather narrow, sometimes
involute, short, radical leaves, and slender culms, 1 to 14 feet high. The panicle is
2 to 4 inches long, narrow, the branches mostly single and alternate, erect and few-
flowered; the spikelets are mostly three to five-flowered, and about 3 lines long;
the Gate glumes are acute and narrow. The flowering glumes are lanceolate, two
lines long, roughish, and witha short, rough awn about half a line long.

This species has many varieties both in this country and in Europe.
It is indigenous in the mountainous parts of New England, in the Rocky
Mountains, and in various northern localities.

As found in cultivation it has been derived from Europe.

Hon. J. 8. Gould, of New York, says:

It forms the great bulk of the sheep pastures of the highlands of Scotland, where it
is the favorite food of the sheep, and where the shepherds believe it to be more nutri-
tious for their flocks than any other. Gmelin says that the Tartars choose to encamp
during the summer where this grass is most abundant, because they believe that it
affords the most wholesome food for all cattle, but especially for sheep. Nature dis-
tributes it among dry, sandy, and rocky soils, where scarcely any other species would
grow. It is without doubt the very best of the grasses growing on sandy soils. It
roots deeply, and forms a dense, short turf, which adapts it admirably for lawns and
pleasure grounds, where the soil is sandy. It is almost useless as a hay crop, as its
leaves and culms are too fine to give a remunerative amount of hay ; it is only as a
pasture grass on sandy soils that it is valuable ; and in these, when highly manured,
itis driven out by the more succulent species. It is often found 4,000 feet above the
level of the sea. Its seeds weigh about 14 pounds to the bushel.

(Plate 82.)

Festuca scabrella (Bunch Grass).

The culms are usually 2 to 3 feet high, erect, and smooth; the radical leaves are
numerous, about half as long as the culms, generally rigid, involute, and scabrous on
the margins; the blade is prone to separate when old, leaving an abundance of leaf-
less sheaths at the base ; the cauline leaves are about two, short and pointed, 2 to 4
inches long ; the sheaths scabrous, the ligule short or wanting ; the panicle is usually
3 to 5inches long.

A perennial grass growing in strong clumps or bunches, and hence
called “ bunch grass.” It is a native of the Rocky Mountain oe
from Colorado westward to California and Oregon.

_ In Montana it is called the great bunch grass and is one of the prin-

cipal grasses of that country. It is the prevailing species on the foot-

hills and mountain slopes at from 6,000 to 7,000 feet altitude. ‘It is
rather too hard a grass for sheep, but there is no grass more valued on
the ‘summer ranges’ for cattle and horses. It makes excellent hay
for horses and is cut in large quantities for this purpose. It grows in
large tussocks, making it rather a difficult grass to mow with a ma-
chine.” It is one of the most important grasses of eastern Oregon and
Washington. (Plate 83.)

4 Ne
—— ee ee

73

BROMUS.

(BROME Grass. )

Spikelets five to many-flowered, in a dense, or lax, or diffuse panicle ; the rhachis
between the flowers glabrous; outer glumes more or less unequal, shorter than the
___ lowest flower, membranaceous, acute, awnless, or short mucronate, one to nine-
nerved ; flowering glume from membranaceous to rigid, and subcoriaceous, rounded
on the back or compressed and keeled, five to nine-nerved, acute, and awned from
below the mostly two-cleft apex ; palet rather shorter than the glumes, two-keeled,
the keels rigid and ciliate; grain adhering to the palet.

Bromus secalinus (Chess; Cheat).

_____Itis an old tradition which, some farmers still cling to that chess isa

_ degenerated wheat; that the action of frost and other causes occasion

_ _ the deterioration, whereas the truth undoubtedly is that chess seed was

either in the land or in the seed sown, and, being more hardy than

wheat, it survived the frost and took possession of the ground. Some

years ago this grass had a temporary popularity under the name of

_ Willard’s brome grass, but it was soon abandoned when brought into

competition with better grasses.

_ In the South it would perhaps be a good winter grass, like its relative

_ Bromus unioloides, but it is not as vigorous a grass as that species,
and does not produce such an abundance of foliage. (Plate 84.)

Bromus unioloides (Schrader’s Grass; Rescue Grass).

_ __Inits early growth it spreads and produces a large amount of leaves; early in the
_ Spring it sends up its flower stalks, which grow about 3 feet high, with a large, open,

spreading panicle, the ends of the branchlets bearing the large, flattened spike-
' lets, which, when mature, hang gracefully upon their stems, giving them quite an
' ornamental appearance. These spikelets are from 1 inch to 14 inches in length, and
composed of two acute, lanceolate glumes at the base, and from seven to ten flowers,
arranged in two rows alternate on each side of the axis. The flowers are lanceolate,
or ovate-lanceolate, the flowering glume extending into a fine point or short awn.

_ This is one of the so-called winter grasses; that is, it makes, in the
South, a large share of its growth during the winter months.

During several years past this grass has been sent to the Depart-
ment, chiefly from Louisiana and Texas, and has been much com-
mended. Many years since the same grass was distributed and experi-
_ mented with under the name of Australian oats, or Bromus Schraderi.
@ It is not adapted to use in a country with severe winters, and hence
did not give satisfaction in all places.

___Mr. C. Mohr, of Mobile, says of it:

a Only of late years found spreading in different parts of this State; makes its ap-
3 _ pearance in February, grows in tufts, its numerous leafy stems growing from 2to
_ 3 feet high; it ripens the seed in May; affords in the earlier months of spring a
much-relished, nutritious food, as well as good hay.

It is said to have been introduced into Georgia by General Iverson, of
Columbus, and by him called rescue grass. The favorable opinion which
it at first received does not seem to have been well sustained in that
State.

ee

14
Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says:

This grass is also called Bromus Schraderi, Bromus Willdenovii, Ceratochloa wnioloides,
and Festuca unioloides. It is an annual winter grass. It varies in the time of start-
ing growth. I have seen it ready for mowing the first of October, and furnish fre-
quent cuttings till April. Again, it may not start before January nor be ready to
cut till February. This depends on the moisture and depression of temperature of
the fall, the seeds germinating only at a low temperature. When once started, its
growth after the successive cuttings or grazings is very rapid. It is tender, very
sweet, and stock eat it greedily. It makes also a good hay. It produces an im-
mense quantity of leaves. On loose soil some of it may be pulled up by animals
grazing it.

(Plate 85.)

Bromus ciliatus.

A tall, coarse species, much addicted to rocky woodlands, but of no
agricultural value.

LOLIUM.

Spikelets several-flowered, solitary on each joint of the continuous rhachis of the
simple spike, placed edgewise against the rhachis, the glume wanting on the inside,
the outer empty glume nearly as long as, or longer than, the spikelets; flowering
glume rounded on the back, not keeled ; palet shorter, two-keeled.

Lolium perenne (Italian Rye Grass).
A perennial grass, introduced from Europe. The culms are 2 to 3 feet high, very

leafy, and terminating in a loose, spike-like panicle, 6 inches or more in length..

The spikelets are arranged alternately on the axis, placed edgewise; that is, with one
edge of the flat spikelet applied to the main stem at short distances, so that there
may be twenty or more in the panicle. The spikelets are one-half to three-fourths
of an inch long; generally seven to eleven-flowered. The inner empty glume is gen-
erally wanting, so that, except on the terminal spikelets, only one glume is apparent,
which is half or more than half the length of the spikelet, narrowly lanceolate, and
acute. The general appearance of the panicle is like that of couch grass (Agropyrum
repens). ‘The flowering glumes are thickish, obscurely nerved, rather hispid, acutely
pointed, or, in the variety Italicum, with a rather long awn. The proper palets are
similar to the flowering glumes, and of nearly equal length.

:

An intelligent writer whom we have predvenyy quoted, says, respect-
ing this grass:

It occupies the same place in Great Britain that Timothy does with us, and is there
esteemed, on the whole, higher than any other species of grass, and is called rye grass
or ray grass. Of all the varieties of Loliwm perenne which are known, that called
Italicum is by far the most valuable. Its spikelets are conspicuously bearded, the
flowers being all terminated by long, slender awns, which character distinguishes it
very easily from Loliwm perenne. Its name (Italian rye grass) is derived from the fact
that its native habitat is on the_plains of Lombardy, where broad and extensive plains
of pasture land are frequently inundated by the mountain streams which intersect
them. It is mainly adapted to irrigated meadows, and in these it is undoubtedly
superior to any other grass.

Professor Phares says:

This grass stands drought well and grows most luxuriantly in our Southern States.
If not kept grazed or mowed, however, the leaves cover the ground so deeply and
densely that an excess of rainin very hot weather in the extreme South causes it

4 4
rae wan

le Re oe Ree One eee CN Tee ae

ae | 18

_ to rot suddenly, destroying even the roots. This I have never seen or heard men-
tioned by any other person, but it oceurred on my own farm one season, where I was
reserving a lot for seed.

(Plate 86.)
co Lolium temulentum (Poison Darnel).

This species is' frequently found in grain fields. The seeds have

long enjoyed a reputation of being poisonous to stock, and also to man-

SS kind when mixed in large quantity with the wheat or rye used in

_ the making of bread. The question seems hardly yet decided, but it is
best to exterminate the grass as a weed and a pest.

AGROPYRUM. '

- Spikelets several-flowered (three to nine, or more), compressed, alternately sessile
on the continuous or slightly-notched rhachis of the simple spike, and with the side
against the rhachis; outer glumes nearly equal and opposite, membranaceous or
herbaceous, one to three-nerved, scarcely keeled, tapering to a point or awned; the

flowering similar to the outer ones, rounded on the back; three to seven-nerved,
pointed or awned from the apex; palet nearly as long as its glume, the two prominent
nerves almost marginal, scabrous ciliate.

a _ Agropyrum glaucum (Blue Stem; Bluejoint).
- ‘This species, which has been considered a variety of the next, pre-
y ~ vails on the Western plains from Texas to Montana, and is well
_ known to stockmen. It differs from Agropyrum repens in having a
= stiffer, more erect and rigid stem and leaves, the leaves often becoming
' involute. It is generally of a light, bluish-green color. The spike is
generally shorter, denser, and with larger spikelets.
_ Professor Scribner, writing of this grass in Montana, says:
_ __ It is the most highly praised of the native grasses for hay. Wherever it occupies
_ exclusively any large area of ground, as it does frequently in the lower districts,
especialy near Fort Benton, it is cut for hay. Naturally it does not yield a great
“a : bulk, but its quality is unsurpassed. After two or three cuttings the yield of hay
_ diminishes so much that it is scarcely worth the harvesting. It isthen customary to
_ drag a short-toothed harrow over the sod, which breaks up the creeping roots or
| _ underground stems, and each fragment then makes a new plant.

- The same valuable opinion of this grass is entertained by stockmen

pty

Bs

| ein Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico. It occurs nearly everywhere, -
- but sparsely, on the plains, and extending quite up into the mountains. .

| _ In the valleys and along streams it frequently forms large patches and
| _ grows closer and more abundant, when it is commonly cut for winter
» use. (Plate 87.)

Agropyrum repens (Couch Grass; Quack Grass).

~ There has been a good deal of discussion relative to this grass, some
‘pronouncing it one of the vilest of weeds, and others claiming for it
high nutritive qualities overweighing all the disadvantages of its growth.
Whichever party may be right, it is proper that farmers should be ac-
‘quainted with it in order to know how-to treat it, and hence our de-
seription. It forms a dense sod by means of its far-reaching rhizomas or
root stocks, which have shori joints, and roots tenaciously at every joint.

SS ae ee ee ee ee

76

It has an abundance of foliage, and sends up a flowering culm 2 to 3
feet high, which is terminated by a close, narrow spike of flowers from
3 to 6 inches long. This spike consists of a succession of closely set
spikelets, one at each joint of the axis, and placed flatwise with the side
against the stalk. Each spikelet contains several (three to eight) flow-
ers, with a pair of nearly equal and opposite three to five-nerved glumes
at the base.

Hon. J. 8. Gould says:

- The farmers of the United States unite in one continuous how] of execration against
this grass, and it seems strange, when every man’s hand is against it, that it is not
exterminated. Yet, we could never really satisfy ourselves that its presence in
meadows and pastures was such an unmitigated curse. In lands where alternate
husbandry is practiced it must be admitted to be an evil of great magnitude. Its
hardiness is such, and its rapidity of growth is so great, that it springs up much more
rapidly than any other crop that can be planted, andchokes it. Still, it has many
virtues. Itis perfectly cosmopolitan in its habits. It is found in all sorts of soil and
climates. Its creeping roots are succulent and very nutritive, and are greedily de-
voured by horses and cows.

(Plate 88.)

Agropyrum tenerum.

This grass prevails in the Rocky Mountain region from New Mexico
to Oregon, and has been commonly called a variety of Agropyrum re-
pens, from which it differs essentially in wanting the running root-stalks,
in a narrower, nearly cylindrical spike, and in growing in clumps. It
occurs mostly in low, moist grounds, and, like the Agropyrum glaucum,
it is one of the best grasses for hay. It ripens in July, and affords very
little feed thereafter.

HORDEUM.

Inflorescence a dense spike, with two or three spikelets at each joint of the notched
rhachis; spikelets one-flowered, with an awl-shaped rudiment of a second flower, the
central spikelet of the cluster perfect and sessile, the lateral ones short-stalked and
imperfect or abortive; outer glumes side by side, two to each spikelet, usually slender
and awn-pointed, or bristle form; flowering glume herbaceous, shorter, oblong, or
lanceolate, rounded on the back, not keeled, five-nerved, acute or long-awned ; palet
shorter, two-keeled.

Hordeum jubatum (Wild Barley ; Squirrel-tail Grass).

On the sea-coast and saline soil in the interior, especially on the Rocky
Mountains. It has no agricultural value, but its long-barbed awns are
injurious to the mouths of cattle.

Hordeum murinum.

Professor Brewer states that this grass, unfortunately, is extensively
naturalized in California and is a vile pest; it comes in when land is
overstocked; is known there as “squirrel grass,” “squirrel tail,” fox-
tail,” and “white oats.” The heads break up and the barbed seeds
work into the wool of sheep and even into the flesh of lambs, killing
them. It damages the eyes and throats of animals.

° i

7

Hordeum pratense.
An annual or biennial grass growing principally in alkaline soil in
the Western States and Territories. It is eaten by cattle when in a

_ __ young state, but when mature it is worthless and pestiferous on account
of its barbed awns.

ELYMUS.

Spikelets two to four at each joint of the rhachis of the simple stout spike, sessile,
one to six-flowered ; outer glumes two for each ; spikelets nearly side by side in its
front, forming a kind of involucre for the cluster, narrow, rigid, one to three-nerved,
acuminate or awned; flowering glumes herbaceous, rather shorter, oblong or lan-
ceolate, rounded on the back, not keeled, acute or awned; palet shorter than its
glume, two-kKeeled.

a _ Elymus Canadensis (Wild Rye; Rye Grass; Lyme Grass).

eS A perennial, coarse grass, growing on river banks and in rich, shaded
- _-woods. In some localities, especially on moist prairies and banks in the
west, if is quite common and is cut for hay. It should be cut early to
be of value. (Plate 89.)

Elymus condensatus (Giant Rye Grass.)

This is a perennial grass, ranging from San Diego throughout Cali-
fornia, and into Oregon and Washington Territory, also in the Rocky
3 Mountain region of theinterior. Itis very variable, but always a stron g,
4 heavy-rooted, coarse grass, from 3 to 5 or even to 12 feet high. Mr. Bo-
4 lander states that it seems to do excellent service by fixing the soil on
E the banks of creeks and rivers. In the larger forms the culms are half
Be an inch thick. The leaves are smooth, 2 feet long and an inch wide or
'__ more, and the panicle § to 14 inches long and 14 inches thick. As it
__ usually occurs in arid grounds, it is from 3 to 6 feet high, the leaves
___about 1 foot long and half an inch wide, and the spike-like panicle 4 to

S8inches. In the large form the branches of the panicle are subdivided

and 1 or 2 inehes long.

Mr. W. C. Cusick, of Oregon, says:

This is a very valuable grass, commonly known as rye grass. In Baker County
large quantities are cut for hay, for which it is said to be excellent. It is also much
used as a winter forage plant. Cattle are driven into the dry bottoms, where it grows,
and live upon it when the shorter grasses are covered with snow.

(Plate 90.)

a Elymus triticoides.

Ss This has been considered a variety of Elymus condensatus, from which
E it differs in having strong runners, and not growing in thick clumps,
but scattering and singly. Mr. Cusick says it is a valuable grass in
Oregon, and cut for hay in wild meadows.

Elymus Virginicus (Wild Rye Grass; Terrell Grass).

The culm is rather stout, 2 to 3 feet high, leafy; the lower leaves are 10 to 15inches
long, broad and rough. The sheath of the upper leaf usually incloses the stalk,
and sometimes the base of the flower-spike. This spike is erect, dense, and rigid, 2
to 4 or 5 inches long, and one-half inch thick. The spikelets are two or three to-

a

’

18

gether at each joint, all alike and fertile, sessile, two to five-flowered, and each with
a pair of empty glumes. These glumes are very thick and coarse, strongly nerved,
lanceolate and bristle-pointed, about 1 inch long. The flowering glumes terminate
in a stiff, straight awn, half an inch to nearly an inch long, the lowest one in the
spikelets having the longest awn, the others gradually shorter. The palet is oblong,
obtuse, and as long as the flowering glume, excluding the awn.

A coarse, perennial grass, growing on alluvial river banks, or in rich,
low grounds.

This grass frequently forms a considerable portion of native meadow
lands, and makes a coarse hay. It starts growth early in the spring,
and thus affords a good pasturage. Professor Killebrew, of Tennessee,
says it is very valuable and ought to be tried in cultivation.

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says:

This perennial grass is a native of the Southern States. As all farm stock, except
hogs, are fond of it, and it is green through the winter and spring, it has been de-
stroyed when grazing animals have access to it at all times. It is, however, found in
many of our States, along the banks of wooded streams, of ditches, and in fence cor-
ners among briers and thickets. It will grow on thin clay, gravelly, or sandy soil,
but much better on rich lands, dry or rather moist, and will thrive ten, twenty, or
more years on the same land.

(Plate 91.)
ARUNDINARIA.

Spikelets many-flowered, flattened, racemose or paniculate, the uppermost flowers
imperfect ; outer glumes very small, membranaceous, the upper one larger ; flowering
glumes much larger, membranaceo-herbaceous, convex on the back, not keeled, many-
nerved, acuminate, mucronate, or bristle-pointed; palet shorter than its glume,
prominently two-keeled.

Arundinaria tecta (Switch Cane; Small Cane).
Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says of this grass :

This largest of our grasses has a hard, woody stem from one-half to 3 inches in diame-
ter, and from 10 to 40 feet high, erect, tapering from near the base, jointed every 8 to 12
inches for one-half the length or more, then the joints becoming shorter and smaller
to the top; leaves 1 to 2 inches wide, persistent, on clustered, spreading branches
which also are jointed and appear the second year. On rich land in spring the young
stems shoot up full size, ten or twenty feet high, and are as crisp as asparagus, and
by some persons as much relished. Hogs, cattle, and other animals are fond of the
young plants and seeds. The age at which the large cane blooms has not been defi-
nitely decided. It probably varies with the latitude, soil, and surroundings, from °
ten to thirty years. When the seeds mature the cane dies. Grazing animals feed
greedily on the leaves in the winter and find protection from the driving rains and
piercing winds under the dense roof of the canebrake or thicket. The stems are
used for fishing-rods, scaffolds for drying cotton, for pipe-stems and pipes, and splints
_ for baskets, mats, and other purposes. The small cane is different in habit from the
large cane. It blooms sometimes two or more consecutive years without dying down
tothe root. Live stock like it as well as the large cane. Both grow best on rich
lands, hills, or bottoms; but they will grow on thin clay soil, improve it, and if pro-
tected from stock, rapidly extend by sending out long roots (rootstocks) with buds.

The small cane is found sparingly as far north as Baltimore, Md.

The large cane is probably confined to the Gulf States, but this is un-
certain.

- CULTIVATED FORAGE PLANTS OTHER THAN GRASSES.

Order LEGUMINOS &.
The CLOVER FAMILY.

‘This order is characterized by having alternate, usually compound, leaves, with
stipules; flowers polypetalous, the calyx mostly five-lobed, the corolla generally with
five irregular petals, usually ten stamens, sometimes five, or many, usually united by
the filaments, or nine united and one free, or sometimesall distinct; the ovary a one-
celled carpel, becoming a legume or pod with few or many seeds, the pod sometimes
marked into joints called loments.
The order embraces an immense number of plants of varying char-
acter, some small and insignificant, some trees of large size. Many
of the most useful vegetable products are obtained from it.

TRIFOLIUM.
(THE CLOVERS. )

This genus is one of the most useful of the order and embraces a large
number of species, several of which are well known in cultivation.

The genus is characterized by having the leaves mostly trifoliate; that is, made up
of three leaflets at the end of the leaf-stalk; some species have five or more leaflets,
either close together at the end of the leaf-stalk or somewhat scattered in opposite
pairs. The flowers are collected in roundish oroblong heads, with or without a gen-
eral involucre. The calyx is five-toothed, the petals five; irregular, persistent ; nine
stamens united and one free; the pod small, mostly inclosed in the calyx, and one to
four-seeded. =,

‘Trifolium pratense (Red Clover; Common Clover).

Red clover is so well known to the agricultural community that it
requires very little description. It is usually a perennial of a few years
duration, a native of Europe and Asia, but early introduced into this
country. Its cultivation is said to have begun in England about two
hundred and fifty years ago. It is one of the most important of culti-
- vated crops, both for feed for animals and as an improver of the soil.
A writer in the Country Gentleman says:

No matter how mismanaged, clover is a benefit, and whatever else he may do, the
- farmer who grows clover is making his farm better. It does not need cultivating ; the
long deep-reaching roots mellow and pulverize the soil as nothing else can. If it

_ grows thriftily the top acts as a mulch, seeding the ground and keeping it moist. A
crop of 2 tons or more of clover plowed under or cut for hay can hardly fail to

leave the ground better than it was before. It should be the farmer’s aim to grow

the largest possible crop of clover. *

80

*

The Rural New Yorker says:

Ten acres of good clover are worth more than so much wheat, if the value of
what is left in the ground by the clover is taken into account. When a crop of
wheat is taken the ground is exhausted of so much of its fertility, which is carried
off in the wheat, but when a crop of clover is taken the soil is actually in better
condition than before, and is good enough to yield a crop of wheat or corn.

A Wisconsin farmer says:

If you want to clear your land of weeds, sowclover and sowit thick. If you want
to grow big corn-crops, grow clover and pasture off with hogs. Plow up the land in
the fall, and the corn-crop following will make you happy. If you want to makerich
farms and make money, grow clover, corn, and hogs.

Professor Beal says:

Red clover is well adapted to many portions of the temperate regions of the earth.
_ It likes best a soil of clay loam, rich in lime, but will thrive better than Timothy and
most other true grasses where the land is sandy or gravelly. On good grass-land it
is usually the custom to sow Timothy with red clover, although it blossoms some
three weeks later.- Many prefer to sow orchard grass with clover, as they flower and
are ready to cut at the same time. Timothy is well adapted to sow with the large,
late, or mammoth clover.

There. are some portions of the country where, owing either to cli-
mate or soil, red clover has not been successful, and in those places
some other leguminous plant can generally be substituted with advan-
tage.

Trifolium medium (Mammoth Clover).

The true botanical position of the clovers cultivated in this country
under the names of mammoth, sapling, or pea-vine clover, etc., is still
somewhat in doubt. They are usually regarded as being the above-
mentioned species, but are perhaps a variety or varieties of the com-
_mon red clover, Trifolium pratense.

They agree in having a larger and later growth than the ordinary
red clover, and on this account are for some purposes more valuable.

The following records of experience may be relied upon for the lo-
calities mentioned.

Prof. Samuel Johnson, Agricultural College, Michigan:

It grows too rank and coarse to make good hay. For pasture or for manurial
purposes it might prove better than the smaller sort. When grown for seed it is

usually pastured until the Ist of June, and then allowed to grow up and mature
the crops.

M. C. Alger, Augusta, Michigan:

Pasturing until the first of June insures a larger yield of seed, asit is cooler while
filling, but many do not pasture. I do not think it can be cut more years than the
smaller kind. It is-said to stand drought better, but I doubt that. It will give
three times the amount of pasture during the season that is given by the smaller
kind if kept down pretty close, but during the fall the amount of pasture produced is
less. It is said to smother out in winter if a large amount is left on the ground.
Another objection is that it requires cutting just at harvest-time.

Bee et ae BY
“$ C. M. Alger, Newaygo, Michigan :

I have raised the mammoth clover, but do not like it for my heavy land, as it grows

toolarge. Forevery acre that I raise I have to buy or borrow two more of my neighbor's

to cureiton. It is, however, excellent for pasture, as it stays on the ground longer

than the medium variety. It is good for raising seed, as it nearly always fills full. I
have seen 8 bushels per acre. The seed is always grown on the first crop, as the

- second never blossoms. It grows here from 4 to 5 feet high and is good for plow-
ing under for manure.

e. | Austin Potts, Galesburgh, Michigan :

Perhaps not over 20 per cent. of the clover grown here is of the mammoth variety.
‘It does not seed as well as the common clover.

LL. H. Bursley, Jenisonville, Michigan:

I do not find it as good for hay as the common red clover; the stalks are so large
that stock will not eat them at all. For pasture it is better than the small variety,
' _ Ié does not require pasturing in spring in order to produce a crop of seed.

James Hendricks, Albany, N. Y.:

: About twenty years ago there was treble the quantity sown in this part of Albany
County that there is at present; now nearly all our farmers sow the medium clover
with Timothy.

oT i CS ne oa ees 1% sit

Prof. F. A. Gully, Agricultural College, Mississippi:

On good land with us it grows rank, and the long stems fall down and mat on the
' ground, and if we happen to have wet weather the lower leaves and parts of the
_ stalk will begin to decay before the plant is in full bloom.

_ he second crop ripens seed, but to what extent I can not say; I consider the
"common red clover more desirable here, although it may not yield as well.

Trifolium hybridum (Alsike Clover). :;
3 This differs from common red clover in being later, taller, more ten-
- derand succulent. The flower-heads are upon long peduncles, and are
<2 intermediate in size and color between those of white and red clover.
' ‘he botanical name was so given from its being supposed by Linnus
to be ahybrid between those clovers, butit is now known to be a dis-
tinet species. It is found native over a large part of Europe, and was

first cultivated in Sweden, deriving its common name from the village
___ of Syke in that country. In 1834 it was taken to England, and in 1854
to Germany, where it is largely grown, not only for its excellent forage
but also for its seed, which commands a high price. In France it is
little grown as yet, and is frequently confounded with thé less produe-
tive Trifolium elegans.
he following is condensed from “Les Prairies Artificielles,” by Ed.
Vianno, of Paris: |

Alsike does not attain its full development under two or three years,

and should therefore be mixed with some other plant for permanent
| meadows. It is best adapted to cool, damp, caleareous soil, and gives
~ good results upon reclaimed marshes. It is adapted neither to very dry
soils, nor to those where there is stagnant water. Being of slender

growth, rye grass, rye, or oats are often sown with it when it is to be

3594 GR——6

82

mowed. In fertile ground weeds are apt to diminish the yield after a
few years, so that it requires to be broken up. It is generally sown in
May, at the rate of 6 or 7 pounds of the clean seed per acre. Some-
times it is sown in the pods at the rate of 50 to 100 pounds per acre,
either in spring or in autumn after the cereals are harvested.

Alsike sprouts but little after cutting, and therefore produces but one
crop and one pasturage. The yield of seed is usually 130 to 170 pounds
per acre. The seed separates more easily from the pods than that of
ordinary clover, and as the heads easily break off when dry, care is
required in harvesting.

It does not endure drought as well as the common red clover, but
will grow on more damp and heavy soils, and it is said that it can grow
on land which, through long cultivation of the common clover, has be-
come ‘clover sick.” (Plate 92.)

Trifolium incarnatum (French Clover).

This annual clover is a native of Europe. .It grows to the height of
about 2 feet. The heads are about 2 inches long, very densely flowered,
with the petals ranging from a pinkish to a crimson color.

It has been introduced and tried to some extent for cultivation in
this country, but has not met with much favor. It deserves trial, how-
ever, in the dry climates of the West. (Plate 93.)

Trifolium repens (White Clover; Dutch Clover).

This is a small perennial species, with prostrate stems which take root
strongly at the joints. It is said to be the shamrock of Ireland. It is
a hative of Europe and Northern Asia, and has been introduced into,
and naturalized in, many other countries. It is said that, although in.
digenous in England, it only began to be. cultivated at the beginning
of the eighteenth century. On account of its creeping habit, when once
_ established, it soon covers the ground and spreads extensively. Mr.
Sutton, an English writer, says:

_ It prospers on mellow land containing lime, and on all soils rich in humus, from

marl to gravelly clay. It does better in poor land than red clover. In early spring
it produces very little food, and the plant is so dwarfed that it is practically useless
for cutting for a crop of hay. Still, perennial white clover ferms an essential con-
stituent of every good pasture. All cattle eat it with relish, but it is-of less use for
the production of milk than of flesh, and is of special service in fattening sheep. It
is not suitable for culture by itself, and its herbage is better for cattle when mingled
with other grasses, especially with perennial rye grass.

A correspondent of Farm and Home says:

Every pasture should contain some white clover. It will afford more feed at certain
times of the year than grass or any other kind of clover. It will not flourish in damp
soils, or those that are very poor. It will do well in a partial shade, as a grove or
orchard, but to make the highest excellence it should have the advantage of full sun-
light. It is easy to secure patches of white clover in a pasture by scattering seed in
early spring on bare places and brushing it in. One pound of seed is enough to start
white clover in a hundred places. The disposition of this clover is to spread by meany
of the branches that run along the ground and take root, Al

Prof. W. J. Beal, of Michigan Agricultural College, says:

White clover is a fickle plant, coming and going with the varying seasons. It often
a burns out in hot weather. An old, hard road, once abandoned, is likely to send up
- white clover in advance of the grasses. It is a well-known and highly prized bee-
_ plant: It is often sown with some of the finer grasses for lawns.

_ Trifolium stoloniferum (Running Buffalo Clover).

F: This is a native perennial species, growing about a foot high; long runners are sent
_ out from the base, which are procumbent at first, becoming erect. The leaves are all
at the base, except one pair at the upper part of the stem. The root-leaves are long-
3 stalked, and have three thinnish obovate leaflets, which are minutely toothed. The
_. pair of leaves on the stem have the stalk about as long as the leaflets, pointed and
- entire on the margins, the lower ones nearly an inch long, the upper ones about half
aslong. There are but one or two heads on each stem at the summit, each on a pedi-
cel longer than the leaves. The heads are about an inch in diameter, rather loosely
- flowered, each flower being on a short, slender pedicel, or stem, which bends back-
ward at maturity. Each flower has a long-toothed calyx about half as long as the
corolla, which is white, tinged with purple.
_ “his species is found in rich open woodlands, and in prairies in Ohio,
- MHllinois, Kentucky, and westward. It is of a very vigorous growth, but
somewhat smaller in size than the common red clover. It should re-
ceive the attention of farmers and its value be ascertained by cuitiva-
tion and experiment. (Plate 94.) 3

ONOBRYCHIS.

Onobrychis sativa (Sainfoin).

_A perennial, having somewhat the appearance of Lucerne, but of smaller size and
different habit. It seldom exceeds 14 feet in height, with a weak stem, rather long,
pinnate leaves, and flowers of a pink color in a loose spike, 2 to 4 inches in length,
raised on a long, naked peduncle or stalk. The flowers are succeeded by short, single-
_ seeded pods, which are strongly reticulated or marked by raised lines and depressed
pits.

This leguminous forage plant has recently been introduced into this
' country under the name of “aspercet.” Esparsette is the German
name; Sainfoin is the name used in France and England.

It is a native of Central and Southern Europe and Western Asia, and
in Europe has long been in cultivation. From experiments made by
the Duke of Bedford, in England, we learn that it was first introduced
_ to English farmers as a plant for cultivation from Flanders and France,
3 where it has been long cultivated. It was found to be less productive
- than the broad-leaved clovers, but on chalky and gravelly soils there
_ was abundant proof of the superiority of sainfoin. It produces but
little herbage the first year, but improves in quantity for several years.
_ Mr. Martin J. Sutton, in a recent work on ‘Permanent and Tempo-
rary Pastures,” says that it has been cultivated in England for over
‘two hundred years. He says that it is essentially a food for sheep, and
in pasturing the sheep do it no injury. It is also useful for horses, but
7 produces nothing like the quantity of green fodder that can be obtained

LY i

84.

from the Lucerne patch. When sown alone Mr. Sutton says that sain-
foin is liable to decrease and become overrun with weeds. He recom-
mends its use as a predominant constituent in a mixture of grasses and
clovers. He says that combined with strong growing grasses there is
less risk, and the grasses keep down the weeds which otherwise are apt
to overrun the sainfoin. In a green state it is quite free from the
danger of blowing cattle (hoven), and when made into hay is an ad-
mirable and nutritious food. But it requires great care in drying when
made into hay. :
Mr. Sinclair states that the produce of sainfoin ona clayey loam with
a sandy subsoil is greater than on a sandy or gravelly soil resting upon
clay.
A French writer says that sainfoin can not accommodate itself to
damp soil, which, although dry, rests upon a wet subsoil. It delights in
dry soil, somewhat gravelly, and, above all, calcareous. It flourishes
upon the declivities of hills where water can not remain, and in light soil
where its powerful roots can readily penetrate. But although surviving
in the poorest calcareous soil, like clover and lucerne, its productive-
ness is always relative to the permeability and fertility of the land. It
prefers open, sunny places, with a southern or eastern exposure.
Sainfoin has received several trials in this country, but without much
success, probably from the experiments having been made upon un-
suitable soil. We can not expect that it will be preferred in places
where clover succeeds, but in light soils and in regions with a light
rain-fall it should receive a thorough trial. A recent bulletin of the
Iowa Agricultural College gives the resultof some experiments with
this plant which are very satisfactory. Observations there made indi-
cate that it stands early freezing quite as well as Kentucky blue grass.
It produces at the rate of 3 tons of dry hay per acre. It deserves trial
in Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado, (Plate 95.)

MEDICAGO.

Medicago sativa (Alfalfa). >

This plant is cailed Lucerne, medick, Spanish trefoil, French clover,
Brazilian clover, and Chilian clover. It is not a true clover, though be-
longing to thesame natural family astheclovers. Alfalfa, the name by
which itis commonly known in this country, is the Spanish name, which
came into use here from the fact that the plant was introduced into culti-
vation in California from South America under the name of alfalfa, or
Brazilian’ clover. The plant had previously been introduced into the
Eastern and Southern States, but attracted little attention until its
remarkable success in California. In Europe it is generally known as
Lucerne, probably from the canton of Lucerne, in Switzerland, where
it was largely cultivated at an early day. It has been known in cultiva-
tion from very ancient times, and was introduced from Western Asia into
Greece about 500 B.C, It is now largely grown in southern France,

85

oe rae to: a considerable extent in other parts of Europe. It has been in-
_ troduced into several of the countries of South America, and on the
e pampas of Buenos Ayres it has escaped from cultivation and grows ex-
_ tensively in a wild state. Though known for a long time in the United
_ States, alfalfa is not yet cultivated to the extent that it should be.

In the Southern States east of the Mississippi it is especially desire-

» tion is nearly as favorable to its growth as that of southern California,
* __ but much of its soil less suitable, hence reports from different localities
a vary somewhat as to its value.
S - Climate.— Alfalfa is less hardy than red clover, and is adapted to a
‘milder climate ; still, it has stood the winter safely as far north as Ver-
‘ 3 - mont, New York. aa Michigan, though farther west, where less pro-
tected by snow, it winter-kills more or less even as far south as Texas.
_ The young plants are very susceptible to frosts, and the mature plants,
_ if not killed by the cold winters of the Northern States, are so weakened
that they endure there for a much shorter period ae in milder eli-
= “mates. A cold of 25 degrees is said to kill the tops, but in the Southern
. States the plant quickly recovers from the effect of frost and grows most
' of the winter. In the Northern States, even where it endured the win-
_ ter, the yield is so much less than at the South that it has little or no
_ adyantage over the common red clover. Farther south, however, even
q _ where both may be grown, alfalfa is often preferred, not only for its
pTatger yield, but also for its perennial character. Alfalfa is especially
adapted to dry climates, and withstands drought much better than or-
dinary clovers.

a
ce?

2 ~arich soil to start with, and it therefore is of little value as a renovater

a -sandy soils in the East and the South has been mainly due to the lack
| of fertility to give the young plants a good start and enable them to
2 become deeply rooted before the advent of drought. On this account it
3 usually thrives best on rich bottom-lands. Lands that are tenacious
and hold water are not adapted to its culture unless well drained. Most
_ of the lands in the West upon which it is grown successfully have a
_ permeable subsoil. When the soil permits, its roots penetrate to a great
_ depth. Cases have frequently been observed of their reaching a depth
__ of 12 or 15 feet, and depths of more than 20 feet have been reported.
| Hence, after the plant is established, the character of the subsoil is of
more importance than that of the surface.
Culture.—Sow at any time that the ground is in suitable condition,
and when there will be time for the plants to become well established
before they are subjected either to drought or extreme cold. In the
Northern States the month of May will. be about the right time. Far-
s ther south, in the latitude of northern Mississippi, September is prob-
oa ably the best month, and in the extreme South, or in the warm valleys

able that its merits should be better known. . The climate of that sec-

- Soil— Although alfalfa improves the fertility of the soil, it must have

= of worn-out lands. It prefers sandy soils, if fertile. The failure on ~

as ee ee

86

of California, any time will answer from fall until spring. The soil
should be thoroughly prepared, and the seed sown at the rate of 15
to 20 pounds to the acre. If sown broadcast, about the latter quan-
tity will be required; if in drills, the former amount will be sufficient.
If the raising of seed is the main object, 12 or 14 pounds to the acre
will give the best results, as the plants will be more vigorous and yield
more seed, though they will be coarser and less desirable for feed.
Drill-culture gives the best results, especially if the soil be dry or
weedy. The drills may be 12 to 18 inches apart according to the tool
tobe employed in cultivation. The seed, if sown broadcast, may be sown
alone or with grain, but it generally gives the best results when sown
alone. It isoften sown with oats with good results, but in a wet season
itis liable to be smothered out unless the grain is sown quite thin.
After the first year the harrow may be employed to advantage, and
even a narrow plow, of such form as will not cut the roots too severely,
is sometimes used with good effect, especially where the planting is in
rows. Inall cases where weeds are inclined to appear it is desirable to

- give some kind of cultivation everyyear. Thisis not soimportant where

the plant is irrigated as elsewhere. In much of the country reaching
from Texas to the Pacific, irrigation is only essential the first year, or un-
til the roots have penetrated deeply into the soil, though the crop is
. greatly increased by an abundant supply of moisture at all times. In
parts of California and adjoining States alfalfa is grown only by irriga-
tion, and this must sometimes be resorted to, even when not essen-
tial for the growth of the crop, in order to kill the gophers, which are
liable to destroy the plants by eating off the roots a few inches below
the surface. Immediate irrigation will also prevent many of the plants
so eaten off from dying.

Alfalfa should be neither mowed nor pastured until it has made a
considerable growth and becomes well established.

Harvesting, Feeding, etc.— Alfalfa is perhaps best known in most lo-
calities as a soiling plant. For this purpose it has scarcely a superior.
It may be cut repeatedly during the season, furnishing a large amount
of nutritious forage, which is relished by all kinds of stock. It is said
to be less liable than clover to cause slobbers in horses. There is some
danger, however, especially to cattle, in feeding it while wet or very suc-
culent, of its causing bloat or hoven. On this account it is a good plam
to feed it in the green state in connection with straw or hay, or to let it
lie several hours to become partially wilted before being fed.

It is when used as pasture that the greatest danger occurs in the
use of alfalfa. Many have used it for years, both for soiling.and as —
pasture, without any injurious results, but numerous instances have
been reported where cattle have bloated and died from eating too freely
of it when succulent or wet. In some instances cattle have been kept.
upon it from the time it started in spring until June or July, with no
evil results, and then, when the growth has become-very rank or been

¥
Be”
ia
cnt
er
ey

Tig AF ba RSA ected ee a AB cic, ig)

_gious of the West there is less danger in the use of alfalfa for pasture

ee 8

1 >

2 wet with dew or rain, they have been taken with bloat. The danger is
greater, as is well known, when cattle are suddenly turned into a rank

growtl and allowed to eat all they will. If cattle are hungry or have

hot been accustomed to green food they should not be allowed in such

a pasture more than half or three-quarters of an hour. In the dry re-

a

than elsewhere, and it is largely used there for that purpose, especially

in the fall after a crop or two of hay has been cut. There is consid-
rable danger, however, of the plant becoming killed out by close or
continued pasturing, as it does not stand grazing as well as the ordi-

nary grasses and clovers. For hay, the cutting should be done as soon
as the blossoms appear, otherwise it becomes hard and woody. Con-
siderable care is required to cure it properly and prevent the loss of the
leaves in drying. The yield is so large and the plant so succulent at
the time that it must be cut, that unless there is good weather it is dif.

_ ficult to cure; on this account it is used less for hay, except in dry cli-

mates, than it otherwise would be. The increase in the cultivation of —
alfalfa has created a good demand for the seed, which has thus become

one of the most important items of profit in its cultivation. For clean-

ing the seeds, I’. C. Clark, of Alila, Tulare County, Cal., says:

In this part of the State the ordinary grain-thrasher is used. Some extra screens
are used and a few changes made in the arrangement of the cylinder and concave

~ teeth. It is the opinion of some of the experienced alfalfa thrashers that a machine

combining the hulling process and some of the machinery of the ordinary thrasher
would do better work.

_ The seed is usually taken from the second crop, and the yield is greater than that
from red clover, frequently amounting to 10 or more bushels per acre.

The following reports are given from persons who have grown al-
falfa in various parts of the country :

J. R. Page, professor of agriculture, etc., University of Virginia:
I have cultivated alfalfa for forty years, both in the tide-water and Piedmont
regions of Virginia, and I regard it as the most valuable forage plant the farmer can

cultivate for soiling. It is ready to be mowed by the Ist of May and may be cut
three or four times during the season. Grazing kills it out. It should be top-dressed

: , with manure every fall and plastered in the spring and after every mowing.

Thomas 8S. Stadden, Clarke County, Va.:

Alfalfa is grown here to a limited extent. It does well in favorable localities, but
is hard to get set. It lasts four to six years.

H. ©. Parrot, Kinston, N. C.:
Alfalfa is adapted to rich, open soils in all the Southern States. It is excellent
feed either green or cured. It should be sown in drills 18 inches apart and cultivated

the first year. After it is well rooted it will stand drought well and crowd every-
thing else out. It will last from eight to sixteen years, according to soil and location.

J. G. Knapp, United States statistical agent, Limona, southern

Florida:

Many persons in Florida have experimented with this plant, so valuable in other

=< regions, but nearly all have failed. Sometimes a plant which has come up in the

88

fall and survived the winter has bloomed, but no roots have lived through the wet,
warm months of summer, I remember fkati in New Mexico, whenever it was desir-
able to destroy the alfalfa, in order to plow the ground, the surface was covered with
water daily for two sacks during the heat of summer. The United States consul
at Lambayeque, Peru, states (United States Agricultural Report, 1377, p. 544) that
it will not bear water, an abundant irrigation or inundation causing speedy death to
the plant. The result in this country has been the same. Alfalfa has invariably
perished during the rainy months. All the clovers are affected the same way.

Mr. Knapp incloses a letter from Dr. B. J. Taliaferro, of Maitland,
Orange County, the only person in his knowledge who has been suc-
cessful in growing alfalfa in that region.

Dr. Taliaferro says :

There is no doubt but that alfalfa can be successfully grown in south Florida. My
old patch is now twelve months old, and has been cut five times. Iam so pleased
with it that I have just put in 5 acres more. The great difficulty is getting a
good stand. If the ground is not just right the seed will fail. I have failed several
times by sowing when the sun was too hot or not hot enotgh, or when the land was
not sufficiently inoist. From my short experience I think September is the best month
in which to plant. If we plant early in the spring or summer it is almost impossible
to keep the crab grass from taking it. I sow in drills 16 or 18 inches apart, and wait
for a warm, moist day forsowing. The plantis very delicate at first, and must be kept
clean from grass and weeds. I shall try a small piece broadcast this fall, but doubt
whether it will prove a success, as crab grass is its greatest enemy in my portion of
Florida. The piece I have growing is on high, dry, pine land, such as would be suit-
able for orange-growing. Alfalfa, having a very long tap-root, would not do on
low land. It is very necessary to prepare the land thoroughly. My plan is as fol-
lows: After getting the land clean of all stumps, rubbish, etc., I plow it deeply with
a two-horse turning-plow, then harrow and hand-rake. Early in spring I put on a
light dressing of cotton-seed meal, and sow down in cow peas broadcast, and when ~
the vines are in full bearing I turn them under with a three-horse plow, and as soon
thereafter as possible harrow deeply, and broadcast again with some good fertilizer -
(1 prefer cottou-seed meal, bone meal, and potash), harrowing it in well with a spring-
tooth harrow. It would be weil to repeat the harrowing as often as possible before
‘sowing. About the 1st or middle of September hand-rake perfectly smooth, and put
in the seed with a seed-drill, about 6 pounds per acre. Keep clean of weeds and
crab grass, and cut when in bloom. A top-dressing of land plaster after the first
cutting will prove very beneficial. I have experimented with a number of forage

_ plants, but failed with all except millo maize until I tried alfalfa.

J.S. Newman, Director Experiment Station, Auburn, Ala.:

I have had it fourteen years in profitable growth from one seeding, and have seen
it in Gordon County, Ga., twenty-five years old, and still in vigorous and profit-
able growth. If used for hay it must be cut before it blossoms, or the stems become
too woody. Like other leguminous plants it requires especial care in curing, to pre-
vent the loss of its leaves. It may be cut from three to five times in one season, ac-
cording to the frequency of rains. It is a mistake to suppose that because of its long
tap-root it is not seriously affected by drought. It thrives well upon all classes of
lands, if fertile and well drained.

Clarke Lewis, Cliftonville, Mass. :

It grows readily in this State on poor, sandy soil, but best on sand loam. It will
bear cutting year after year without new seeding, if not too heavily grazed. Asa
permanent soiling plant it has no superior. It must be cut early, when first coming
into blossom; if cut later it becomes woody and makes poor hay. Its introduction
has been confined to a few localities.

”

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Prof. James Troop, La Fayette, Ind.:

It is naturalized here, but little cultivated. It is perfectly hardy on our black
sandy loam, but yields no more than Timothy or clover. It will not last here Bb

. than three or four years.

Leonard A. Heil, of the Texas Live Stock Journal, San Antonio,

“Pex. :

Alfalfa has been successfully raised in this locality only by irrigation, which is praeti-

cable to but a limited extent. There are those who claim that it can be successfally

grown with only the natural rains, but after careful investigation I seriously doubt
its practicability.

James Perry, Whitesborough, northeastern Texas:

Alfalfa is a fair success in our black, waxy soil, and can be cut twice a year, yield-
ing 1 to 3 tons at a cutting. Broadcast sowing is the usual method, and seems

a to be sufficient on clean land. It stands the drought well and the freeze of ordinary
_ winters, Three years ago, however, I had 7 acres badly killed by ‘‘spewing up” in

winter, but the scattering plants that remained are doing well.

©. A. Graves, Fiskville, central Texas:

It is cultivated here only to a small extent. It dies out in spots, just as *cotton,

sweet potatoes, and some other vegetables do, and apparently for the same unknown

reason. In some localities, the spots where it dies out cover one-fourth of the ground.

The uncertainty of moisture on and near the surface for any length of time, owing
to hot suns and drying winds, makes the catch from all seeds that germinate near

the surface uncertain.

Dr. E. P. Stiles, Austin, Tex., says:

Alfalfa is not permanent here. For two or three years it will produce good crops,
and then it begins tu die out in circular patches. The spots increase in size until in

_ ayear or two they become confluent. Cotton plants sometimes die in the same way,
and apple-trees put into such soil are subject to a.sudden blight. I have never known

alfalfa to be killed by either cold or drought, but its growth is very slight in very
dry soil. In Green County it is grown quite successfully under irrigation, but it dies
in some localities there the same as here.

_ J. E. Willett, Farmington, northwestern New Mexico:
. Alfalfa grows finely here, and yields so enormously that we want nothing better.

We cut it four times during the season, obtaining a ton and a half of hay at each cut-
ting. We raise nothing here except by irrigation. As soon as the crop is taken off,

we turn on the water in many places at once and flood the land for several days, for

Alfalfa requires an abundance of water, nothwithstanding the fact that land which

is low and wet will not answer. It flourishes on rock uplands that are very poor, but

must have plenty of water at the right time. The soil is filled with large, long roots,

___ reaching as deep as 20 feet.
_ George H. Jones, Naranjos, northwestern New Mexico:

It grows well without irrigation after the second or third year on any ordinary
soil, and yields very satisfactory results where properly put in. I know one piece

__-which has stood eight years and still yields well.

A. L. Siler, Ranch, Utah:

I know Lucerne patches that have stood for twenty-four years, and they are =
productive as when first planted. It does well with irrigation on any porous Sol),

:: yielding 4 to 6 tons per acre. Without irrigation it would produce nothing.

ee

: 5 Gps Dies .

£

William Leaman, Cannonsville, Utah:

Lucerne does very well in this mountain country, where there is very little rain,
and produces from 2 to 2} tons per acre, and makes from three to four crops per year,
but I am well satisfied that it will not stand much wet weather, as excessive water-
ing kills it here, and water running over it in the winter and forming ice over it
kills it.

Prof. A. E. Blount, Fort Collins, Colo. :

Our soil is mostly sandy loam and clay loam, gray, and to all appearances very
poor. Itis dry, hard, and destitute of black soil, except in low, marshy places and
on the streams. On this soil, which has never been leached or deprived of its fertil-
ity by moisture, we sow alfalfa at the rate of 20 pounds to the acre. If kept well
irrigated, two crops can be taken the same season that the seed is sown, yielding as
high as 3 or 4 tons per acre. The second season, if a good stand was secured, three
cuttings are made, yielding as high in some localities as 7 tons. Our largest yields
come from those farms where water is applied immediately after each cutting.
Among the best farmers 4 tons to the acre is a very small average. I have known 9
tons to be taken from an acre where the most careful attention was given. When
once rooted it is next to impossible to eradicate or kill the plant. One man plowed
up a piece and sowed it to oats, and after having thrashed out 42 bushels of oats per
acre he cut 3 tons of alfalfa hay per acre from the sanfe land. Some have raised
wheat, corn, and potatoes with excellent success, after turning under a crop of alfalfa,
without in any way interfering with the stand of the latter the next year.

¥F. W. Sweetser, Winnemucca, Nev.:

Alfalfa is cultivated quite extensively in several parts of the State. It does best
inadark loam. It is hardy and yields, with irrigation, about 5 tons per acre. One
season without irrigation will kill it.

O. F. Wright, Temescal, San Bernardino County, Cal.:

Alfalfa is cut from one to six times per year. The yield when good is as follows:
First cutting, 2 tons of not very good hay; second cutting, 3 tons of good hay; third
cutting, 2} tons of good hay; fourth cutting, 24 tons of good hay ; fifth cutting, 1 ton
of good hay. Ifthe land is v._ry dry there may be but one cutting, the roots living,
but the tops apparently dead. If it is very dry the roots die also.

Pasturing in the latter part of summer does not injure it much, but in winter and
spring, when annual plants are growing, it soon kills it. A good stand can not be
obtained without mowing, for worthless weeds would otherwise choke it out. The.
plants increase in strength for three years.

E. G. Judson, Lugonia, San Bernardino County, Cal.:

- Alfalfa is fairly hardy, but it can not stand extreme cold. On dry lands it can not
be grown without irrigation. It can be subdued by repeated plowings or keeping
away water.

William Schulz, Anaheim, Los Angeles County, Cal.:

Alfalfa fails without irrigation on account of the gophers, which eat off the roots a
few inches below the surface. It is one of the best forage plants we have.

William C. Cusick, Union, Oregon :

Alfalfa is not extensively grown in this locality. It is hardy only at the lowest al-
titudes, or where snow falls deeply. It prefers dry, sandy soils that can be irrigated,
on such lands yielding 3 to 4 tons per acre. Without irrigation it is hardly worth
cutting. This applies to a portion of the State east of the Cascade Mountains.

A few extracts from variousagricultnral papers and other publications
are here inserted.
Southern Live Stock Journal:

The value of alfalfa in California is inestimable. The plant is eminently adapted
to the soil and climate of that State. It is wonderfully productive. It is grown with
success in Colorado and some of the Territories, and now and then an isolated report
comes up from the great State of Texas that it is fulfilling the highest hopes of those
who have given it their attention. Here and there from the Carolinas, Georgia,
_ Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana come favorable reports, but these in-
stances are few and far between. The fact is, alfalfa has never yet had a fair trial
in Southern agriculture. Our people, as a people, have never appreciated its value
as a worthy addition to southern grasses and forage plants.

The failures that have been made with this plant in the South are doubtless due to
_ the fact that (1) the weeds are allowed to choke it out the first year, or the stock to
graze it too closely and bite off the crowns of the plants before the roots were firmly
established; (2) the land was not rich enough—it requires very rich land; (3) that
the land was not suitable to its growth, or that it held too much water and ought to
have been underdrained.

Tulare County (California) Register :

Alfalfa is the foundation of prosperity in Tulare County. It begins to yield the
very year it is sown, and increases its yield many years afterward. It will grow
where nothing else will, and sends its roots deep down into the moist strata which
_ mnderlie the top soil all over the country. Alfalfa not only furnishes food for horses,
cattle, and sheep, but hogs and poultry thrive upon it as upon nothing else until fat-
itening time comes, when a little Egyptian or Indian corn must be fed to make the
flesh solid. In Tulare, alfalfa yields from 6 to 10 tons of hay per acre each sum-
mer, besides supplying good pasturage the rest of the season; when it goes to seed
_it often yields a return of $40 to $60 per acre in seed alone, besides yielding nearly as
valuable a hay crop as when not permitted to go to seed. Upon alfalfa and stock,
Tulare is building a great and assured prosperity.

George Tyng, in Florida Dispatch:

Sow in any month when the ground is moist and at least four to six weeks before
heavy frost or before the season of heat and drought. Less seed will be required if
it is soaked before sowing. Put the seed into any convenient vessel and cover with
‘water, not boiling but too hot to be comfortable to the hand, and keep in a warm
place for eighteen to twenty-four hours, until the seeds swell enough to partially
rupture their dark hulls. When the seeds are ready for sowing drain off all the
water through a sieve or bag and dry the seeds with cotton-seed meal, land plaster,
or other material, increasing the bulk to a bushel and a half or two bushels for every
20 pounds. Ifthe ground be dry, cultivate just before sowing and sow in the after-
noon. Cover as soon as possible, and guard against covering too deeply. The best:
convenient thing for this purpose is a light drag made of the bushy branches of
trees.

Prof. E. W. Hilgard, in the Report of the Department of Agriculture

- ‘for 1878, page 490, says:

Undoubtedly.the most valuable result of the search after forage crops adapted to
the California climate is the introduction of the culture of alfalfa, this being the
name commonly applied to the variety of Lucerne that was introduced into Cali-
fornia from Chili early in her history, differing from the European plants merely in
that it has a tendency to taller growth and deeper roots. The latter habit, doubt-
less acquired in the dry climate of Chili, is of course especially valuable in Cali-
fornia, as it enables the plant to stand a drought so protracted as to kill out even

tie -

cos ey.

more resistant plants than red clover. As a substitute for the latter it is difficult to
overestimate the importance of alfalfa to California agriculture, which will be more
and more recognized as a regular system of rotation becomes a part of the general
practice. At first alfalfa was used almost exclusively for pasture and green-soiling
purposes, but during the last three or four years alfalfa hay has become a regular -
article in the general market, oceasional objections to its use being the result of
want of practice in curing. On the irrigated lands of Kern, Fresno, and Tulare
Counties three and even four cuts of forage, aggregating to something like 12 to 14
tons per acre, have frequently been made. As the most available green forage during
the summer, alfalfa has become an irivaluable adjunct to all dairy and stock farming
wherever the soil can, during the dry season, supply any moisture within 2 or 3 feet
of the surface.

Peter Henderson, in an article on alfalfa in the Report of the De-
partment of Agriculture for 1884, page 567, says:

Mr. William Crozier, of Northport, Long Island, one of the best-known farmers and
stock-breeders in the vicinity of New York, says he has long considered alfalfa one

of the best forage crops, He used it always to feed his milch cows and breeding ~

ewes, particularly in preparing them for exhibition at fairs, where he is known to be
a most successful competitor; and he always takes along sufficient alfalfa hay to feed
them on while there. Mr. Crozier’s system of culture is broadcast, and he uses some
15 or 16 pounds of seed to the acre, but his land is usually clear and in a high state
of cultivation, which enables him to adopt the broadcast plan; but on an average
land it will be found that the plan cf sowing in drills would be the best. Mr. Cro-
zier’s crop the second year averages 18 tons, green, to the acre, and about 6 tons
when dried as hay. For this section, the latitude of New York, he finds that the
best date for sowing is the first week in May; a good cutting can then be had in
September. The next season a full crop is obtained when it is cut, if green, three or
four times. If to be used for hay it is cut in the condition of ordinary red clover—in
blossom; it then makes, after that, two green cropsif cut. Sometimes the last one,
instead of being cut, is fed on the ground by sheep and cattle.

(Plate 96.)

Medicago denticulata (Bur Clover).

This is a native of the Mediterranean region, which has become nat-
uralized in most warm countries. It was early introduced into Cali-
fornia and has become widely distributed in that State, where it is con-
sidered of great value.

It is not of first quality either as pastureor hay, but coming at atime
of year when other feed is scarce, and often growing where little else
will, it is eaten by all kinds of stock. The pods, or burs, are especially
sought after in the dry condition, as they remain good until spoiled by
rains. Although this plant does not withstand drought as well as many
others, it is enabled to grow on dry soils in climates having pro-
longed drought from its making its growth during the rainy season. |
Sown early in autumn in the sections to which it is adapted, it grows
during the winter and ripens the following spring or early summer. It
has been introduced from California into the Southern States, where it
is generally highly regarded by those who have tried it, both for graz-
ing and as a renovator of the soil. Being an ‘auntie, and ripening
early, other crops may be grown on the same land during the summer

93

without interfering with the next growth of the clover. The clover is
usually allowed to reseed itself. But little of the seed is sold in the
market, and it is usually sown. by farmers without being cleared from
the burs, or pods. One serious objection to the plant is the liability of
the burs to infest the wool of sheep. ,

There is another species, called spotted medick (Medicago maculata),
| which is often confused with this, and is probably the more common
_ east of the Rocky Mountains, but the two are much alike and of about
the same agricultural value.

2 Only Medicago denticulata is mentioned by Professor Watson in his
Botany of California as being found in that State.
_ J. W. Alesworth, Slack Canyon, Monterey County, Cal. :

On the coast, where the climate is moist, bur clover makes a rank growth and is
considered good feed late in the season. My place being 40 miles from the coast
> and 1,410 feet in altitude it only grows here to a limited extent, though it is gradually
- extending. When I came to this place, in 1870, there was none here. Bur clover is

'_ good, rich feed, but is not sought after by stock until the other clovers and alfilaria
_- aregone.

B Daniel Griswold, Westminster, Los Angeles County, Cal.:

_ It is grown in all the lower valleys of California wherever the land is not very

_ salty, but scarcely any is found in the high valleys. It grows large and falls down

» and curls around so that it is very difficult to mow, but all stock eat it on the ground,
~ green or dry. The seed is never saved, though it is produced abundantly.

O. F. Wright, Temescal, San Bernardino County, Cal.:

= It grows here abundantly on high lands, with alfilaria. These are the only plants
' _ on such lands that cattle will eat. They are never killed by cold here, but die when
dry weather comes.. Stock pick on the bur clover while growing (from January to
June), and after it dies they hunt for the burs which are on the ground, and in their
efforts to get them they roll the old dry stems into rolls often as big as windrows of
hay.

S. H. McGinnes, of Belmont, Tex. :

The California bur clover does well here, making good hay and pasture. It comes
up in October and ripensin May. It takes but very few bunches to produce a bushel
__ of seeds (burs) and it only has to be planted once. Horses and hogs do well upon the
- burs after they ripen and fall off.

Edwin ©. Reed, Meridian, Miss. :

Bur clover has been grown here toa limited extent, anda few who have grown it
twelve or fifteen years find it all that could be desired for winter and spring past- |
- ure. All stock eat it freely when they acquire a taste for it, and sheep and hogs eat

the burs left on the ground. The plant reseeds itslf, but the ground should be plowed
and harrowed in August to secure an early winter pasture. It matures the Ist of
June, after which peas may be broadcasted on the same land, when it willrequire no —
fall plowing. On rich lands it sometimes seeds in Bermuda beds, affording both win-
ter and summer grazing. I have grown vines 6} feetlong, hip high, and as thick as
it could stand. I prizeit above all other winter pastures. It is admirably adapted to
the Eocene formation, where red clover does not succeed, and it is far betterif it -
did, as bur clover is a winter plant.

94

J.S. Newman, Director Experiment Station, Agricultural and Me-
chanical College, Auburn, Ala. :

First introduced into the cotton States, as far as I know, by the late Bishop George
Pierce, from California, about 1867, and planted at his home in Hancock County, Ga.
It has since become quite popular in some localities.

(Plate 97.)
DESMODIUM.

Desmodium is a genus belonging to the same family as the pea and
clover, and like them is rich in nutritious material. There are about
forty species native in the United States, many of them hard and
woody, but several of them furnishing valuable woods-pasture to wild
and domestic animals. These are often called beggar-tick, beggar-lice,
beggar-weed, or tick-weed, from the tendency of the seed-pods to cling
to the clothing of persons or the hair of animals. The same or similar
names, however, are applied to other plants.

The species of perhaps the most importance is Desmodium tortuosum,
which is confined to Florida or the vicinity of the Guif coast. Seeds
of this species were distributed by the Department of Agriculture in
1879, under the name of Desmodium molle, and a number of favorable
reports have been received from those who have tried it in the southern
portion of the Gulf States. It is valued most asa renovating crop for
lands where clover can not be successfully grown. It is also of con-
siderable value as pasture, and has sometimes been used for hay.

J. G. Knapp, Limona, Fla. :

Few forage plants bear a better reputation here than Desmodium molle (tortuosum),
commonly known as beggar-weed. Horses prefer it to any other growing plant. It
comes as a volunteer in fields planted with other crops. When the stalks are 30
or 40 inches high it may be cut for hay, and as many as 2 tons secured from an
acre. The stubble will put forth new shoots and mature sufticient seed to restock
the field. It will thrive on the poorest sandy soil, and in a few years, if turned under
when matured, will render them rich and productive.

J. C. Neal, Archer, Fla.:

It is especially valuable to Florida, as it enriches the soil beyond any other crop
and is not in the way of the corn crop, germinating after corn is laid by. Cattle and
horses fatten on this plant rapidly; in fact, nothing is better to restore health and

vigor to a worn-out beast than a few weeks in a beggar-weed patch. It is of no
value for hay or winter forage.

J. A. Stockford, Caryville, Fla. :

It is at home in middle Florida, and is being introduced in western Florida by
some enterprising farmers who had a chance to test its value in middle Florida while
farming there, Those who have condemned it have usually done so without apparent
reason. .

D. 8. Denmark, Quitman, Brooks County, Ga.:

We have a plant here known as beggar-weed that grows on cultivated lands. and
when once seeded always seeds itself. It is a fine summer and fall forage plant; also
fine for hay and for renovating worn-out lands, but difficult to exterminate, It
grows only in south Georgia and in Florida,

95
W.B. McDaniel, Faceville, Ga. :

4

ae: Beggar-tick or beggar-lice grows well in the southwestern part of Georgia, is an
_ excellent plant for forage, both green and cured, and is splendid as a fertilizer, build-
_ ing up land very rapidly. From the 1st of July it will entirely cover the ground the
a same season.

R. J. Redding, Atlanta, Ga.:

‘ Introduced from Florida and cultivated in southern Georgia for hay and as a reno-
_ vator of the soil, especially the latter. It is not hardy against cold, and is not grown
in middle and northern Georgia.

Whitfield Moore, Weodland, Red River County, Tex.:

That which 1 cultivated was from seeds from the Department of Agriculture, and ap-
a pears somewhat different from the native. It has to be seeded annually. It will not
_ stand much grazing, but is a good fertilizer, and drought seems not to affect its growth
4

fe

inthe least. It is best adapted to light, sandy land, and will grow a heavy crop from

e- 4 to 6 feet high on the poorest sandy land we Gave: and in the driest seasons. The

hay is very sweet and nutritious, and all stock eat it more greedily than anything else

: I have ever fed. The only objection to it is the trouble of saving and cleaning the
eee:

*

rhc

ce

neha

LESPEDEZA.

'

‘

~

| " Lespedeza striata (Japan Clover).
. This plant was introduced in some unknown way, over forty years ago,
- from China into the South Atlantic States. It was little noticed before
‘the war, but during the war it extended north and west and has since
‘Spread rapidly over abandoned fields, along roadsides, and in open
‘woods, and now furnishes thousands of acres of excellent grazing in
" every one of the Gulf States, and is still spreading northward in Ken-
tucky and Virginia, and westward in Texas, Indian Territory, and
4 Arkansas. It is an annual and furnishes pasture only during summer
_ and until killed by frost in the fall. The small purplish blossoms are
a _ produced singly in the axils between the leaf and stem, and the seeds
a ripen, a few at a time, from about the 1st of August until the close of the
_ Season. It reproduces itself from seed on the same ground year after
acer, and on this account has been erroneously called a perennial. It
+ will grow on poor soils, either sand or clay, but prefers the latter. It
\ _is better adapted to poor soils than Bermuda grass, both from giving a
' more certain and perhaps larger yield, and from being more useful in
| restoring their fertility. On poor upland soils it is seldom cut for hay,
| growing only from 6 inches to 1 foot in height, and being inclined to
' spread out flat upon the surface. On rich bottom-lands it grows thicker,
‘taller, and more upright, and is largely cut for hay. It has been sown
" artificially only to a limited extent as yet, but seed is now offered in the
_ market, and its cultivation is likely to be liberally extended, especially
on lands too dry or poor for alfalfa and where the true clovers do not
' succeed. Japan clover is remarkable for holding its own against other
plants. It will run out broom sedge and other inferior plants, and
_ even Bermuda in some localities. It does not withstand drought as
= pel! as either Bermuda or Johnson grass, but soon recovers after @

Bae

rain. The young plants are easily killed by drought or frost, and for
this reason a good catch is more certain on an unbroken sod than on
well-prepared land. Still, there is believed to be less difficulty in ob-
taining a catch with this than with some other forage plants. A good
method of seeding is to sow in March at the rate of one-half bushel per
acre, on small grain sown the previous autumn or winter.

For hay it should be cut early, before it becomes woody. It is cured
in the same manner as clover, and the hay is apparently relished by
all kinds of stock. There is some complaint that stock do not at first
eat it readily while growing, and that horses and mules are liable to be
salivated if allowed to eat it freely while luxuriant. In both these re-
spects, however, it probably differs little from the ordinary clovers.
-No cases have been reported of bloat.or hoven being caused by it.

E. L. Allen, Brownsville, Haywood County, Tenn.: é

Lespedeza striata (Japan clover) grows luxuriantly, is very hardy, and is the best
pasture we have in summer. It is especially adapted to poor upland, covering the
earth, eradicating weeds and. sedge grass, preventing land from washing, and in-
creasing its fertility. It grows well in the open timber. Our special need has been
a grass to withstand the heats of summer and afford pastures for the early fall. Japan
clover has met this requirement.

H. H. Loveiace, Como, Henry County, Tenn. :

Japan clover made its appearance here three or four years ago, and now occupies ~
nearly all lands that have been exhausted and turned out, growing on land too poor
to grow any other plant. In fact, it will grow in a red gully; hence it is the best
thing to prevent washing I ever saw, besides all kinds of stock are fond of it; and
grow fat on it.

B. D. Baugh, State statistical agent, Carrollton, Miss. :

Japan clover is the most wide-spread of the natural forage plants of this State. It

grows luxuriantly on any kind of soil except light prairie ash-land. It is easily cured,
makes hay of excellent quality, and furnishes more than half of the long forage of
this State. It grows well on upland, but best on bottom-land and alluvial soil,
where it frequently attains a height of 30 inches. If intended for hay it should be -
mowed when the first bloom appears, and be ‘‘ browsed ” or stacked after six or eight
hours’ exposure to the sun. It affords good pasture from the 1st of May until killed
by frost, about the middle of November.

George Echols, Longview, Gregg County, northeastern Texas:

It appeared here four years ago, and it now has possession of all the open idle land. —
It seeds very abundantly, and grows so densely that it forms a mat. It flourishes
with Bermuda grass, so that the hay mowed is about half and half.

Dr. D. H. Brodnax, statistical correspondent, Brodnax, Morehouse
Parish, La. :

Lespedeza was first noticed here about 1865. It is supposed to have been introduced
in the cavalry hay fed the horses of the Federal cavalry, which occupied this parish
for ashort time. It has since covered nearly the whole parish. It is not cultivated,
but is rapidly rooting out nearly every other grass in the parish. It kills our bitter-
weed (dog fennel), Bermuda grass, and everything else. It is a splendid forage crop,
and excellent for grazing until frosts destroy it.

97

Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Alabama:

Lespedeza striata (Japan clover) is an annual plant, which, during the last twenty

years, has spread all over the Gulf States. It blooms and ripens its seeds from the
early summer months to the close of the season, and grows spontaneously in exposed,
more or less damp, places of a somewhat close, loamy soil. No attempts at its cultiva-
tion have been made. In the stronger soil of the lands in the interior this plant,
protected from the browsing of cattle, grows from 14 to 2 feet in height, and yields
large crops of sweet, nutritious hay, the same plot affording a cut in August and an-
other in October, yielding, respectively, 14 tons and 1 ton of hay to the acre. The
plant is perfectly hardy, and is not known to have been killed out by a long drought.
It is easily subdued by cultivation, as it doés not again make its appearance on land

se where it has been plowed in, and is not found among the weeds the farmer has to con-
_ tend with in the cultivation of his crop. It is a perfect pasture plant, easily estab-
_ lished, and standing browsing and tramping by cattle well. Its propagation through

the woods and pastures is effected by cattle, the seeds passing through the animals
with their vitality unimpaired. As a fertilizing plant it is greatly inferior to the
Mexican clover.

J. B. Wade, Edgewood, De Kalb County, Ga. :

It is said by the old residents here that Japan clover was unknown in this part of
the country until “after the war.” It now grows spontaneously on most of the land

_ of middle Georgia that has a red-clay subsoil, and which has been turned out, i. e.,

not plowed or cultivated for twoor three years. It grows sufficiently high to make
hay, but as it springs up in February, or even earlier should there come a warm spell
of weather, it is mostly used for grazing, as it lasts from February to November.

: J. b, Darthit, Denver, 8S. C.:

It does not stand drought as well as Bermuda; both are our best pasture plants.
For cattle we have nothing better than Japan clover; but it salivates horses and
mules after the Ist of July, especially if very luxuriant.

J. W. Walker, of Franklin, N. C., in a letter to the Blade Farm, says:

Seventeen years ago Japan clover was found here, occupying an area not exceeding
10 feet square. It now covers thousands of acres, upon which all kinds of stock keep
fat and sieek, while the yield in milk and beef products has increased a hundred-fold.
Our exhausted and turned-out lands that have hitherto yielded nothing but that

worse than useless broom sedge (Andropogon scoparius), now have in its stead a

beautiful carpet of most nutritious verdure.

This plant grows anywhere and on any kind of land, rich or poor, wet or dry, high —
orlow. It has been found in luxuriant growth on the summit of the Blue Ridge, at
a height of 4,000 feet. It will catch and grow luxuriantly where none of the clovers
proper will grow at all. Unlike them it never runs out.

J. B. McGehee gives the following experiences in a letter to the
Southern Live Stock Journal, September, 1886:

This has proved the worst season for its propagation that I have met with. Ihave

_ this week examined over 200 acres of my last spring’s sowing, where I sowed one-

half bushel per acre, and I find the most spotted stand I ever saw ; and of the whole

- 200 acres I will get a crop of hay on not to exceed 50 acres. My first sowing of about
80 acres was commenced about March 22, and finished about the Ist of April. This.
- was coming up thickly when the freeze of the 9th of April came, and I am convinced -
that all seeds then sprouting were frozen out and killed. The sowings during April

did better, but anything like a reasonable stand is found only on moist places. The
reason for this is the fact that rot a drop of rain fell from April 26 to June 6. My

- worst catch was on comparatively clean land, an oat field, in which the oats had

3094 GR——7

98

been mostly killed by the winter. My best catch was on a grasssod. I found that
a freeze or a drought catching the plants before the roots have penetrated the soil
are equally disastrous. On some meadows of previous sowings I am now cutting a
heavy crop of almost pure Lespedeza. The reverses of this year will not loosen the
hold of the grass on my estimation in the least.

(Plate 98.)
MISCELLANEOUS PLANTS.

OPUNTIA.

- Opuntia Engelmanni (Nopal; Prickly Pear).

One of the principal characteristics of the vegetation of arid districts

‘is the prevalence of different species of Cactacew or cactus-like plants.

These are exceedingly variable in form and size, and are divided into
several genera. Of these the Opuntias are extremely common. There
are two kinds of these—one with broad, flat joints, and one with cylin-
drical or club-shaped joints.

Of the flat, broad-jointed kind there are many-species. The Opuntia
vulgaris is common in sandy ground in the Eastern Atlantic States. In
western Texas and other parts of the arid regions reaching to Califor-
nia there is a much larger kind, of the same general appearance, which
is called Opuntia Hngelmanni. This is a stout, coarse-looking plant,
growing from 4 to 6 feet high, and much branched. The joints are,
in large specimens, a foot long and 9 or 10 inches broad, with groups
of stout spines from 4 to 14 inches long. They are apparently leaf-
less, but in young specimens minute, fleshy leaves may be detected.
Springing from the side of these joints at the proper season are hand-
some flowers 2 or 3inches in diameter, which are succeeded by a round-
ish fruit, nearly 2 inches long, filled with a purplish pulp, generally of

-an insipid taste, while imbedded in the pulp are numbers of small, hard

seeds. The common name of this Opuntia among the Mexicans is “‘nopal,”
and some of the species have fruit which is edible and highly esteemed.
The use of the above species of prickly pear, or cactus, for forage in the
dry regions of Texas and westward is a matter of considerable impor-
tance. An extended account of its use is given in Bulletin 3, of this—
Division. The usual method of preparing the plant for feeding is to
singe the prickles over a brisk blaze. To some extent, especially by
sheep; the plant is eaten in the natural state, but serious consequences
frequently result in such cases. Its chief use is a8 a substitute for fod-

der in times of scarcity, but when properly prepared and fed with hay
and grain it forms a valuable article of food for cattle. :
J. A. Avent, Sr., Bexar County, southern Texas:

I have been feeding prickly pear for thirty years. It is an excellent feed for cattle
if fed with fodder or hay of any kind; when not too full of sap it may be fed alone.

If cut in January it can be fed until March 20, but if left standing it is not good feed

after the 20th of February. There is nothing that cattle like better than prickly
pear when accustomed to it. We feed it only in dry years when grass is scarce. We
begin feeding about the Ist of November and continue until the 20th of February,

lee tices . / ; ¥ "Bs 4 PAS _

i - a fe 99 ee
: The old stumps with a little corn will fatten cattle very fast. We burn off the thorns
in feeding it, but most stock-raisers do not. The apples ripen about the Ist of July

- and are eaten by almost everything. Hogs get fat euough upon them to render into
- lard when the crop is good, and it seldom fails.

a A. J. Spencer, Uvalde, Tex. :

= It is eaten by cattle, sheep, goats, and hogs. They eat it mainly as found on the

; ‘ae range, though sometimes the thorns are scorched off. It is considered one of the best
& native forage plants, especially to carry these stock through the long droughts that
- _— occur occasionally in western Texas. It is a partial substitute for water for all stock

that eat it. The only injury I have known to result from eating it has been to sheep,
and then only when eaten while frozen.

_ §. 8. Jamison, Burnet, Tex. :

It is used extensively in the southwestern part of the State, especially by Mexicans,
for wintering work-oxen, cows, and other cattle upon. The thorns are scorched off
before feeding, and no harm results from its use unless it be too great a laxness at
times. Only one kind is used as far as I know, but it varies in height in different
localities. In this country it grows from 6 inches to 2 feet. Farther south it grows

taller.

Prof. George W. Curtis, College Station, Tex.: |

It is used quite extensively for cattle and sheep, The prickles are singed off, or the
- whole plant is boiled and fed, mixed with bran. Only the Opuntia vulgaris, and per-
_ haps a variety of the same, are used, so far as I know. I have no positive knowledge
"of any injury to stock from feeding upon it, but from its purgative nature I should
| be afraid that it might cause abortion in pregnant cows.
© Haas your attention been called to the use of the prickly-pear cactus asa lubricant ?
Certain of the Western railroads have used it with excellent results. It is gathered
in Texas, shipped to St. Louis, ground up coarsely, and pine tar added to keep the
albuminoids from decomposition (I do not know whether anything else is added or
not), after which it is barreled and returned. The total cost is 24 cents per pound,
_ and it is said to do the work of 6 or 8 cents’ worth of grease and rags formerly used.
It is especially useful in preventing and cooling hot boxes. If this comes into gen-
- eral use it will open a new field of production.

' ~ Leonard A. Heil, San Antonio, Tex.:
4 The cactus, or prickly pear, grows abundantly in nearly every section of south-
west Texas, often reaching a height of 10 or 12 feet. Ever since the settlement of
" _~ the country by the English, and probably years before, it has been used to supplement
ee _ grass in times of drought, but now it is being used with other feeds at all times, and
' __ especially in the winter. Sheep do well upon it without water, there being sufficient
inoisture in the Jeaves. The herder goes along with a short sword and clips the
- points of the great leaves, so that the sheep can insert its nose, when it readily eats
be them entire.
| Dr. A. E. Carothers, an extensive ranchman of Cotulla, La Salle
' County, Tex., began feeding prickly pear and cotton-seed meal to four
- _ hundred head of steers for the purpose of fattening for the market, and
at the last account was highly pleased with the result and confident of
' financial success. He singes off the thorns with a flame, and cuts up
the pear and feeds it mixed, in troughs, with the cotton-seed meal in
the proportion of about 5 pounds of meal to 70 pounds of pear. The
steers eat this food with great relish and take the food rapidly. They

Be have about a 2,500-acre field torunin, If this method of feeding proves

a

»

100

a success, it may work a revolution in this section, as thousands of tons
of cotton-seed are exported annually to England, and the supply of the
pear is simply inexhaustible. The feeding of the pear need in no way
diminish the supply, as whenever a piece of leaf is kept on the ground
it takes root and makes another plant, growing rapidly. Corn is always
high, and can never be transported here for stock-feed and the stock
be shipped back again over the same road with a certainty of success.
The utilizing of prickly pear ané cotton-seed meal will make beef-rais-
ing, as well as breeding, profitable in this portion of the country, and
make the ranchmen entirely independent of all other sections.

Dr. Carothers, above mentioned, writes, March, 1887:

In pursuance of a correspondence had with your Department last summer, begun
by Mr. A. J. Dull, of Harrisburg, Pa., who has cattle interests in this State, I have
fed four hundred beeves, and am now feeding eight hundred more, onthisfood. From
the analysis furnished by Mr. Richardson of your Department, I found that the cac-
tus was deficient in albuminoids, and from the well-known richness of the cotton-
seed oil cakes in these elements, I selected it to supply the deficiency, which it did
very well. At first I burned the thorns off the cactus, then cut it up by a machine
which I devised, and spread it in large troughs, scattering the cotton-seed meal over
it, when the cattle ate it with great avidity. Isoon found, however, that the burn-
ing was injurious, as it was impossible to conduct it without cooking the cactus to a
greater or less extent, which caused purging in the animals. To remedy this, 4. ¢.,
to destroy the thorn without scorching, I took advantage of the botanical fact that
the thorns of Opuntia Engelmanni, the only one I use, are set at an angle of about 60
degrees backward to the plane of the leaf, and that a cut of half an inch wouldstrike
every one of them. I therefore set the knives of my machine to a half-inch cut, and
find that when cut in this manner cattle eat it fully as well as when scorched, with
none of the unpleasant results referred to. I feed per head about 60 pounds of the
cactus and an average of about 6 pounds of the meal per day for ninety days. A
train-load of three hundred and thirty head of these cattle sold last week in Chicago
at 44 cents per pound. The meat is singularly juicy and tender, the fat well distrib-
uted among the muscles. I have sold it at 1 cent per pound gross over grass cattle in
San Antonio.

John C. Chesley, Hamilton, Hamilton County, central Texas:

The prickly pear is used here te a great extent. We have a ranch in Stephens County
where we are now feeding the pear to over a hundred of our poorest cattle, and they ~
are doing well on it. It is fed at nearly allof theranches of Stephens County where
they are feeding at all, and there are thousands of cattle being fed this winter on

prickly pear that are deing well and will come to grass in good shape that would
otherwise have died, or at least the larger part of them.

The pear should be cut and hauled to the feed-lots while the sap is in the roots, or
before the warm days come, for if it is fed when the sap is in the tops it is liable to
cause laxness and weaken the animals. We prepare it for feeding by holding it for a
moment over a blaze. I believe that in the southern part of the State they have a
burner with which they burn off the prickles without cutting the plants from the
ground, and then let the cattle eat them as they please, but we prefer to cut and feed
as above stated. One good man can prepare the cactus and feed about a hundred
head of cattle in this way. A poor or half-starved animal should be fed only a small
quantity of it at first, which may be gradually increased until the animal is allowed
to cat all it wants. When fed in this manner to range-cattle we have never known
any injurious results. But if it is fed to steers, and they are worked immediately af-
terwards, even if the feed is small and they are accustomed to it, they are liable to

eres | 101

- gwell up. We have had them do so when we thought there was danger of its proving

fatal. They can be given a feed at night, however, and then worked the following
morning without danger of any injurious results.

H. J. Hunter, M. D., Palestine, Tex. :
West of the Colorado River, in this State, the cactus grows in vast forests. I have

seen cattle and sheep feed on it as it grows wild. Stockmen cut it on the ground,
singe off the prickles, and cut in small bits for their stock.

Mr. Alonzo Millett, of Kansas City, Mo.:

I confine the treatment of my stock in La Salle County, Tex., for their first six
weeks or two months, in that locality, almost exclusively to the feeding of prickly

_ pear, which simple measure has proved highly successfal, and is worthy of more gen-
_ eral trial as a preventive of Texas fever. There is acactus, called by the Mexicans

Nopal de Castilliano, which is cultivated in this State for its fruit. This plant grows
very largo and yields enormous crops of fruit, which is sold on the street for food and
to make beer. The young growth of the cactus is used in early spring by the Mexi-
cans of western Texas as food. It is cut in small pieces, mixed with flour in a batter,
and fried. It is said to be as palatable as egg-plant.

Otanes F. Wright, Temescal, San Bernardino County, Cal.:

Many kinds of cactus grow here. The flat kind, or prickly pear, is abundant in

places. Cattle, goats, and sheep cat it sometimes without any preparation when very
hungry, but it looks as though needles and pins would be a pleasanter and safer diet.

I have never known, however, any bad results to come from eating it. After boiling
to soften the thorns it makes good food for mileh cows, and is much relished. The
trouble of boiling prevents its extensive use.

- (Plate 99.)
EUROTIA.

Burotia lanata (White Sage).

It is a perennial, half shrubby plant, growing a foot or two high, with slender,
woolly twigs, which are abundantly covered with linear sessile leaves an inch and a
half long, with a velvety surface of a grayish color and with the margin rolled back.
They are mostly in ‘small fascicles or clusters. The flowérs are minute and in small

~ elusters in the axils of the leaves, chiefly on the upper part of the stem. The flowers

are of two kinds, male and female, on separate parts of the stems, or sometimes on
separate plants. The small fruit is éovered with long and close whitish hairs. The
plant belongs to the order Chenopodiacee, or the same order as the common pig-weed,

The plant known as “ white sage,” or“ winter fat,” is abundant in
places through the Rocky Mountain region from Mexico to British

America. Prof. 8S. M. Tracy, who visited portions of Nevada, Arizona,

and adjoining territory, in 1837, investigating the native forage plants,

‘under the direction of the Commissioner of Agriculture, states that in

the more arid districts of Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, this plant, with
grease- wood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), are the most highly valued plants
for winter forage. An important fact in regard to the plant is its
ability to thrive in somewhat alkaline soils. It is employed as a remedy
for intermittent fevers. (Plate 100.)

SS ee ee a va

102 ee .
ERODIUM.

Erodium cicutarium (Alfilaria),

This annual, supposed to have been introduced from Europe, does not
seem to be mentioned in any work on forage plants. It occurs abun-
dantly and is of much value for pasture over a large extent of territory in
northern California and adjoining regions; elsewhere in the United
States it is sparingly introduced and usually regarded only as a-veed,
though it is not very troublesome. Besides the above name it is known
as Storksbill, pin clover, pin grass, and filaree; it is neither a grass
nor a clover, but belongs to the geranium family; it starts very early,
grows rapidly, furnishing good early pasture, and ripens seed before the
hottest weather; it is of little value as hay, and is not worth introducing
where the ordinary forage plants can be grown. The seed is seldom
sown, but the plant comes spontaneously each year from self-sown seed.
A few have begun its artificial propagation, and it is undoubtedly worthy
of introduction into other regions in the South and West having pro-
longed droughts; it is hardy at the North, but makes a much smaller
growth there. oi ‘
Brewer and Watson, in ‘The Botany of California” say in regard
to it: :

Very common throughout the State, extending to British Columbia, New Mexico,

and Mexico; also widely distributed in South America and the Eastern Continent.
It has generally been considered an introduced species, but it is more decidedly

-

and widely at home throughout the interior than any other introduced plant, and -

according to much testimony it was as common throughout California early in the
present century as now. It is popularly known as alfilaria, or less commonly as
pin clover and pin grass, and is a valuable and nutritious forage plant, reputed to
impart an excellent flavor to milk and butter.

Prof. E. W. Hilgard, in an article on the Agriculture and Soils of
California, in the Report of the Department of Agriculture for 1878,
page 488, says:

Two species of crane’s-bill (Hrodium cicutarium and moschatum) are even more com-
mon here than in Southern Europe, and the first-named is esteemed as one of the
most important natural pasture plants, being about the only green thing available
to stock throughout the dry season, and eagerly cropped by them at all times. Its
Spanish name of aljilerilla (signifying a pin, and now frequently translated into
*“pin weed”) shows that it is an old citizen, even if possibly a naturalized one.

Otanes IF’. Wright, Temescal, San Bernardino County, Cal. :

Alfilaria grows plentifully and is native here. It is the best grass that we have

during the wet season while green, but does not amount to much when dry, for it
shrinks much in drying, and when dry breaks easily into very fine bits, almost to
dust.
Alfilaria and bur clover nearly always grow together on the same land; cold
weather never kills either of them. Stock pick for the alfilaria while growing
(from vanuary to June), but after it dies they hunt for the clover-burs which are on
the ground, and in their efforts to get the burs they ro]l the old dry stems into rolls,
sometimes as big as windrows of hay.

103

__ Bur clover and filaria (alfilaria) grow on high land, and die when dry weather

_ comes.~ I do not know but they might be kept green all the year if kept wet.

__ They are about the only plants which grow on the high land all the year as alfalfa
_ goes on the low lands. As nine-tenths of our land is dry land, you can see the extent

of our needs.

Daniel Griswold, Westminster, Los Angeles, Cal.:

I think alfilaria would be a good thing to raise in the Southern States, but it will
be a rather hard seed to gather, though not so hard as Bermuda grass. It produces

a small-jointed seed, with a beard or curl attached. Butte or Colusa County would,
fi F iS be the best place to obtain the seed. The plant is native here. It isnever cultivated
a but comes up of itself whenever there is rain enough. It grows everywhere (ex-
_ _eept in swamps) in damp land, on the driest land, and on the tops of hills up to the

snow-line. It has a root that runs slightly downward, and it has to be very dry to

prevent it making seed. On damp, rich land it grows large enough to make a good
e swath of hay. On poor or dry land it is small and dries up, but even in its dry state
"stock eat it clean and are very fond of it.

20, Ri Oreutt, San Diego, Cal.:

k Erodium cicutariwm and Erodium moschatum (about equally used) grow abundantly
_ ~ in southern California and through northern lower California, sometimes attaining

a height of 2 feet or more. They grow on dry lands, but only in wet years or where
_ there is abundant rain-fall do they attain any size.

O. F. Thorton, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Ariz. :

~ It is not cultivated, but is rapidly spreading on the dry ranges (i. e., valleys and
~ mountain sides), and is one of the very best wild grasses, either green or dry.

(Plate 101.)

RICHARDSONIA.

Richardsonia scabra (Mexican Clover; Spanish Clover; Florida Clover; Water
g Parsley; Bell-fountain; Poor Toe; Pigeon-Weed, etc.).
- This is an annual plant of the family Rubiacee which contains the
- __ coffee, cinchona, and madder. It is therefore not a true clover, that
: name having perhaps been given from the general appearance of the
plant and the fact that the flowers are mostly borne in terminal heads.
_ hestem is spreading, branching, and somewhat hairy, and the leaves,
unlike the clovers, are composed of asingle piece. The plant isa native
- _ of Mexico and South America, which has become naturalized in the
| United States, especially along the Gulf coast, where its chief value
seems to be as a renovator of poor, sandy soils. In more dry, exposed
‘ regions it seems to require rich, cultivated soils in order to do well. It
__~ has been but little cultivated, and it is not known how far north it may
' be grown successfully, but it would probably have little value where |
__._ clover can be readily grown. The statements in regard to its value for
___ pasture and hay are very conflicting. It is usually quite succulent and
4 not readily cured in the climate where it is most largely grown. As it
grows chiefly in cultivated grounds, it is often looked upon only as a
weed.

104
B. E. Van Buren, Lakeside, Fla. :

I have disseminated the Spanish clover all over my place, as I consider it a a
uable plant for improving the land. Itis alsoa very good forage plant, and will
grow on the poorest soil without manure.

J. C. Neal, M. D., Archer, Fla.:

Grows rapidly, seeds itself, and makes a fair looking lawn or field, but I have not
found a cow or horse that would touch it green or dry.

J. G. Knapp, Hillsborough County, southern Florida.:

Found in moist fields in this county and considered a valueless weed. It is not
eaten green by either cattle or horses, and grows flat on the ground, so that it can not
be cut for hay. On aceount of the large number of seeds it perfects it is difficult to
eradicate. It is spoken of in some sections as a fertilizing plant. In my opinion it

has no other value, and I estimate it low for that purpose.

B. C. Smith, Cold Water, Ga.:
Thrives only on highly fertilized soils, in the best of tilth, where it gives a large

yield. Mexican clover, being very similar to purslane, isvery hard to cure, and is not
well relished by cattle or horses.

C. Menelas, Savannah, Ga. :

Ihave seen it only on the Gulf coast, where it flourishes luxuriantly without cul-
tivation, and is dreaded by nearly every one as a weed. Stock appear to be very
fond of it, and the yield per acre must be very heavy.

Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala.:

Introduced from the neighboring tropics and perfectly naturalized. It is never -
cultivated, but takes possession of the fields, and arrives at the period of its fullest
growth after the crops of vegetables, Irish potatoes, corn, and oats, are laid by or
have been removed, yielding spontaneous crops of hay and affording fully two cut-
tings during the season of from 1 to 2 tons per acre, according to the fertility of the
field. ;

In 1874 the same gentleman sent a sample of hay of this plant to the
Department, which was found to be nearly as rich in food elements as
clover hay. In his letter he then said:

It forms a large and important part of the pine-woods pasture in this county. It
is much relished by horses and mules, which seem to thrive well upon it, and sheep
feed upon it with great avidity. The plant is known here by the name of ‘‘ Mexican
clover,” ‘‘poor toes,” or ‘‘ pigeon-weed.” Seventeen years ago it was but sparse;
- now it occurs in all our cultivated grounds, covering them with a luxuriant vegeta-
tion after the crops of the summer have been removed.

Thomas J. Key, editor Southern Agriculturist, Montgomery, Ala.:

It grows luxuriantly on cultivated, sandy lands in the southern part of the State,
makes excellent hay, and matures after corn has been laid by.

James B. Siger, Handsborough, southern Mississippi:

Of late years Mexican clover has been introduced and grown among the crab grass.
It is spreading rapidly. Its habits and manner of cultivation are the same as crab
grass. Cattle will pick it out from any other hay and eat it in preference to any.

Edward C. Reid, Meridian, Miss. :

It is hardy, and grows on the poorest sandy land from the coast up to the Cretace-
ous formation. It stands drought and is hard to exterminate. It comes up after
corn is laid by, and on cotton-land covers the cotton. It is not especially valuable
asa pasture ) lant, as if comes up late and pasturing kills it out. In cultivated
lands it reseeds itself, and comes up year after year.

) ality « on poor soil. There is none in this section. ,
LOW. i. Nevill, Binnsville, Miss. :
Does well in the southern half of the Gulf States.

J. H. Murdock, Bryan, Brazos County, central Texas :
good pastures in its season,

‘to the Department :

. “The tradition is, that when the Spanish evacuated Pensacola this plant was dis-
covered there by the cavalry horses feeding upon it eagerly. Five years ago I pro-
_ eurcd some of the seed and have since grown it in my orange grovesas a forage plant
and fertilizer. It grows on thin pine land 4 to 6 feet inlength, branching, and form-
‘ing a thick mat, which affords all the mulch my trees require. It requires two days’
sun to dry it, and its sweet hay is relished by horses and cattle. The white bloom

opens in the morning and closes at evening, and is visited by bees and butterflies.

grows re the Gulf States, on sandy land, ied furnishes abundant forage of fair z 3

- It is grown here and stands drought very well on our light, sandy soils, and makes”

Mr. Matt. Coleman, Leesburgh, Sumter County, Fla., 1 in 1878, wrote :

ADDENDUM.

So much interest is now felt in the matter of new varieties of grasses,
especially by the Western experiment stations, that it is thought best
to add descriptions and figures of some additional species which have
been recommended for trial.

The Colorado experiment station, aided by this Department, gave
especial attention last summer to the collection of seeds of the native
grasses of that region, and some fifty kinds were selected, and will be
subjected to cultivation on the arid land of that section.

Other western stations will take up the same line of work in the
future. The illustrations given are especially valuable for the identifi-
cation of the various species by students or by any persons who are in-
terested in the subject.

Panicum gibbum.

A perennial species, growing in swamps and low, wet ground in the Southern
States from North Carolina to Florida. The stem is decumbent, branching and root-
ing at the lower joints. The panicle is 3 to 5 inches long, and narrow, the branches
being appressed. The leaves are smooth or smoothish, half an inch broad, and 6 to 8
inches long. The whole grass is of a deep green color. The flowers drop off. soon
after flowering. The grass, if it occurs in abundance, would be of considerable value,
~ as it furnishes a good deal of nutritious matter.

Mr. J. H. Simpson, of Manatee, Fla., writes as follows:

This most valuable grass seems to have been entirely overlooked as far as its quali-
ties for hay and pasturage are concerned. It is perfectly at home in any situation. -
It usually grows in wet places, with culms 2 or 3 feet high. The late J. N. Harris
informed me that he believed that from 3 to 5 tons of most excellent hay could be
cut per acre, and that it was an excellent pasture grass. He had experimented with
it for years. :

(Plate 103.)

Muhlenbergia comata.

This species is closely related to M. glomerata. It grows throughout the Rocky
Mountain region in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and California, usually on the
sandy and alluvial banks of streams. It grows in tufts from,firm, creeping root
stocks. The culms are erect, 2 to 3 feet high, and leafy below. The panicle is 2 to
4 inches long, narrow and close, sometimes interrupted below, generally of a dark
lead-color, and of soft texture. The outer glumes are very narrow and acute, and
the flowering glume is surrounded at the base by a copious tuft of silky hairs. The
slender awn of the flowering glume is three or four times its length.

(Plate 104.)

Sporobolus heterolepis (Bunch Grass; Wire Grass).
This is called bunch grass and wire grass from the abundant, long,
wiry leaves and stems. I found it a considerable element in the prairies
Eira :

107

of southern Dakota, and it occurs southward to Texas. It was also
common on the prairies of Illinois and Wisconsin before the incoming
of settlements. West of the 100th meridian, however, especially in
sandy soils, this species is replaced by two others of the same genus,
viz: Sporobolus cryptandrus and S. airoides. All these species should
receive attention.

It grows in dense, firmly rooted tufts, principally west of the Mississippi River,

Bi x from British America to Arkansas. The panicle is from 3 to 6 inches long, rather
_ loose; the branches, two to three together, slender, and with a few rather distant
flowers. .

_ A writer in the Agricultural Report for 1870 says:

Brae ‘This species may be identified from its long, slender leaves, growing abundantly

7 from the base of the plant, gracefully curving; from its tendency to grow in bunches

or stools, and when in fruit from its small panicle of sharp-pointed spikelets and its

round seeds. These, when bruised, emit a strong, heavy, and rather disagreeable
odor. It is sometimes cultivated for hay, and makes an article of fine quality.

- Sporobolus airoides (Bunch Grass; Salt Grass).

Culms (arising from strong perennial creeping root-stocks) 2 to 3 feet high, thick-
' ened at the base and clothed with numerous long, rigid, generally involute, long-
"pointed, smooth leaves, which are bearded in the throat of the sheath. The panicle
' __ is 6 to 12 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide, thin and spreading ; the branches cap-
» illary, and scattered or in whorls below, subdivided above the middle, and rather
sparsely flowered.

- It is common on the arid plains of the West, is sometimes called salt
grass, and affords persistent pasturage where other grasses are tramped
out. (Plate 105).

— _ Agrostis exarata, var. Pacifica (Pacific Coast Redtop).

a i This variety grows chiefly on the Pacific coast, from California to Alaska. It is
often more robust than the common or eastern redtop, growing 2 to 3 feet high, with

‘ The panicle is 4 to 6 inches long, rather loose, heavier, and closer than tke proper
"~~ species.

There is reason to believe that this species can be made to supply the
game valuable place on the Pacific coast that the A. vulgaris does at
the East. It deserves trial. (Plate 106).

}

Deschampsia ceespitosa (Hair Grass).
‘This is an exceedingly varied species, having a wide distribution in
this and other countries. It is somewhat rare east of the Mississippi,
but on the elevated plains of the Rocky Mountains and in California
and Oregon it is one of the common bunch grasses which afford pastur-
age to cattle and horses. At the East it is found in the hilly regions
of New England and the Alleghanies. It grows in bunches, which are
firmly rooted. The culms are 2 to 4 feet high. The root-leaves are
very numerous, long, and narrow. The panicle is very handsome, pre-
‘senting a purple and glossy hue, and a loose, graceful appearance. Its
culms are too light for hay-making, but the abundant root leaves may

/

' a stout, firm culm, clothed with three or four broadish leaves 4 to 6 inches long. |

108 -

make it valuable for pasturage, especially in the arid districts. (Plate
107.) . ,

Chloris alba.

An annual grass, growing in tufts, 2 to 2} feet high, smooth, the culms branching
and bent at the lower joints; the leaves are numerous and rather broad, the upper
sheaths dilated and at first inclosing the flower spikes, which are in a close cluster,
eight to fifteen in number and 2 to 3 inches long. The flowers are sessile and
crowded in two rows on one side of the spikes. It is a common grass in the arid dis-
tricts of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. It furnishes a large amount of foliage,
and may prove useful in localities to which it is adapted. (Plate 108.)

Diplachne dubia.

A perennial grass of vigorous growth, growing 3 or 4 feet high, the culms rather
stout and érect, with an abundance of foliage, the leaves being quite long and nar-
row. The panicle is from 6 to 12 inches long, consisting of from 10 to 20 narrow,
spreading spikes, cach 4 to 6 inches long, mostly scattered on the axis, or two
or three together. The spikelets are three to five-flowered, the empty glumes linear-
lanceolate and acute. The flowering glumes are oblong, obtuse, two-lobed, and smooth
except on the margins.

Its principal range is in the Southwest, from Texas to Arizona. It
is a promising grass, and should receive the attention of agrienlturists.

(Plate 109.)
Melica.

Spikelets two to many-flowered ; the flowers usually convolute around each other,
the upper one small and imperfect; the empty glumes are membranaceous and awn-
less, the lower one three to five-nerved, the upper five to nine-nerved, the lateral nerves
not reaching to the apex. The flowering glumes are of thicker texture, becoming
coriaceous, scarious near the apex, mostly rounded on the back, five to nine-nerved,
the lateral nerves not reaching the apex, the central one sometimes ending in a short
point or even in along awn; the palets shorter than their glumes, two-keeled and eil-
iate on the keels. Of this genus we have ten or twelve species.

Melica diffusa.

A perennial species, growing in rocky woods or ravines throughout the Rocky Mount-
ains in Colorado and New Mexico. It grows in loose tufts, the culms about 2 feet high,
the lower leaves and sheaths soft hairy, the upper leaves narrow, 3 to 4 inches long
and pointed. The panicle is 6 or 8 inches long, open, with rather few (6-8) bragches,
3 to 4 inches long, rather distant from each other, and somewhat spreading; the
spikelets are large, 4 to 6 lines long, and three to five-flowered, the upper flower im- -
perfect. The empty glumes are quite unequal and much shorter than the spikelets.
The flowering glumes are many-nerved below, with a broad scarious margin above.
The palets are narrower and shorter than the flowering glumes and fringed on the
keel.

This grass is relished by cattle, but as its preference is for shaded
places it may not be adapted for general culture. (Plate 110.)

Melica bulbosa.

This species is distinguished by its large bulbous roots, or, more properly, by the
bulb-like enlargement of the base of the stem. It grows 2 to 3 feet high, the leaves
narrow, scabrous, and becoming involute. The panicle is narrow, from 4 to 6 inches
long, with short appressed branches. The spikelets are about half an inch long, with
five to seven perfect flowers; the empty glumes are three to four lines long, or nearly

109

as long as the flowering glumes, which are oblong-lanceolate, seven-nerved, and ob-
tuse or notched at the apex,

= This species grows in Oregon, Washington, California, Ney ada, Mon-
~~ tana, Utah, and Colorado. (Plate 111.)

_. Melica imperfecta.
x This is one of the commonest grasses throughout California, particularly in the
; _ southern portion. There are several varieties, which differ considerably in size and
bee. general appearance. The culms are from 1 to 3 feet high, rather slender and wiry
_ the leaves rather numerous and narrow. The panicle varies from 6 to 12 inches in
_ length, sometimes narrow, but usually spreading, with rather long and distant
_ branches, which are whorled about in threes of unequal length and numerously
flowered. The spikelets have one or two perfect flowers, with a short, club-shaped,
be, imperfect one. The empty glumes are shorter than the flowers viet three to five-
< nerved, the flowering glume about seven-nerved, usually purplish and acute. It is

not bulbiferous.

AOE eee
ea i ha da a

zz The larger forms of this grass certainly deserve trial for culture in
. ‘California. (Plate 112.'
E : Uniola.

= This genus has closely many-flowered spikelets, usually large, very flat, and two-
_ edged, one or more of the lower flowers consisting only of an empty glume; the
; empty glumes are closely folded together, keeled, rigid, or coriaceous; the flowering
"ones are of similar texture, but larger, many-nerved, usually acute and entire, the
_ palet rigid, with the keels narrowly winged.

| Uniola latifolia (Broad Leaved Uniola; Large-flowered Oat Grass).
_ his is a handsome grass, growing 2 to 3 feet high, with very broad
- leaves and a large spreading panicle. The drooping spikelets are larger
than those of any other North American grass, being an inch or more
long and half as wide, consisting of ten or twelve flowers.
____ It grows from Pennsylvania to Kansas and southward.
cs Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala., says of this grass:

A fine vernal grass with a rich foliage, blooming early in May; frequently in damp,
sandy loam, forming large tufts. This perennial grass is certainly valuable, affording
an abundant range early in the season; if cultivated it would yield large crops ready
for cutting from the Ist of May. It is called by some wild fescue or oat grass. Iam
not able to judge of its value as a pasture grass.

(Plate 113.)

Glyceria Canadensis (Rattlesnake Grass ; Tall Quaking Grass).
4 Of this genus two species have been already described. This species belongs to the
> northern portion of the United States, usually found in mountainous districts, in
_ swamps, and river-borders, growing in large tufts. The culms are stout, about 3
feet high, smooth and leafy. The leaves are 6 to 9 inches long, the lower ones often
twice as long and quite broad. The panicle is large and diffuse, 6 to 9 inches long,
' the branches long, slender, and drooping. The branches are more or less whorled,
__ mostly in threes, the largest 3 to 4 inches long, and often subdivided. The gi
are oblong or ovate, rather turgid, usually six to eight-flowered.

_ This is quite an ornamental grass. Cattle are fond of it, both green
and when made into hay. It is well adapted to low endows and yields
a large quantity of foliage.

A a

4

110
Hon. J. 8. Gould says:

Itis usually found at high elevations, inswampy land, and by the margin of streams.
It is very apt to grow in clumps. It is one of the most beautiful of grasses, and is
exceedingly ornamental in grass boquets. It is abundant on the Catskill and White
Mountains, and on the Raquette waters of the Adirondacks. Cattle eat it very well
in pasture and when made into hay. :

(Plate 114.)

EN DHX.

- Agropyrum glaucum..

i metonyrum repens...........02..2...--..2.
_ Agropyrum tenerum................ i tons
_ Agrostis alba.

i ee ee ee ed

PeRArOntis OxXOrata....-.- 2.25. suse. ns-cee-
*Agrostis exarata var. Pacifica..............

~ Alkaline grass .:...... .....-.+. eS
_ Alopecurus geniculatus ...........-........
~ Alopecurus geniculatus, var. aristulatus....
- Alopecur us occidentalis.............. Uy ane
~ Alopecurus pratensis .............-2-..,.0-
Ammophila MIUNGIBACOR 6-6 o. ise...
Andropogon TENN Sock args «marie salen 2-0
fe emodroporon Mallif........-.....2...0-.-...
ed Andi POFON MACKTOUFUS ... 2... esd sewce scene
Andropogan DEVENS oo 5x sophia ccs deveece
Andropogon scoparius .......... ey. a
- Andropogon Virginicus ................--.-
-Anthoxanthum SOG ae ee ee ®
Ree EGEIOR PUTDUTOR, os eas oon eee diezenes
' Arrhenatherum avenaceum ......... uh ean se
PR TOOW. BTASS od ow o pae ocd nencesene---
Arunéo donax ............ UP Glncneowsibinwse
P Aatmiinaria tectas... <<. vcets scececses.
- Austin DTN Pee cash atic wn wNiaig aie vib 3+ wae oe
_ Avena fatua ....... eee ae kbs aehs.
OS eg 21 Se
me?) Bariyard grass <...,.<+.2-..)..<-++- ees ek,
oo AT RE ee ae er

- Beekmannia erucaeformis...............-.-
e e INE eS ee See i se wn nonin
a SERED Sic as O LS see ah eno sok cigec-cnve~n
~ Bent grass, Rhode Island....:.........:-.-.
Bermuda grass ............ pn teesaide Scheele

Dre EMAUNOG CUASK {000 5-2. so... a rcdevneosavce
e.- Blucgrass, Kentucky .-..-.. 4.4... .-----
Blue grass, Texas ................. dae Babine
wae erases WMaglist =... ces cece. es
CIR ere pa ee
Paniesies cee ah Pith ee an hl mala aa was
- Bonteloua oligostachya ...............+-+--
'- _ Bouteloua racemosa. ...........seeeee eeeeee
_ Brizopyrum spicatum ... 2 .....----0------
EPPO URIG: CLIMB» Fos os ccib Sede does Ban oc a>
_ Bromus Schraderi...... FE ar RE ee
Bromus secalinus ......-. ade Petal aime oh eee ><>
Bromus unioioides .............----- Se
_. Bromus Willdenovii .............. Pik cate ;

Broom core frepretegropesrtesssge=rerecrese

f
Page
Broom grass, heavy-topped .............-.- 35
Broom sedge. ii. A 35
Buchloé dactyloides........22...2..222..42. 7,59
WUUGMY BYORS Coo kn dei ackne ieee Le 25, 57, 59
POUCH BTAGR A. 5. atone d.cundbees 6, 35, 42, 72, 107
Bur clover........ ani, sina sasen denn Bee 92
AIR tr pcs hod dn wand 3) ieee aie ee 98
Calamagrostis Aleutica..............22222.- 7
Calamagrostis Canadensis .................. 7,48
Calamagrostis longifolia...................- 7, 49
Calamagrostis neglecta.................-0-. 7
Calamagrostis sylvatica................... - 7,49
Canary Ptass; TOO. = o5:.0ides acs bento et 38
Canary grass, southern reed....... sett = a 39
Canary grass, Stewart’s................-.-. 39
CHGS INGE) S00, we ve ue su chau s acocaee cee 7
PARC’ BWITCH 355 ove dalacsctcan teeta ee 78
Ceratochlod& unioloides ....... ...2......20-. 7t
Cheat 506 .sen~ Badass es << s sau Saapeelenecnee 73
RHROOE 3 4.4.di'v ecvip be ancy en «VRS ReS RSE ee 73
MPHAOTW B1IDA: Fo 5 oo oss cesscncasreducdbetine 108
Chrysope@gon nutans .........ccccccsvewece 7, 36
Cinna. arundinaceds ....... seccnesccovstonvels 47
Pious pendula ..........<connan <aaaeeieese 47
OVE; AISINO cccws cs secede least cseunnien 8L
Olover; Brazilian: 2... > os<0s-ecdescakoe ee 84
CIGPOR COUN <0 sk ohn cath ace ws = Bet CAL ae 92
CIOVSR “CDNIGINS 5.0 «csc ee etn soce Sr abaeemes 8t
Clover DutGh 23-35 - os essence au ce panes babe 2
IO VOR, HIOPION. bes sot cou dupascheceenwe Cee 103
Clover: PTrenel . jacks ec) oe eee eee 82, 84
CIOVOE, JADED. .003 00 sp 2500 kes ba eoesbanee 95
Clover, mam moth iv... od. nce tw usneeberne 80
Clover; Mexican >>. : os. 0. 252 cc ieee
COVER BID Ss. oc dee da np sc sane heo ene ‘eae eee
gCIOVET, LOU: .; 2) -ccs ssc dkdbncnae en ae 79
Clover, running buffalo .-..-............... 83
Clever, Spanish’... 2. 5.32. = 35 a00g speek ee 103
Clover, white 2...5.-t-ins scents tos eee »- 82
Cord 2raae.. oc ves25 > 0c cncusssenns aie anaet 56
COR, DTOOM, 5... Jsasa¢ codnus sn capeake denen 37
Couch. 2Tas8:. 5. .spencvhtusendevhat dae eee =
CEA BTARS cos 5. ta aeeeeasaesean savceesaenn 27, 58
CrewTout co 2c. css ccs. sepa cee ees knee ceajes 3
Cuba grass . 22. 0... ccs teuce ccemeweemans onan - 36
tay Oe eee pore jo) <a
Cynodon Dactylon ..... 2.2.4 sceseewsenssas 54
Dactylis glomerata. .........--.-s2-+-a0 éiee2 int ae
Dactylocteninm Aigyptiacum......-..----- 58 -
Darnel,. poison... 55. 2-55. o.as i ceeeee seer 75
Deschampsia ceespitosa ....-..-------++++ - 6,107
Desmodium molle .-.--- cates teste eer eeeeee o4
Desmodium tortuosum....,-.-.----+ Hass ae 94
Deyil’s knitting needles. errreeres a -

Deyeuxia Canadensis ........0.ce0eceee- eee
Deyeuxia sylvatica
Diplachne dubia
Distichlis maritima

NIUIEN OV REG wos os a ciar those dncee nny Xe
- Eleusine Agyptiaca..............22.2-.---

Eleusine Indica .... 2. 202.0. ..6--- nee Sechid
Elymus Canadensis
Elymus condensatus .
Elymus triticoides. -...............-- vebay
Elymus Virginicus........... ahi tee Ber pe bes
Eragrostis Abyssinica
MPR MTORUIS AION: 6 5506 55 AGC Ligee es cee sess
Erodium cicutarinm
EAP SERCO. 1 ook ah oes bn WiaeN > oes sewaiom ees
Muchiwna luxurians.«. i... .sc.0. sees eeeees
DPE TUMGER nS ec cand sb env oesecueens
Bemormeee SrTaBs ss Sto eS soe ew sean
False rice

ee ee ee

ee

ee ee ee ee ee ee ee

Fescue, sheep’s
Weacho, tall ...5.......22 eae gin OEY 2 See ee
Rr ORLGOMCOlAGLOT Sie Keene os lee tes eases
POMEOA OVENS 22 85 sox etnies Lloeacle wis cecuee sue
Festuca pratensis
Festuca seabrella
Pestuce unioloides 200. SU. sel ke
WOMOPOG saw se cose’. ss ckeust tha ccseest Sa

ee ee ae

Foxtail, Rocky Mountain ..................
SNRMSe: WMUBE sd 03. tn OMS ss ee
Gama grass
OE gO ae ee ce ee aia RE
Gilbert’s relief grass.
Glyceria atendiusoes : Sis gta aaa ee Giese Cee aie
Glyceria Canadensis............ gee gobeckee
seyoeria finitans 20.50. acess ccs eS oak
MRIVOOTIA NGTVOtA io. ke ee
Sp@0G0 Press. . oes sey eee tt. Hai ccreees otitis
MUEIINO, WIRGK (a 5 des b fe hashes cs

i ee ees

Guinea grass, Alabama .
Guinea grass, true
Hair 2

Se een ee Ake AA ee ee
Herd’s grass (of Pennsylvania)
Pere PMMNORY <.55 5 oi ps8 bees el ooo
Holeus lanatus.....0. 22.2..2..6.0.

Hordeum jubatum..................-20..--.

Hordeum pratense ~ 22... 60cccscccccc cece ce
PIMBEBEION GUREB oy poe éccedl ll cones lies
Indian rice....... puebeeadweieeserisee <i

Leersia Virginica did heehee ee

112

7, 72

7, 72

6, 57

6, 60

4
etre Page. .

Lespedeza striata....- foNelwes vt oe eons awe o>» OB:
Lolium perenne..... fa ee 74
Lolium temtilentam -5 6... wow te ce cet ete ee 15
Louisiana grasa ici iics cs vedas toeubee tess 23
LAUPOENG:, o 5s w dues cncens nn adesduucealaantes 84
GyMe: Crags sos45s-b se cwma eee Mo eaae 77
Manna grass, floating ..... 2.0.2. .-scncees 70
Marsh prass. oo... .s.euweee Se ek eee 56
Meadow grass,fowl .. 2... scecececceeeses 67
Meadow grass, nerved . 22... 5c. cee eeeee 70
Meadow grass, reed ..... aes idee beSeewy ‘ 69
Meadow grass, rough-stalked .............. 68
Meadow grass, tall .....0.5.5.0.. 005% weatey 69
Meadow oat grass..... Bee ek wee 52
Mean’s ‘Tas. oo. ccbbancteen deen eerie 36
Medicago denticulata ........2..22.-202eeee 92
Medi¢aro maculata' 24.0 ..58 Sie Age ie 93
Medicago sativa scunsFoveisceawestews 84
Modiek...csccsicsyet \ sisniwee se steasenenun 84
Melica bulbosa..:.........20.460 entewesura wen 108
Melica diffusa ...... 20s wy nbme hepa Seen 108
Melica imperfecta: ... ..cs0.c0csieteee ene 109
Mesquite: s.203.0 tid Sas eee ge 6, 57
Milinm effasait i. 102. 20ss cetera t 43
Millet, Arabian evergreen ...-.. .-..---..4- 36
Millet; Australian 22: 02.4 6S ieee 36
Milletcattail..uc 23. ade case ck eme gees 30
Millet, Egyptian ........... iets sve pemeed 30
Millot; evergreen... .cicscvceecucebs -ueneees 36
MillotGerivans -i.ie2souee tes ee eee 29
Millet, Morocco ..........- ise dau wena Sein 36
Millet, pearl ............ Bi cbias Need Le
Millet, Texas. icc see lc as tee tek es canes 25
Millet grass .2.<..6..:cteee saat reas 27
Millo maize :.s 6c. 5. vencbacnSlsdeseeeguurey 37
Millo maize, ‘red... s tet UR ees -38
Muhlenbergia comata ...........--.2--.-4- 106
Muhlenbergia diffusa -..... 6c. 20 2s ocean 43
Muhlenbergia glomerata ........22..-24---- 43
Muhlenbergia Mexicana ........5.-0..4-0 : 43
Muhlenbergia, spiked. ......... 220. se0 ce 43
Muhlenbergia sylvatica ........... win ok 3
Munroa squarrusa © 2.3.60 ivce se beeeas oe 7
Bimble: Will 2: 55335205 .c0ticwegdewe teers 43
Oat grass, large-flowered.........00.2-.+000 109
Oat grass; mead Ow 1% 22. s.2be costes ete tee 52
Oat grass, tall’)... Pea esi esteee is 52
Oats, wild.....-... Sain a eoe ova ban Soe bale Coaeee 36, 52
Onobrychis sativacy:... Ae ule 83
Opuntia Envelmanni.......0.....00--s sees 98
Opuntia vulgaris ...... cS Sood oe ass ane an ree ~ 98
Orchard: erase: i566<2 Siete eal peepee 62
Oryzopsis cuspidata. +. ....<20c sides tcecew 0,42
Panic grass, two-odged . ......cseesaeeeccees 28
Panic grees; tall 2. icc. ag tee case wees pkeaes 28
Panicum agrostuides 2.254. ce cers cocecunces 28
Panicum ‘anceps ©... see Se ee ree ee 28
Panicum darbinode: ic sc.5. ceo Sees ones
Panicum Crus-galli .. cies sscse sel sees aces
Panicum gibbum: isis... 20 ste Se ape
Panicum JUmMentoru . 2 co eeeis soe ce caw teen
Panicum maximum «..'.% <...dbs ces waves eeiee
Panicum miliaceum ...... . 2-2. - 2s eecees wo
Panicum proliferum, var. gottoulaeabe Sept
Panicum, redtop .....-..- Jceweeuede cugen sad

Panicum OSE ea ee ae Kubek
Seeniouwt Toxanyir. 55-26. 2.. 2.0656. .52 60s.

I CUMNM ee asl 6G DG kk dh ne vm cen ak codw aces
RUE | WHOL fino vnc iwn'nde'n'b. vac scaccuns ves
Paspalum dilatatum
- Paspalam distichum
Paspalum, hairy-flowered
Paspalum ovatum ....--. i ae ee
- easpaium platycaule. .-..... 22.1.6. .a...ee.
Penicillaria spicata

Pennisetum spicatum -........- 7 he de
‘Phalaris arundinacea. ....
~~ Phalaris intermedia
as . Phalaris intermedia, var. angusta..........
Bee -Phleum OO iE GI a an ea
ieee igeon grase-........-..-.2-..-. pop tiga
Pigeon weed
_. Pin clover...... RUA SA AEE tie was dg can aes
“s ae sits» Wettan Po ema ae Ghote te a or c'e's
| 2 ragniites communis.......................
EE Serer ee See

ee ee a ad

es

“ae Poa tenuifolia Se aan ee Ce

at oa

ee’

eS aS ee ee :

— Quaking ¢ grass, tall

~ Randall grass

-- Rattlesnake grass...........-.........-..--

- Red millo maize

- Redtop-... Pee taba a Situ delcbocas. +s - napnh

2 _ Redtop, Pacific coast
: cote Panicum

- Reed grass, small
Reed grass, wood
Relief grass, Gilbert's
oe Rescue grass. ..........3...... ple A ere
4 Rice, false..... CUE IN Sg eat oa ane
i Rice, Indian......-...-. TRA ES ae
m= « Rice, wild...-..
-_ Richardsonia scabra
e Rivergrass............ 3 Eke pt a SRS.
feo SCY ree masevons'ch “hates

ee

ww ere weet ee et ewww enews

= Rye grass, Italian....._........-...--.0----

Sage, white

i

- Schrader’s grass
E: Setaria glauca ......
— 8094 ar

ee

ae TASS... ...2-- we Re ee eee

113 -

Page.

27
25
28
26
103
22
24
22
22

83

Setaria Italica ...... Supeuncsmevaoettas es Bb
OCT VIRIMIG: <0. oin vc ktaeetcuesnwentcs 30
Slough grass ........... a nevvsdwvaduuntagde 24
Smut grass........... ots cbowssudgnteneenten 45
Soft grass ........... § tne snacceaecetanee epee 50
Sorghum halepense ..................--.e-- 36
Sorghum, SUger .200.0 Jone cks anode skal 37
Sorghuro vulgare. ..2 2.0.2.6... ce sees cecees 37
Spartina cynosuroides................ eonmed 56
Spartina juncea ..............22ccece Susunee 56
SRORE SIRES.) oe io chie es cctnss ov clase “66
Sporobolus airoides ........2....2.222--.-0- 107
Sporobolus cryptandrus ................-.- 45
Sporobolus heterolepis.............22....-- 107
Sporobolus Indicus ...........-..2.2-.----- 45.
Sprouting crab grass ...........2..ccee. see. 26
Squirrel-tail grass. <2. 2... 0..50- cacy sevebue a
PLIPS BYOUROON « <.0avicsic cipstneysnsee vecete 41
Stipa comata.......... jciaad <cerseaeakher ae 6,41
BRP PORUAUA Ji 5 < ccecas sclck dy douens eneiien 42
Stipa setigera ......... © aup'chebiga + Paaawela 6
RIDE BOOT COG... 0550 Us cagnn sevnnve sWapeee 6, 41, 42
Stipa viridula ............... eee 6, 41
UCR ODETE 8h cnchisks snsutepetbep sae 102
Sweet verna¥ grass ..........-secee-ccsvens 39
SO NCON, COND cic askin code sucess Sucdvarseteear 78
SPONUIE HEAR os 4p 4s casa isn cndan sae RP Ee eat 28
OM a Pisin Suc Navteq cys snip ackdcsebedey ane 61
TROOIORD. o's «vs stevens Saunas aes paadouneees 31
GST ONT PERM wan aa cs c0cs. cdode 6 e0ans keene 77
POSUS Ty tn naekla> idocthoudpakaetceddonte an 44
dimothy, California ...... sss2--<teds ayes 39
ALGLOMS SPADISh:, 05.03 /- cs elds gos sakes $4
Trifolium hybridum -... .... SC eeeee 81
Trifolium incarnatum.........-. ...-.-se0s 82
PetouanMy MediaM -: 5.4.0.0 <6.5 5 aoe tee eee 50
EPSON) DEDUORSG= ~ = 500c0< mae ds otal es oeeies 79°
UyifoliuntTepens « oo.2<. 62 ssc. eas enw ee ee 82
Trifolium stoloniferum.......-.... .--...-. 82
LTiOdi& AGUMINAB... «-.00-~sbe5s coccces seb mes 59
Triodia sesleroides -......--.----- = eG nee 59
SL PiGdiG BULIOUA:. s120n% =. pabetsucsnheeewemen 59
Triodia Texana -. <<... s. 20. scepet scccseaues 59
Tripsacum dactyloides........-.-..--...2-- 30
Trisetum palustre. -.--.......---20- eeenee ee 51
Trisetum subspicatum.......----..-.------ 51
Univla, broad-leaved .......-..-.2-.-2-- 200 109
Uniola latifolia........---+-------02+--20eee 109
Velvet grass. ......c000 ceccccscccccesccncee 50
Velvet mesquite ...- 2. ..2 2s cian vedecennes 50
Vernal grass, sweet .......----------- +--+ - 40
Water parsley. ....-.--.------- 200 concen see: 103
White grass ..... .--------- +. sess eeeeeeoes 34
White grass, small-tlowered....-..-. < cae fr.
White sago...... 2-220 nee ee beaes ees esuana 101
Wild barley.....--..-------- eee e ee eeeer eee 76
Wild oats 3.25... cess cccoceccccscnseveneess 36, 52
Wild rice ...... 22. scene eee e eee ee cece oteaes 33
Wild rye... 22-222. ee ee eee eee eeeee Jcebabpars 77
Wire ZIrass ....-. .eeene eee e eee eer ee ee sreee- 35, 107
Wood reed grass ....-------+--+0++2--0e 2+ 47, 58, 65
Yard grass....-. veeeee eee ene teneeeneesseeee 58
ZaCAte . 2. -- --- + -- eco e ee rsecne-sessencsess 34
Zizanica aquatica ....--.-..-- bnawoeee <sigaia 33

a

se Be any

of, Tia Ciidasen, from tiveatigations made by him in ae

oe the kee of Agriculture, 1878-1882.

” ‘> yee) me” ly hee ee . a . ’ a & 7 ott — 1
at - eee fae be > 3 a 4
¥ é .
*" . est. C o f *
4 *

were rN DIX.

THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

| _ AMERICAN GRASSES

. INVESTIGATIONS IN THE LABORATORY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF |
AGRICULTURE, 1878-1882.

BY

CLIFFORD RICHARDSON,
FORMERLY ASSISTANT CHEMIST.

117

EE ON Or Ey kgs ne Na eae A eee ny Bey ae CNT TOE AIT a AER, Set ee ge a se SM a els ol a ates =<
Z bia } r : A ee nS eee See Se Oe ee ee ee 5 ey Ce re i
5 : - —ae' Fe - b ¥ na =. 7 Be ya 6 4 4
: t < Leone £ ve re hs See one et ies x ~
- soe BS 403 a } 3

en ee Te, teed hee to
eS Kees &

THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF AMERICAN GRASSES,

In submitting grasses to chemical analysis, with a view of judging of
their nutritive value, it is usual to determine the amount present of
water, ash, fat or oil, fiber, and nitrogen. From the latter the amount of
albuminoids to which it is equivalent is readily calculated by multiply-
ing by a factor which represents the per cent. of nitrogen present in the
average albuminoid, and by substracting the sum of all these constitu-
énts from one hundred, the percentage of undetermined matter is ob-
tained, and as it of course contains no nitrogen, and consists of the ex-
tractive principles of the plant, itis described as “ Nitrogen free extract.”
{t includes all the varbo-hydrates, such as sugar, starch, and gum, to-
gether with certain other allied substances, with which we are less in-
timately acquainted, but which have a certain nutritive value.

Althougli it has been customary to state as albuminoids the equiva-
lent of the nitrogen found, this is rarely entirgly correct, as a portion is
generally present in a less highly elaborated form of a smaller nutritive
value. This portion is described as non-albuminoid nitrogen, and in
analyses of the present day the amount is always given as an additional
source of information, although our knowledge of its exact value to the
animal is rather uncertain.

The ultimate composition of the ash is also frequently determined,
and examples of the results obtained are of interest as showing the min-
eral matter that grasses withdraw from the soil.

Without entering iito a discussion of the nutritive value of the several
constituents of the grasses, for which reference can be made to Armsby’s
Manual of Cattle Feeding, it is sufficient to say that during the past few
years the greater portion of the species described by Dr. Vasey in the
preceding portion of this Bulletin have been analyzed, and the results
collected and re-arranged, with some corrections, from the annual reports
of the Department are presented in the following pages.

The first series consists of analyses made with specimens collected at
or near the time of bleoming. Their origin is as follows:

No. of anal. | ;

2 Paspalum leve (Water Grass). From Prof. S. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex. 1878.

2. Paspalum leve (Water Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West
Grove, Chester County, Pa. 1880, August 23-29.

Paspalum dilatatum. From 8. L. Goodale, Saco, Me. 1880.
Paspalum praecox. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala, 1879.

ee.

119

~

120

No. of anal.

“1

. Panicum filiforme. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878.
. Panicum sanguinale (Crab Grass). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878.
. Panicum sanguinale (Crab vitae): From the grounds of the Department. June

23, 1880.

. Panicum sanguinale (Crab Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West

‘Grove, Chester County, Pa. August 11, 1880.

. Panicum maximum. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878.
. Panicum Texanum (Texas Millet). From Prof. 8. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex. 1879.
. Panicum proliferum (Large Crab Grass). ‘“Very ripe and rank.” From Charles

Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879.

. Panicum agrostoides (Marsh Panic). From W. 8. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T.

1879.

. Panicum anceps. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879.
. Panicum anceps. From the Eastern Experiment Farm, West Grove, Chester

County, Pa. July 31, 1880.

. Panicum Crus-galli (Barnyard Grass). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879.
. Panicum Crus-galli (Barnyard Grass). From Prof. 8. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex.
. Panicum Crus-galli. (Cock’sfoot), From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West

Grove, Chester County, Pa. August 25, 1880.

. Panicum virgatum (Panic Grass). From W. 8. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T. 1879. -

Low growth,

. Panicum virgatum (Tall Panic or Switch Grass). From Prof. 8. B. Buckley, Aus-

tin, Tex. 1878.

. Panicum virgatum (Tall Panic or Switch Grass). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala.

1878.

. Panicum virgatum (Tall Panic or Switch Grass). (eee W.S. Robertson, Musco-

gee, Ind. T. 1879. Tall growth.

. Panicum divaricatum. Frdfa Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879.

. Panicum gibbum. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879.

. Panicum obtusum, From Prof. 8. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex. 1878.

5. Panicum capillare (Witch Grass). From W,S. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T. 1879.
3. Panicum dichotomum. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879.

. Setaria Italica. From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West PONG: Chester

County, Pa. July 24, 1580.

. Setaria glauca (Fox-tail). From the grounds of the Department; July 24, 1880.
. Setaria glauca (Fox-tail). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West Grove,

Chester County, Pa. August 11, 1880.

. Setaria seiosa (Bristle Grass). From Prof. 8S. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex. 1878.
. Tripsacum dactyloides (Gama Grass). From D. L. Phares, Woodville, Miss. 1878.
. Tripsacum dactyloides (Gama Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West

Grove, Chester County, Pa. 1880.

. Spartina cynosuroides (Whip Grass). From A. C. Lathrop, Glenwood, Pope County,

Minnesota. 1879.

. Spartina cynosuroides (Whip Grass). From J. D. Waldo, Quincy, Il. 1879.
. Spartina cynosuroides (Whip Grass). From W. S. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T.

1879.

. Andropogon Virginicus (Brown Sedge, Sedge Grass). From Prof. S. B. Buckley;

Austin, Tex. 1878.

. Andropogon scoparius. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879. Before bloom.
. Andropogon scoparius (Broom Grass). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878.

. Andropogon scoparius. From W.S8. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T. 1879.

. Andropogon macrourus (Broom Grass). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala.

. Andropogon furcatus (Blue joint Grass). From A. C. Lathrop, Glenwood, Pope

County, Minn.-. 1879.

7

2.

_

121

. Andropogon furcatus (Blue joint). From Dei. Wheeler, Nebraska, 1879.
3. Andropogon furcatus (Blue joint). From W.S. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T. 1879.

Andropogon furcatus (Blue joint Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm,
West Grove, Chester County, Pa. September 2, 1880,
Andropogon argenteus (Silver Beard Grass). From W. S. Robertson, Muscogee,

oy Ind. T.. 1880.

. Sorghum halepense (Johnson Grass). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878.

. Sorghum nutans, From W. 8. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T. 1879.

. Sorghum nutans (Wood Grass). From Prof. 8S. B. Buckley, Austin Tex. 1878.

. Phalaris intermedia, var. angusta (American Canary Grass). From South Caro-

lina, 1879.

- Anthocanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass), From James O. Adams, Manches-

ter, N. H. 1879.

. Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass). From the Eastern Experimental -

Farm, West Grove, Chester County, Pa. May 11-24, 1880.

. Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass). From the grounds of the Depart-

ment. May 1, 1880.

. Hierochloa borealis (Vanilla Grass), From E. Hall, Athens, Ill. 1878.
_ Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Fox- une From the grounds of the Department.

May 1, 1880.

. Aristida purpurascens (Purple Beard Grass), From W. S. Robertson, Muscogee,

Ind, T.

‘ Milium effusun. From C. G. Pringle, Hazen’s Notch, Vt. 1880.
4. Muhienbergia diffusa (Dropseed Grass). From Prof. 8. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex.

1878.

Muhlenbergia diffusa (Dropseed Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm,

West Grove, Chester Grove, Pa. Aug. 25, 1880.

>

. Muhklenbergia Mexicana. From Eastern Experiment Farm, West Grove, Chester

County, Pa. August 22, 1880.

. Muhlenbergia glomerata (Satin Grass). From A. C. Lathrop, Glenwood, Pope

County, Minn. 1879.

. Muhlenbergia sp.? (Knot Grass). From James O. Adams, Manchester, N. H. 1879.
. Phleum pratense (Timothy, Herd’s Grass). From the grounds of the Department.

June, 18, 1880.

. Phlewm pratense (Timothy). From the grounds of the Department. Wayside

growth. June 4, 1580.

. Phleum pratense (Timothy). From the grounds of the Department. June 26,

1882. First year’s growth from seed.

. Phleum pratense (Timothy). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West Grove,

Chester County, Pa. June 20, 1880.

. Phleum pratense (Timothy, Herd’s Grass). From J. W. Sanborn, Hanover, N. II.

1881.

. Phleum pratense (Timothy). From W.H. Hackstaff, La Fayette, Ind. 1882.
. Phleum pratense (Timothy). From J. M. Robinson, Queen Anne County, Md.

July 4, 1882. Unmanured for years.

. Sporobolus Indicus (Sweéct Grass). From D. L. Phares, Woodville, Miss. 1878.
. Agrostis vulgaris (Redtop, Herd’s Grass). From the grounds of the Department

June 23, 1880.
Agrostis vulgaris (Redtop). From the grounds of the Department. Wayside

growth. June 18, 1880.

. Agrostis vulgaris (Herd’s Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West

Grove, Chester County, Pa. _
Agrostis vulgaris (Redtop), From J. J. Rosa, Milford, Del.
ees exarata (Native Redtop). From Theo. Louis, Louisville, Wis. 1878.

- 81.

_ 103.

122

No. of anal.

75.
76.

ode
78.
79.

80.

90.
100.

101.

102.

104.

105.
106.

Cinna arundinacea (Reed Graseee From W. §S. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T.

Holcus lanatus (Velvet Grass). From the grounds of the Department. May 25, | |

1820. :
Avena striata (Mountain Oat Grass). From Cyrus G. Pringle, Charlotte, Vt.
1879.

Arrhenatherum avenaceum (Oat Grass). From the grounds of the Department. —

May 25, 1880.

Arrhenatherum avenaceum (Oat Grass). From Dr. W. C. Benbow, Greensborough, ©

N.C. Late bloom. May 12, 1880.
Danthonia spicata (Wild Oat Grass). From James O. Adams, Manchester, N.
H. 1879. >
Danthonia compressa (Wild Oat Grass). From Cyrus G. Pringle, Charlotte, Vt.
1847.

. Cynodon Daetylon (Bermuda Grass) From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878,
. Cynodon Dactylon (Bermuda’Grass.) From D. L. Phares, Woodville, Miss. 1878.
. Bouteloua oligostachya (Gramma Grass). From A. C. Lathrop, Glenwood, Pope

County, Minn., 1879.

5. Eleusine Indica (Yard Grass, Crowfoot Grass). From Prof. 8. B. Buckley, Austin,

Tex.

. Eleusine Indica (Yard Grass, ete.). “From Dr. W. A. Cresswell, Americus, Ga.

1878.

. Eleusine Indica (Yard Grass, ete.). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878.
. Leptocheoa mucronata (Feather Grass). From Prof.$. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex.

1878.

. Triodia purpurea (Sand Grass). From W. 8. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T. 1879.
. Triodia seslerioides (Tall Redtop). From Prof. S. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex. —

1878.

. Uniola latifolia (Fescue Grass). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879.
92.
. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass). From James O. Adams, Manchester, N. H. -

Uniola latifolia (Fescue Grass). From M. 8. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T. 1879.

1879.

. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass).. From the grounds of the Department, May

13, 1880. First growth.

5. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass). From the grounds of the Department, June

18, 1880. Later growth.

. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West,

Grove, Chester County, Pa. 1880.

. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass). From W. H. Cheek, Warren County, N. C,

Early bloom. May 16, 1880.

. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass). From Dr. W. C, Benbow, Greensborough,

N.C. 1880. Early bloom, May 12.

Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass). From 8. L. Goodale, Saco, Me. 1880.

Poa pratensis (Blue Grass, June Grass). From Theo. Louis, Louisville, Wis.
1878.

Poa pratensis (Blue Grass, etc.) From James O. Adams, Manchester, N. H.
1879. .

Poa pratensis (Blue Grass, etc.). From the grounds of the Department. May 28.. "

1880. Growth from best soil. ; :

Poa pratensis (Blue Grass, etc.). From the grounds of the Department. May 8,
1880. Growth from poorer soil.

Poa pratensis (Blue Grass, etc.). From the grounds of the Department. May 19,
1880. Growth by wayside.

Poa pratensis (Blue Grass, etc.) From J. D. Waldo, Quincy, Ill. May 17, 1880.

Poa pratensis (Blue Grass, etc.). From W. B. Cheek, Warren County, N. C.

1880. Before bloom.

Te ee a ee ap ae We or Oey ety Sea ee ee

123

. Poa pratensis (Blue Grass, etc.). From the Eastern Ex

perimental Far
| Grove, Chester County, Pa. 1880. eee
108. Poa compressa (English Blue Grass, Wire Grass). From James 0. Ad
; a -
- Ss chester, N. H. 1879. ~ aria
- 109. Poa compressa (English Blue Grass). From the grounds of the D
me June 17, 1880. ee
~ 110. Poa compressa (English Blue Grass}. From the Eastern Experimental Farm
ae _ West Grove, Chester County, Pa. June 10, 1880.
; _ Ill. Poa compressa (English Blue Grass). From J. J. Rosa, Milford, Del. June 6,

sg 1880.
112. Poa serotina (Fowl Meadow Grass, False Redtop). From Theo. Louis, Louisville,
Wis. 1878.

a 3 (113. Poa arachnifera. From Ellis County, Tex. 1882, .
af a 114. Poa alsodes. From the Eastern Experimental esd West Grove, Chester, County,
sy Pa. June 2, 1880. —
115. Glyceria aquatica (Reed gave Grass). From Cyrus G. Pringle, Charlotte, Vt.

ae 1879.
"6. Glyceria nervata (Fowl! Meadow Grass). From Cyrus G. Pringle, Charlotte, Vt.
cS Fon REID,
, Glyceria nervata (Fowl Meadow Grass). From James O. Adams, Manchester,
N. H. 1879.

. Glyceria nervata (Fowl Meadow Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm,

ie West Grove, Chester County, Pa. June 2, 1880.

' 119. Festuca ovina (Sheep’s Fescue). From Taniee O. Adams, Manchester, N. H

Rees 1879.

- 120. Festuca ovina (Sheep’s Fescue). From the grounds of the Department. May 21

Jett 1880.

121. Festuca elatior (Meadow Fescue). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West

Grove, Chester County, Pa. June 2, 1880.

. Festuca pratensis (Meadow Fescue). From James O. Adams, Manchester, N. H

1879.

= . Festuca pratensis (Field Fescue). From the grounds of the Department. June

| 1, 1880. After bloom.

124. Bromus secalinus (Cheat, Chess), From James O. Adams, Manchester, N. H.
: 1879.

_ 125. Bromus wnioloides (Schrader’s Grass). From the grounds of the Department.

ae 9.
126. Bromus unioloides (Schrader’s Grass). From the grounds of the Department.
| “May 13, 1880.
127. Bromus erectus (Chess). From the grounds of the Department. May 19, 1880.
128. Bromus carinaius (California Brown-grass). From E. Hall, Athens, Ill. 1872.
129. Lolium perenne (Common Darnel, Ray, or Rye Grass). From the grounds of the
| Department. June 1, 1880.
130. Lolium perenne (Rye Grass, etc.). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West
Grove, Chester County, Pa. |
131. Lolium Italicum (Italian Rye Grass). From the grounds of the Department.
May 26, 1882.
132. Agropyrum repens (Couch, Quitch, or Quack Grass). From James O. Adams,
Bc Manchester, N. H. 1879.
3 133. Agropyrum repens (Couch Grass, etc.). From the Eastern Experimental Farm,
West Grove, Chester County, Pa.
~ 134. Agropyrum repens (Couch Grass). From 8. L. Goodale, Saco, Me. 1880.
135. Agropyrum repens (Couch Grass, ete.). From the grounds of the Department.
Pe June 23, 1880. Early bloom.
136. Elymus canadensis (Wild Rye Grass). From D. H. Wheeler, Nebraska. 1879.

FRI EO ee ep ge) eee

494

The specimens, it will be seen, are from all parts of the country and
grown under every condition of soil and environment. Those collected
by Dr. Peter Collier in 1878 and 1879 were mostly from the poorer
soils, and were infended to represent the wild grasses of the country.

Those collected in subsequent years by myself were chiefly cultivated —

varieties. The development in nearly every case was full bloom or

shortly after, that being the period at which the grasses as a whole |

seem to be cut for hay.

The analyses have been calculated for “ dry subetance” and also for
“fresh grass,” where the amount of water in the fresh grass had been
determined ; otherwise, for the average amount of water in hay as given
by Wolff. This figure is probably too high for the United States, owing
to our drier climate; but, in the absence of exact data for the selection
of a more accurate one, it has been provisionally accepted. It is very

easy to calculate from the composition of the dry substance what effect
the presence of any percentage of water would have on the absolute
amount of any constituent present in a given weight of grass.

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The great variation in composition of grasses becomes apparent on ex.
amining the one hundred and thirty-six analyses ; and by selecting the
Lighest and lowest determinations the following table of extremes has
been prepared : |

Limits of composition of grasses.

Dry substance. Highest. | Lowest.

WNL o lie o'cuceew snc cebas cancics cocees vunees tanecs cocses pwcens censse seccucccceseccecees 19, 24 3. 57

Fab 2. nce cn ne ween cone cee eres coc e eects concen sec ccceweccecne scenes 5. 77 1. 48

Nitrogen-free extract .--..-------- +--+ -- een eee eee ee eee ee ene ee eee ee eee nee eee: 66.01 34. OL

TERIOR DOT. 0c gs tes os awcin Soba veh dwn deectcs su sace dp csceesseccscccccevccucvoese- 37. 72 17. 68

oe RE Grae he Stina Tn weld ac boob sind ose oub vewndcfevic'nce secesecoesccescccvousnwe 23. 13 2. 80
I BCR GEESE Sl a nig CaS dl cas cpecbistueceswescemepewceccndecencsccssececcees 3.70 °

SeReEE MINEO IGE TUE DORON Gi 5 74540 ne sce ces ece cteevececocs Leet emcee ewe cceseenee 1. 64 . 00

- Per cent. of nitrogen as non-albuminoid .....-.......-- FU SCeiew tebwwewhinw cowie e ae 60. 70 . 00

SE 108 TOMI PURGE «ao 5 Poon se cloc'n cos ous sccwe se wnns ccc cncccsccescuscceccescccces 76. 50 60. 00

The highest ash is undoubtedly owing to the presence of adherent
soil, and the lowest carbo-hydrates are dependent relatively on the
same cause. ‘The wide variations in fiber and albuminoids must be re-
garded, however, as being entirely due to physiological causes, which

are difficult toexplain. Panicum sanguinale, for instance, which in one

specimen contains the extreme amount of albuminoids and a small
amount of fiber has in another only. half as much albumen and one and

- three-quarter times as much fiber. We learn, then, that species are not

in themselves at all fixed in their composition, there being as large vari-
ations among specimens of the same as between specimens of diffvrent
species. Examples may be found in several portions of the preceding

tables, and, for illustration, several analyses of Phlewm pratense and of

Dactylis glomerata from widely separated localities are given in the
following tables :

Analyses of Phieum pratense (Timothy) from various localities.

FULL BLOOM.

i | | 38
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Bas Fs be 2 13eteas
Localit 23 2 S & ES) sis
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a a 5 3 2 oa 8 HSS
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Department garden, 188!..-.-...--.------.| 7.16 | 4.47 | 50.03 27.35 | 10.99 | 1.75 51 29.1
Department cone, TODG ea ked acess ohse se: 5.65 | 3.58 | 58.93 | 21.93 9.90 || 1. 58 . 38 21.0
MBS iNE 2.5 hig ee oss. Lesh se gee ss oc. | 493 4.22 | 52.83 | 30.43 7.69 | 1.23 | ©. 15 12.2
- Now Hampshire ......--.+------------ ‘ce ihe- 4 SF 4.4.20 57.16 28.28 5.79 |) 293 .10 10.8
PMOIAHA Ie adc c ds liste w sel gesheess see 7,05 | 2.18} 52,99 | 32. 26 §. 52 ,83 |} .00 .0
3594 GR——9

130.

Analyses of Dactylis glomcrata ( Orchard grass) from various localities
/

FULL BLCOM.

3 te 188
Q . é oo. oe
® .: ° M
hae) i Ss ~y _ a + ag
Locality. 28 2 5 Bg wo) 68
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oe ° | -. |@e2iegs
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<q o A 'S) 4 Hl a
PERE MSAROUNA.. cat kway. cccencucescccces 7.42 | 3.56 | 56.03 | 23.08 9.91 |} 1.58 30 19.0
District of Columbia #22022. ose e cc cece. 8.07 | 3.24 | 53.76 | 25.40 9.53 || 1.53 16 10. 5
NES Geet Zi APES gy urna es dla ADE, ees 8.02 | 3.39 | 54.80} 26.05 8.74 || 1.40 36 25.7
District of Colambia..../.,..00.00 000.02: 6.00 | 3.62 | 57.34 | 24.42 8. 62 || 1.38 42 30.4
MPEG VIVORIS i702 Selec cte teas ovcctose 6.33 | 2.66 | 54.99 | °27.51 8.56 || 1.37 51 31.2
SMM DEES. a peeps cana cecaaecses ss 8.44 | 3.49 | 54.75 | 24.91 8.41 || 1.35 42 30.9
AVERAGE.
EVO AOCOIIIOS 3.5. Fouiss pinwonsceae- coors en 7. 38 | 3.33.| 55.17 | 25. 19 8.91 || 1.43 | .36 25. 2

The average composition of American grasses, as derived from the
preceding analyses of grasses in bloom, and averages for different sec-
tions of the country, has been calculated. The results presented in the
following table, with Wolfi’s averages for German grasses, are of inter-
est:

Average composition of grasses.

Ba 4 a aa
E . «tS 3. eee
3 a. : — we | Sa leas
ed & ae os - (=) lao} 60 ° o
om 7 Oo ° - AS .88
2 Aas = =| rear a
A} D ® ba [om] - A Ae i=} one
2 oo 2 - = |@a| S38
| a a -—) = BS 4 oa
° =} D 4 x B S.. S 3 BAS
A 4 ce A é) 4 HH |B mo
American :
United States 5.5.55 see cakes 135 | 7.97 | 3.14 | 53.97) 25.71 9,21 | 1.47} .45 30: 6
North of Potomac..............- 70 | 7.64 | 3.44 55. OL 23, 70 10.21 | 1.63 32 19.6
POUGH. 2 cat yct ect es eb ocaeaeous wus 27 | 8.80 | 2.74 | 52.55 | 26.68 9.23 | 1.47 | .56 38. 1>
Middle West Sane hae che wasn be 8 | 7.12 | 2.96 54. 58 25. 39 9.95 | 1.60 -41 25. 6
West of Mississippi ............ 30 | 8.23 | 2.86 | 52.67 | 29,60 6.64} 1.06 | .41 8.7
German (Wolff):
OM eas eos aeeueesn ab cents col cbcateee 6.30 |. 2.344 46. 53-)° 34.09 |--10. 74] 1.72 Vo cites
ROO as on c's Sn ehh Caeet bias Suettveuens 7,23 | 2.92 47. 84 30. 69 Se a ie ot.) Sl CR: eee rh eS
WOLA SOOW . vp 2a sch vse seu ces of] cea 8.24 | 3.29 | 48.93 | 25.77 | 18.77 | 2.20 |......].....-..

‘The different sections furnish very different qualities of grasses, and
for the reason that those from the North were almost entirely from cul-
tivated soil, while those from the other sections were many or most of
them wild species from old sod. The improvement brought about by
cultivation is marked, and the difference between a ton of wild Western
and Eastern cultivated hay is apparent.

In comparison with German grasses our best do not equal in amount
of albuminvids those classed by Wolff as fair, but they are far superior
in having a much smaller percentage of fiver aud consequently a Jarger

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131

amount of digestible carbo-hydrates. In the grasses of both countries
the fiber increases with regularity as the nitrogenous constitutents
decrease, and of the Jatter the non-albuminoid portion is relatively

great the poorer the quality of the grass,

CHANGES IN COMPOSITION DURING GROWTH.

In addition to the single analysis previously tabulated, analyses
have been made of series illustrating the changes in composition of
several species from the appearance of the blade to the maturity of the

seed.

The grasses examined comprise :

‘I. Agrostis vulgaris. (Redtop.)
A series from richer soil.
_ Aseries from poorer soil.
II. Phleum pratense. (Timothy.)
A series from richer soil.
A series from poorer soil.
A series of first year’s growth from seed sown in garden soil.
A series from La Fayette, Ind.
| A series from Hanover, N. H., the two latter from rather poor soil.
Ill. Dactylis glomerata. (Orchard Grass.)
A series from the first growth.
A series from later growth.
IV. Alopecurus pratensis. (Meadow Fox tail.)
A series from good sod. - _
_V. Poa pratenses. (Blue Grass, Meadow Grass.)
A series from good soil.
A series from poorer soil.
A series from the wayside.
A series from Quincy, II].
VI. Poa compressa. (Wire Grass.
A. series from poor soil. ' .

~

~ VII. Bromus unioloides. (Schrader’s Grass. )

A series from rich, garden soil.

_ VIII. Bromus erectus. (Broom Grass.)

_ A-series from poor-soil.
IX. Holcus lanatus. (Satin Grass.)
A series from poor soil.
X. Arrhenatherum avenaceum.
| A series from medium soil.
XI. Setaria glauca.
A series from medium soil.
XI. Anthoranthum odoratum. (Sweet Vernal Grass.)
A series from medium soil.
XIII. Festuca ovina. (Sheep’s Fescue.)
A series from poor soil, growing in bunches.
XIV. Lolium perenne var. Italicum. (Italian Rye Grass. )
A series from low, moist soil.
A series of first year’s growth from the sced in garden soil.
XV. Lolium perenne. (Rye Grass, Darnel.)
A series from medium soil.

~

132

With a few exceptions the specimens were personally collected in the
grounds of the Department, and ave to be so understood when nothing
else is said in their description. They all grew in the summer of 1880
except the few series illustrative of the first year’s growth of certain
species. The character of the soils has been designated as rich or gar-
den soil, good soil, poorer soil, and wayside soil. The first is that of the
experimental garden of the Department, and is above the average rich-
ness of cultivated soils; the second is that of the lawns about the De-
partment building, the third, a light gravelly soil, occurring in a portion
of the grounds, and the last the gutters and paths.

The specimens were cut close to the roots, weighed and dried rapidly
in a current of air at 60°C. The methods of analysis were such as
have been described in previous reports.

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138

The preceding analyses furnish the data from which is derived the
general conclusion that as a grass grows older its content of water
decreases, ash decreases, fat decreases, albuminoids decrease, carbo-
hydrates increase, crude fiber increases, non albuminoids decrease till
bloom or slightly after, when it is at its lowest, and then increases again
during the formation of the seed.

There are exceptions to these rales, but for the large majority of spe-
cies under ordinary conditions of environment they hold good.

There are almost no exceptions to the fact that the water decreases in
the maturer specimens; that is to say, the plant gradually dries up and
becomes less succulent. The ash is very dependent on locality and
surroundings, and as in the analyses which are here published it in-

cludes whatever soil there may be mechanically adherent to the blade
or stalk as collected, it sometimes shows irregularities from one period
to another. |

The albuminoids decrease in amount with great regularity, the few
cases where an increase appears being due to the fact that the speci-
mens were probably grown under varying conditions.

The fiber sometimes decreases, as in Bromus erectus, but the change
in that direction is never large.

The non-albuminoid constituents, however, are often quite the reverse
of constantin their manner of appearance and disappearance, and show
themselves to be largely or more affected by environment than any other
constituent. In Agrostis vulgaris they continue to decrease after bloom,
and in Anthoxanthum odoratum and Festuca ovina they increase steadily
' from early growth to maturity. The relative amount present in the
same species from different localities is extremely variable, as may be
seen in the analyses of Phleum pratense, where specimens from Indiana
contain almost no non-albuminoid nitrogen, while those from the Dis.
trict of Columbia and elsewhere are well supplied. The specimens from
poorer soil having the smallest amount in some cases:and the largest in
others, the fact can hardly be due directly and entirely to the lack of cul-
tivation, but as the averages show that the best grasses contain the least
non-albuminoids it is plain that it is dependent on the sources of nitro-
gen and the supply furnished the plant. The usual changes in the non-

_ albuminoids seem to point to the possibility that they increase at the

time of the formation of the seed in the act of i coal ia to the seed,
as amides, the nitrogen of the plant.

THE BEST PERIOD OF GROWTH AT WHICH TO CUT FOR HAY.

Although largely a matter of opinion, it would seem from the forego.
ing results that the time of bloom or very little later is the fittest for
cutting grasses to be cured as hay. The amount of water has dimin-
ished relatively, and there is a proportionately larger amount of nutri-
ment in the material cut, and the weight of the latter will be at its
highest point economically considered. Later on, the amount of fiber

_ becomes too prominent, the stalk grows hard, arid, indi gestible, and the
_ albuminoids decrease, while the dry seeds are readily detached from
_ their glumes and lost with their store of nitrogen. }

For different species, however, different times are undoubtedly suit-
able, and experience must be added to our chemical knowledge to
enable a rational decision to be arrived at.

THE COMPOSITION OF THE ASH.

x

: The ash of many foreign varieties of grasses have been analyzed and
_ the results collected and published by Wolff. Of American growth the
e ash of only a number of the wild grasses collected in 1878 have been
_ examined. The results-are here given :

Ash analyses—Grasses.

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_ WMierochtoa borealis (Vanilla Grass) ..... 7.42 | 2.55 |42.73 | 4.49 | 3.97 | 2.54 |31.51 | 4.54 ]..... . 25

Kleusine Indica (Wire Grass)........--- 2.69 | 4.24 /47.56 |10. 09 |10.27 | 4.10 |10.27 | 9.52 |....- 1 26
| Eleusine Indica (Wire Grass) .........-- 9.68 | 5.79 |24.61 | 6.71 |13.65 | 7.38 |24.79 | 7.39 yes

_. Hleusine Indica (Wire Grass) ......-..-. 9. 84 | 8.55 116.25 | 9.61 111.10 | 5.57 (30.98 | 4.55 |..... 3.55

Uniola latifolia (Fescue Grass).-........ 4,92 |.2.62 |66.87 | 4.71 | 7.15 | 3.02 | 5.52°| 5.19 | ....]...6-

Bes don Dactylon (Bermuda Grass) ... | 6.20 | 9.37 |30.29 | 6.05 |13.44 | 5.00 /22.99 | 6.66 |.....].....

gin odon Dactylon (Bermuda Grass) ....| 5.09 {11.31 |30.27 | 9.46 | 7.99 | 2.96 |22.89 9.61 |..... 242

_ Sporobolus Indicus (Smut Grass) ..-.... 6.02 | 4.60 |27.36 11.03 | 2.64 | 2.66 |83.53 |12.16] ....|.....

4 Andropogon Virginicus (Broom Grass) ..| 2.97 | 2.80 |58.33 | 6.37 |-6.76 | 1. 83-|13. 93 _T. OP iso ‘
Andropogon scoparius .....-...- Peete eee 1. 33 |trace .|64.62 15.65 | 2.12 | .58|...... 118.70 Tides dewdes
Poa pratensis (Kentucky Blue Grass) ..| 9.88 | 4.76 |30.25 | 6.30 | 4.81 | 3.23 /33.81 | 6.95 |...../.....
Poa serotina (Fowl Meadow Grass) ..-. |10.80 | 3.35 [87.10 | 3.80 | 6.70 | 2.92 |81.71 | 2.79 }..... 83

| Daetyloctenium Egupt.(Egyptian Grass) | 8 37 | 4.42 |34.17 | 6.76 20.67 | 6.91 |21.20 | 7.50 |.....|.....

| Panicum sanguinale (Crab Grass). ..---. 6.40 | 4.02 -|30.93 | 6.04 | 4.40 | 7.98 (33.56 | 6.67 |.....].....
_ Panieum maximum (True Guinea Grass)| 4.37 | 2.51 [16.51 | 7.77 [10.18 |14. 16 |35.93 | 8.57 |...2-|.....
Panicum obtusum .:.. .................| 5.18 | 6.71 |48.60 | 4.20 | 5.91 | 3.13 |21.65 | 4.62 |.....].....
Fanicum virgatum (Tall Panic Grass) ..; 5.50 | 3.56 |51.17 | 4.93 | 7.87 | 3.63 /18.76 | 3.36 |.....| 1.22
OS es a ne ee 37 | 5.29 145.10 | 4.06 | 7.39 | 7.98 |22. 53 | 1.54 |.- 1,74
Panicum Texanum (Texas Millet...-... 8.48 | 4.63 |34.31 | 6.55 | 7.39 | 4.57 127.95 | 4.54 |..... 1.58
Panicum Crus-galli (Barnyard Grass) ..| 4.27 | 3.69 /42.18 |11.48 | 7.23 | 5.52 |13. 26 /12. 00 |..... .37
Panicum filiforme (Slender Crab Grass) .| 6.37 | 4.84 |40.36 [12.17 | 4.69 | 5.18 |12. 98 |13.41 |...-.]...-.
Sorghum halepense (Johnson Grass) .--.|10.44 | 2.96 {22.21 | 4.58 |12. 87 | 6.73 |35. 72 | 3.68 |...-. . 81
Chrysopogon nutans (Indian Grass) ..... 2.35 | 2.13 |61. 56 | 6.11 | 2.92 | 1.36 |16.84 | 6.74 |.....

_ Muhlenbergia diffusa (Drop Seed) -..-.-. 6.65 | 8.39 139.98 | 8.21 |11.95 | 4.39 |17. 32 | 6.78 1.33
Bromus unioloides (Schrader’s Grass) ...| 8.79 | 5.61 | 4.84 |16.84 | 4.43 | 4. 64 |37.20 (16.38 |... 27
Bromus carinatus (Broom Grass) -..... 9.29 | 3.94 [38.33 | 3.30 | 6.19 | 2.19 [31.61 |..---. 2.17) 2.98

Agrostis exarata (Browntop) - .. ....-. 8.01 | 1.93 |34, 63 | 3.60 | 5.61 | 3.84 /38.41 | 3.97 |..-...}-

— Paspatum leve (Water Grass) ......-.-. 6.18 | 5.64 |44.65 | 1.73 | 9 36 | 5. 26 /25.44 |...... : 1.12

_ _ Setaria setosa (Bristly Fox-tail) ......... 3.24 | 3.51 [42.59 | 3.81 | 2.31 | 1.56 [39.33 |.....- 1.18 | 2.47

_ _ Leptochloa mucronata (Feather Grass)..| 6.46 | 3.31 [55.92 | 2.89 | 5.94 | 2.66 (20.21 | 1.81 |...

_ Tripsacum dactlyloides (Gama Grass) ...| 2.52 | 3.69 |37.84 13.08 | 1.64 | 1.07 |29.06 | 6.30 |..... 4.77

_ Tricupis seslerioides (Tall Redtop) ...... 1.58 | 4.04 137.52 | 7.39 | 2.32 | .53 |38.49 | 8.13 |.....|.....

CONCLUSION.

_ The work which has been collected in the previous pages extended
q over several years, from 1878 to 1883. It was inaugurated by Dr. Peter
kK Collier, as chemist to this Department, and the laboratory work for the
first year was in the hands of Mr. Henry B. Parsons, Mr. Charles Wel-
- lington, and myself. The remainder of the work has been under my
own supervision, and has been almost entirely carried out by Mr. Miles

_ of the results will give them an increased value.

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_ GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN DESCRIBING GRASSES,

Abrupt. Terminating suddenly.

_ Acuminate, Extended into a tapering point.
Acute. Sharp-pointed.
Alternate. Situated regularly one above the other on opposite sides.

Annual. Living but one season.
Anther, The organ containing the pollen or flower-dust.

- Apex. The top or extreme end of any part.
_ Appressed. Pressed together, not spreading.
_Aristate. Having an awn or beard.
Articulated. Connected by a joint or joints.
_ Ascending. Rising obliquely from the ground.

Awl-shaped. Gradually narrowed to a fine point like an awl.
Awn. A bristle-like organ proceeding from the glumes.

_ Axis. The central stem of a panicle, spike, or spikelet on which the flowers are dis-

posed. :

3 Beard. A long slender hair or awn.

_ Biennial. Living through two seasons.

_ Bifid. Divided into two portions at the apex.
Bisexual. Having both stamens and pistils.

Blade. The expanded portion of a leaf.

Boat-shaped. Folded together in the form of a boat; convex outwardly aud concayo

on the inside.
Branch. A division of the stem or panicle.
Branchlet. A secondary division of the branch.
Bristkhs. Short, stiff hairs.
Bulbous. Thickened like a bulb.
Cespitose. Growing in bunches or tufts. ‘
Capillary. Hair-like, very slender.
Carinate.. Keeled, having a prominent ridge in the center.
Cartilaginous. Firm and tough like cartilage.

Cauline. Belonging to the culm or stem.
Chaff. The dried glumes and palets of grasses.

Chartaceous. The texture resembling paper or parchment in thickness,
Ciliate. Having the margin or nerves fringed with hairs.
Compressed. Flattened laterally.

Contorted, Twisted.

4 - Convolute. Rolled together inward from the margins.
Coriaceous. Of a leathery consistence.

Cornaceous. Of a horn-like consistence.

Culm. The stalk or stem of grasses.

Cuspidate. Ending in a sharp, stiff point.

Decumbent. Reclining on the ground, bnt rising at the top.
Dichotomous. Branching in twos, forking by pairs.

_ Digitate. Dividing from a common point.

141

142

Diecious. Having the stamens and pistils on separate plants, the staminate tlowe:.
on one and pistillate flowers on sence

Diverging. Widely spreading.

Dorsal. Belonging to or growing from the back.

Emarginate. Having a notch at the end.

Entire. Without notches or divisions.

Equal. Alike in length. |

_ Exserted. Protruded, extended beyond, standing out.

Ferlile.. Having perfect pistils; producing fruit.

Fibrous. Having thread-like divisions,

- Filament. The stalk or support of the anther.

Filiform, Tread-like.

Flecuous. Bending freely.

Floret. The flowers of grasses are sometimes called florets.

Foliaceous. Resembling a leaf.

Fusiform. Spindle-shaped, largest in the middleand tapering to both ends.

Geniculate. Bent abruptly, like a knee.

Genus. A group of species having a general agreement in structure,

Glabrous. Smooth, without hairs or roughuess,

Glaucous. Having a grayish green color.

Glomerate. Clustered in small roundish heads.

Glumes. The chaff-like leaves forming a part of the flowers.

Herbaceous. Herb-like, not woody.

Hirsute. Pubescent, with rather stiff and coarse hairs.

Hyaline. Thin and transparent. ‘

Imbricate. Closely overlapping each other, as frequently the flowers of a spikelet.

Indigenous. Growing naturally; not bronght from some other country.

Inferior. Lower in position.

Inserted. Growing out of, or upon another.

Internode. The space between two nodes or joints,

Involute. Rolled together inwards.

Joints. Thickenings in the stem where the leaves Sie nek, separable parts of an
axis; point of issue of the branches of a panicle.

Keel., An elevated longitudinal ridge, in the middle of a leaf, glume, or palet; re-
sembling the keel of a boat.

Lamina. The free or expanded portion of a leaf, as distinguished from the petiole or
the sheath; the blade of a leaf.

Lanceolate. Tapering gradually to the apex, like a lancet.

Lateral. At or from the side.

Ligule. A tongue-like appendage at the upper part of the sheath of a leaf.

Line. The twelfth part of an inch.

Linear. Long and narrow, with parellel sides.

Lobe. Some division of a glume.

Male flower. <A flower that has stamens, but without pistil.

Membranaceous. Thin like a membrane, generally somewhat translucent.

Monecious. With stamens and pistils in different flowers on the same plant.

Midrib. The central and principal verve of a leaf or glume.

Mucronate. Abruptly tipped with a short awn or bristle.

Nerws. The ribs or veins of a leaf, or leaf-like organ.

Neutral. Having neither stamens nor pistils.

Nodes. Knots or thickened portions in the eulms.

Oblong. Longer than wide, with nearly parellel sides.

Obovate. Egg-shaped, with the wider end uppermost.

Obtuse. Blunt or rounded at the apex.

Oval. Broadly elliptical, approaching a rounded form.

.

143

Ovate. Egg-shaped.
Palet or palea, The inner scale or chaff of the proper flower, placed nearly opposite
___ and a little higher on the axis than the flowering glume,
- Panicle. A branched and subdivided stem bearing the flowers.
Pedicel. A smali branchlet supporting a spikelet.
Peduncle. The main stem or stalk of a flower-spike.
‘Perennial. Living more than two years, or indefinitely.

= Perfect. Having both stamens aud pistils.
Petiole. The stem of a leaf.
ae Pistil. The central or female organ of a fertile flower.
_ Pistillate. Having only pistils without stamens.
-Plumose. Feather-like. ;

Pollen. The powder contained in the anthers,
_ _ Pubescent. Clothed with short and soft hairs.
é Radical leaves. Those growing from the base of the culm.

= - Revoluie. Ro ling backwards or outwards.
| Rhachis. The axis or stem on which the flowers of a spikelet are arranged; also the
as common axis of a close spike or of a panicle.

Rhizoma or Root-stock. A horizontal underground stem.

+ Ribs. Prominent uerves of the leaves or glumes.
a . 3 Rugose. Wrinkied or furrowed.
_ Seabrous. Rough, with small points or short stiff hairs.
_ Searious. Dry and thin, and generally transparent.
- Sericeous. Covered with soft, silky hairs.

a e Serrate. Having teeth on the margin, pointed towards the apex.

4 — Serrulate. Finely-toothed.

_ Sessile. Without a foot-stalk or pedicel.

_ Setaceous. Like a bristle.
a - Sheath. That part of the leaf which embraces the culm or stalk.
| Spike. A collection of sessile or nearly sessile flowers on a close, narrow axis.
" Spikelet. ‘A flower or cluster of flowers having one pair of outer glumes.

- Stamen. The male organs of a flower, including the anther aud filament.
_ Staminate. Having only stamens.
Sterile. Imperfect flowers not producing seed.
_ Strict. Erect and close.

__ Stoloniferous. Sending off offshoots or runners from the base. —
__ Strigose. Having spreading, bristly hairs.
_ Style. That portion of the pistil bearing stigmas or a stigmatic surface; in grasses
» often branching. : el, :

Subulate. Stiff and linear, shaped like an awl.
- Succulent. Fleshy and juicy.

Truncate. Abruptly cut off at the apex.
— - Unequal. Not of equal length. :

— Verticillate. Arranged in a whorl or whorls.
- — Fillous. Velvety, clothed thickly with long, soft hairs.

_ Whorl. A number of leaves or branches arranged around a stem on the same plane.
| Woolly. Clothed with long and matted hairs.

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exarata var. gs cea teases teres PSO Fao SS eb eee nocd «Sdn ey Wok Mee eD 106
vulgaris Rae ee RMS ls © iets ole web let iwieS'e > Ss 5. <\b0s see ccs cncoecad cove cocess 43

SCOPAriNs... 20-5 ..2.. es a ee ey oe eer ae aera: Z 27
ana ee eae feed Saba seve ss sc.: oo uers Bee
j ‘Anthoxanthum i Mw RS bine Se WS Cla sess aesscbsese saveseune 34

Blue grass, oe a siren o's iain s 5 cc adn w 0d Sve oct assed odode eee 74
Kentucky ......--.. Renn stance dpb se dupe vcs ecentacannc teeeek 75

mountain ....- Ee eM ees aes Sate as wek Aas ae ae oea eee teste 7
SS Bea Bares: > 0 Sea eee eseeee otee eee eee ee wo tee eee cece cone ee -
Bluejoint ..----.---- Sse Sey eee ire gray SRV EANEG EE Asc. caneee Sees 20, 51
eee ee, Se Pa Resin ws 620 bw Gath a cus na vee sane pice cow diet stebay 87
peas oligostachya ..--- DEG Voae eR ace aaka ce toe OR OO ee yS iiaees 62

3 eee OO IE Mende hss eek ass ake ee Py eee P- 63
P eaieus secalinus ..--- WERE RReEha coh pee od oSds sdaes ses denante eeeaee naan - 84

3 oie URIIOIGSAS soso e- se See ane eh Sas m cu cn dae geaaasc ere aot Veeas San
SS Se ee eee eee o Sead pact sede ceseaane cons aE
- Buchloé dacty loides..... 22.222... ae SEAS cnt aka ie « Sereeel eee fine? 66
- Buffalo grass.-.-.. Fags Ra eye Ras Gates es hye Se Se owe yaad doe a eee =r
ARON LORS Ss ics we ee es oh Pele Mas kag othe eoswhp us Savas oTouepaae itp Sekbpe 83
99

51

53

52

33

84

84

ONE ee ae ey alles cu 'se o see SASS Se ey ony Or ea eo Meee. yt

_ Calamagrostis err ENE Ue dee Saco 8 os ales talbcg a waweleees SP eros to
SRI Oo 4 wn — alate ances Chen Soca sega oul cvse tae evolu

3 ae ee RES ene Pees Sane infos eke pap aap

Ganaiy grass, American.... .-- ReMi dake wale does gam ke Ppa 0 np wd peeeenes

, Brest AA ey ee ee Pee dls a's on « Boe tira gee ate FS eo F eweacwee sepeeene

103

bur iets aie weeceeoe eave eese ert eeese vee eere cere re ce eeeer ewreeere sree wnrse ese eee eS Sem

4 5 : cise % sa
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INDEX OF PLATES
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IGNOT, DHPAD oo. 02 05< cece iesee os Lie swe uh oS Paige daw enh ee meee eke dese Os wae
WRC COE ois ge esac. DN eka oh ele eae ag ses A ode eae apnea tone bea ee
SE INR Sg os Sachs ose Rha hoe. 6 ne Ue gaccoe't me nah senha eae Rateee PP aceon eenes
PUM EMNS Ek Soe ino ay os tne pub hg Stee s tee peeks Soubot is eaacantnee eee
See PUREE Lo eS Gls cob hg oe de on Sx wep eh keameees Cada Ne Spd Ste
EN TRI ss are EG oe ale aS cid baie blag oS he bmg AMENDS Sika DME pel eee
Cut grass 2.2. 22 eae wo oe ee nee we eee ce ree ce eee ce ne cee ee cece ne cece cannes
Cynodon Dactylon .-.. ..-. .. 2200 coe cone ooo wane concen woe e come e ewe ceee mecess
SERS PUMOTORM 5 oiso- 5 ooo sce se we enidn ss Heide aetne ry te teon see Sas eee
PNOTIGNGE DACKDILORD . <2 <5... - oi ease ws chorea gecns=s sueeee keanGe @eeN ne awES
Diplachne dubia ...-....--- ie iceens od ac cube ceucee cea PaaS ack Ament ae
SeUMIAOUIIS FAATIGIING . oss. 5k cere ne vo caee chase hs cept oe yest sence yer esebaees
MIORSING AOYPtiaca :- 0... 6-2 oe cae venice esos opts cdgeebanneee snd nha Mnes awe
ENGICB 2 oe coin woe eon coe waste apse seer eree=erenc vine whiegiail stems
Elymus Canadensis ...... .-.--. .-------2-++ -e-- Sea VARA aS Oe ne ee ae
Sondensatus:. 2. .- +. - vs oincs os sean ss o¥e eer suare vee eae aueasene aaa
Virginions .. 0.5. 6... esol ee esenys eaeeivs mage bh asec ebay Reeneiees
MPAagrostis Major... .- <n oe. . 2c ene eee hn neg nae ons one ewe 1 «ae ae pee wenwa ween tyes
Erodium. cicutarium....-.....---.2---- 2-220 es EE ere rr ea
Bisparsette .... 222. on. oe ene cee ne ce ene ce wns ree s cece cons wen cne conan
Pchiwne lUXurians ..5 22 6. -s--t ns vnceen nun tine SPEER be eRe h eRueL EE REeeS a wee
Egrotia lanata .... ose. cccces ncn ne toccuharcndulbeeyponeceneh sual e osm yeeaen
Fescue, sheep’s...--. -- rr er ee ee ee eA ee
tall meadow - 6.252. 5250-2 ss ose etackeswayeeniege Coke meen Renae weenem
Festuca elatior....... 6.2. .- +06 soeeceee «seus gee Spa eee Sayeed ban «io ohn eee
OVINA..-- -- meg ccc wce co ccce steers seee cote nest peeves seen faneowesnerne
scabrella ... 2226s ce, scons seccnt pu cuae sone sekm Seep Vatennss Geuewanm
Fow] meadow grass -.......---<+.--- ee re peo dccaudess Devlin eee
Foxtail, meadow...-....-- pe Scows tecenvadnsusies deBanas pi eek) Seghine essen
Gama glass... ------- 222+ 222 eee eee eee eee eee ee eee cece ee ce eeee eweidean hewmen
General illustrations of grasses :
~Piaséctions of Mow6ts ..c. ews scns.ccuewaat akemese cae yee ee gues Roemer ee wekE
PafidrescenCe 2... sig ese cacccs beset sncheden ee ds hehe sh baasev ea nee ween eee
Boote. and: rhizomes: ....... 2s. -saseceumse ba baente eaeeeeles eae s oa eee ween
Sheaths, ligules, and blades ....-.......... skh Rie chine ip etek es eal ee
Glyceria arundinacea ........ Siok sss ee eee ebb SekUN Sais sa Sumeinwtrahe
OMNAMODSIS 5 5 bee ss 64 oo asd ma ERR EW hm cede Do wn een ea einai ee A eee
DOTV GUD 6 oss cp edise eg sees coda doles sks Ue eea wee cease wean whee bebaneemee
Ge ar ee mr Pee peer eee re Wsecde a eaaeh che ance anes he ee Aaa

GARINCA. ZIAKS . 6 << 0a cans 2505 eo we eee se Se SS tne gee meep Sop) oo
EE SOME 95 8! cuba di wh gs when se none neve Kee tigiaws wegen son tae + keoe wn Wess seoeiia
EE INOW potas gk ckinc snc.0s be cycle ee
SEMIN DAB AUOB 65 5 6628 6k ge asec concn vicme + chidlaan We wah ia ¢ oo deb dea renee
MUMBO UR TARR Ss oho a oo 5 wow tin een tic os ekg Sey nab en ance chub ee andeeves secs
RIEIGOU. BTOES «oii. 'c «Sako Kok ons eon cneped nocmnse Wen bet sie onsets deel i ee gael hes
EE ROO oin'n 5h dig eh nbn 456s nse es cto nds. sacet nnn ade even base hake peep ates wamnpe
EEE CRIOUDAM cc GbAditae due 68 cnos G6 4n Ry. Se cabs eeeade sours oh esnewulles dau, fe
EG ARCOM cia h obs kis sche ay ok « spp oissc tumsy sae Sabipecce & nk wbaeiwl oe oe
PMT DOTONNG 6. 25>» pono so cade os an cots wie seg eaes~sy
PEOBDOUEEE BEPIBG aa R ik nan nen sncnoe oceans os'mceew bugeevnecansilstmabeboetape see
PICGLNG An See binthipnw dtp. ew ba cce'e vce ces vowccvisd ecu CHbwEd Sonnac ieee neces owns
Medicago denticulata

_ sativa .

aie eid ee ee ee

¥ Pas a
147 |
‘ Plate.
SIERO RMD Ra AO Dae he Pain’ Kadine sve cee pbas wo buduvs ccvvicnoakdeeuine 111
Rene RAE SEE ows an eewanneveccme ouar i b'sdseus vcvecave cosehekewkue 110
MERE GS SRE SNES maine nn ap 0 vcemes cn seen sav sch at poss tapeieaues 112
Millet grass, Indian ARME MOMS Sees +See a a's.gcans sogh cose cvs sincvcioune suestuan ene 13
Re enisHR a RKwn 50 ~bininiag Samwee wecess civespetucce tacudecabeeane 41
Mublenbergia PPM N a 8 Sona K inion d.s Genin nase sbi. 5-5 onda cepestewneenee 104
Nd CEES carole s ¢ bd paia'n oe ya's a dbaee dun oceece tte 41
I fags, Sp igh ove s <= Kcr thie bee tvence 00% cuatieee nae 42
I oe ssi oe hay oo o's 3d se oh ny Gave west 402 <atecoeh aie 43
RE tranny Cnet mice vens ce debinecams seettsber eee 44
ee RMOINae Soke ae dard s'e'k one Hd css ts os kenassynbapaeece sipsdneokee Al
Oat grass, tall Sie la od wo cine bp bv wy o'sune posse inn ck Vag 58
REEDS cist ee Winn kalup se wsig's ches ssne usnas Goes dxdda eden 30
Dee eM MRS Sica nlamin Deda eae bac sons osc sess aneticcensumuee 95
TE eG hos oe 5 odie ong Seco neces cece esc cdesecwesceccuwlcces 99
REM REa Wardi bn adie Uv wee on cncc tore nc bsckes suavpewaen 72
Oryzopsis Eee Dad Wale woud ccc we seus cove’ aciecccnccdviode chadwe 39
NN fed es oe ce enw cnn once tenn nn ewe cng cece conned 17
2 Ue 18
: IR acs oa n'c odela ce vevice cesecoce Jove sinc cncevewone 12
CE DRE ah als sn wiade onesie escce sen decs cocane coceescus® 14
Geni oa o's ow obo pee woe Sone nes vec ees soak Sas esh 103
I Ba So Liidn'a: Sue Sinise 6 a0 dec viee vine soos nsedaaeu aden 9
ESS 6 SS aE ae ee ee po othyeae kein 13
RE Eig hie 5s Vive no ooo 6 va cae onus escewses none cckwakecbiog 11
SS ee ae a cae, eee 15
SE ee We G Ds 5 aso sicko cise co 5 gnet wows consce ance tocmba sacs 10
; virgatum ie SSE oe RR ReniG is abo sis nyituas fuses icodds depwonseunne 16
yo DB pcikos I NEO a a oN. alas neice oe cee 0054s veces op stes date 6
Para grass -..-. MAME tar geste e < cpes cas a noe se -ese cco cceenacusth 12
_ Phalaris arundinacea ................... SEE Ee | SO A Rm EARP hs | 32
: ES ate is oe. aa ob owe 6 hic eens see 255s ceascaas rake shag 32°
gs a cao riko one n we on ds ne aoe cacneecubacace 45
I gre as nan oa ka pec tne bie onsen ceoceqenschepurces 68
SOE IES SSS REIS Dig SIRO PE DO DER PPE E ER REET 20
a en pos tse wens occs snes sn ceed cone nmedcnnees oe
Boog Shirin swe cast sevens ee oo span cos eieses onsauveuhwes 73
a NN eg oy oda hc See ven ace pe cniees ted 0d sc ceas cacggeideaen 73
ira Compresss...- J. 125s... 2c... Wee oe mennhe «2-0 2qGayd akee week Ove 74
% pratensis. |. 2.. 5. <.. “RSE a eee a ae ey ae eh EE RR OE ce ENE SS 75
MONG rh oa, ols boca kw -5 ends sand octs bac cove qens coe a seme 76
a dh og vn cues seue cu setcte'eeoeknaeanabeen 77
Bes SE RICKIY POAT ose e oi en in nn ns ons a eee teens cone cw cen cence case cons 99
3 PRPURON BEMBG iis os ola scans aes coc eed n eho c ne coc cee teeenetecnvetecess 88
Bs Reed grass... 2. 2-5. iss sin. cece gece eee ene cece een ee cnn e nner nee cs ences 68
ee ee Oo ee ep en er eee Tere rt 48
4 WOSEERD oe en ee ee ene ten ee cen ent commen cone conn enes conene at
me Relief grass, Stewart’s .--.-. ....-- 2. cnc ee ce eee cee ee cee ee cece cara ages 33
Se Richardeonia scabra .... ....... 2. o.oo. eee e cee wee cee n es neeeneccesen senses UG
| — Rye grass, percnnial .......-. Nisg ass h teeees ceceee pacers serene ctcees sees scenes 08%
OSS cee {ghia ape ha nnneeee Serene rere ec | oi
RRMA GUMBO cee 5s 5 ce ies. ss esp to ay ne oho o cece soenes -Hesesns tas ennes a
ee petatia glauca ..cs-5.2..-: v4. + 2s Splits es Fost rivw seer wach ee aca tn neste Seen aes ~
Be Tea ao ca ae ss oe enn estes panes ss tates eet pes
47

Plate,

Busoni halopenediwy oss. 3a sles cg bon eee ce ae eae te 31
Spartina cynosuroides.....-.....-....--.-- uswavarst Ukbyouen sb acees one ee fi . GD
PONOBR Saag Rona ods vale Sal Ob Laney SER wep Saas Oven Eee ae eee 61
SERIES RITOINCE Soc hc ch ok bac'npoaceeebGs cbc hss soeee Sehnert Py ob keen 105
SPUERUOI oe doa ce cen = TR eee ae OPE bee para baa we eee 46

NDGOOME sa Gina ne sc KSEE cae ee Cus Sahm dCenip esd pee bee ok SERMC RI eee 47

CMRI LOD, cccy diehion cas chs eoeges ccs $ nok pabanp abs tat ~fbhasubia ie eet eae 38
RE Nes tle 2 USA gee Siig meet al go" Peis NE say ORE RE = 37
DG WORT OTMNO cross eo. Cocos cence wo eceson tetngt <ords -pueeaeenOLeune 34
EM. ola he Cut eno doy sant pb oe caWenaotpa samme’ sine Cake aadh sti bakes 16
EE os oss dees whoa conv cove -Scree vane OF Obes Coen ee eri asauae cee 22
SRS Eri ee gE Si oa Rae aiipepe ee ape te Be) 3 i kask Signe Ghee ieee 45
MIORSE LEY OTTO vocwer's ss oben soo ua'seuned cud whamceiel kas abet cues pbenenee 92
SHCHPR ACO ooo... ois oc code sp sane e piste oN a tte eae 6 ayia a eee 94
Stolonifernm... 2 52.-. nc 20 coy cos cpuneb adcedesubeen oops be dee keene 94

MIMOWID BAIUSLEO 2s oc sc ee pine town eae neues ane Sheeee CRRGa ee ene 55
-subspicatum 22... 6... +e ets sees ce gale We Sedna dm ecea pees bh ool pee ee 56
REEIOCIG SOKICTIOINGS «2 oso. i ct a antes bleiben wena hens come ane ee 67
merpaacoum dactyloides-°. 22. 2... 2c nose ocet ahem aut enue san sue v esac GEE ene 21
PERSO ARGIIOND foc ce) sic cins cove s coutne tues Weueme nee eee oink pianie nua Nip pth eente 113°
EC EMS os od on ou gw endg aya meh deesves eee ae scwees dseweusess srhUnwes ne ypas 54
WRIGO BTBKG. coo oS oe re eee codine veucan so deat becuse aus a+ > sua eetn eats suns 24
DE POBIB So osc ne eden soca abate swe Jamecece ons Ghee se eon pe bieas wine ane 57
PRT TIOO. ceks wdc dues 3i.oo oe aee bee veers Some ote cece ce ee come neem ne ene ewes 23
BMG TY Oe. os oss Seee seu cen onc} Seen +h bce an beeen eine eens glee een ae eee £9, 91
Winter fat........ ie Wish) ve eae end w ols: ail. o ais biw wise e's maenOR ae eal Ue one 4k a oa 100
WEOOG PTASB. 2.5 5 22s lee e ed cscecebecceu soa Sestmeeake aha eee thee signee ay nee 30
ZIZania aquatica. ... 2. secs cess sec ce ‘cen e canswic cose ateedudeeelew hs ahem n nite 23

je)

\

_ ROOTS AND RHIZOMES OF GRASSES. Soe

~~
i 4 .
: wt y ;
‘ Tisg = ~ ad
, € Fa
4 * =

SHEATHS, LIGULES, AND BLADES OF GRASSES.

SY,

=f

AY
XY
A

i}
‘

me
eau 4 “7

A)
See ft eG
ay ¢

f
|
i

Wy

\

\Y)
D SWZ
Un

Wes :
Wy Zi
Wie
YW Zig
WN,
| GHB,
N)7 Wy
SSN 4)

INFLORESCENCE OF GRASSES.

Fa
ee nae Ae.

DISSECTIONS OF GRASS FLOWERS.

fi
a

ee es

LObEwUs 7

DW)
Sia

PASPALUM DILATATUM

PLATE 6.

W.R.SCHCLL.delL.

PASPALUM DISTICHUM.

: a
are S
Schone Vaan
ely ‘
‘Bs *y oa

‘> ie De
i, Rete
es ees

afedig;
noes oO <

Sees ke Sp pate,
SS ast Sar, -

s oa, r}
eats oJ Neds

pe Sbaicss §

a

BECKMANNIA ERUCAFORMIS,

PaNICUM MAXIMUM, Guinea grass.

©
&
o
H

_ Payicum TExXaNuM

ws

PRAMS. eg BN POO GI i ET ge CE muthton atltten Nazi"
. thal $ wg id re , ~

4

tea

oo ee
' ria aa
: “a
F

4

ratte

SOP ROP Re:
Sat ae

~
:

Para grass.

_~PANICUM BARBINODE,

PLATE 13. |

=

SS

:

ren

é
“
5
a

PanicuM CRUS-GALLI, Barh-yard grass.

PANICUM SANGUINALE, Crab grass.

LS. 29 TUt ce eee

ora ee

ait oe Z

oe

oo ee

"
f

%
+

TERED ROARS grant FPR Eo

TS

PANICUM AGROSTOIDES.

[42

PLATE 17,

—

SETARIA ITALICA, Hungarian grass.

ae ig, See

MES
GAL

. E
wn
fs

:
,
Za oa
> aie

Lee

=.)
ry)
F
5
a

Pucut ENA LUXURIANS, Teosinte.

EE SSS

Se

ara

ZizaNta aquatica, Wild rice.

ss : ate +

a
2
a)
a

LEERSIA VIRGINICA, White grass, Cut grass.

ees

te

ar ee a, eae yt Oi. be <4

ANDROPOGON SCOPARIUS, Broom sedge.

as

a
3
Z
2
Z

~ MARX.DEL.

MACROURUS.

- ANDROPOGON

PLATE 29.

. Ss —~ > —
— —— oe — —ES Oe
= ia = a — SSS ——— =
S—S—Saox“xce®:

iy
V4
V

ANDROPOGON FURCATUS, Bluejoint.

‘

x
s

Ta ee AY OCP ee ee eRe oe? Po AS FR Tah es eR Ot Fee), ee PPS OD eye Le Cee ne ea EE
c ah nas Tae «ss Pot - Z Qs t TK Ws te mite , Trdsyep ‘ > :
‘ ‘ ‘ 4 : = ay i Ran . ray
: 4 ; 4 7 L i P ik, ¥ » 4 Pn ™ J

Yaar ta.

f NS
V ? s. = ——. =

PLATE 31,

SoRGHUM HALEPENSE, Johnson grass.

a . 7 = | ey

PLATE 32.

O.HEIDEMANN.SC:

PHALARIS ARUNDINACEA.

a

PHALARIS INTERMEDIA

*
Ken >

e
i
5
:
4
e 3
E
5
R

PLATE 34,

ANTHOXANTHUM ODORATUM, Sweet vernal grass.

\
WARK.DEL.

‘ : { ; id
ee : re 1,
‘ Fo. \ : oly 2 ray: ee 4 id
te i ; , z 5 Ba RS ae an alc at 25 ty et roe @ fe a eS) ce eee ee ;|
pees ey aha ie tea cb 3 rath eh ECAP ae: yeaa fone SG Ne a Pils) balk es SMe i eA OE SAR Sp ee eee
Fe Ahi tae Us Fi Awe ee cae eo” eee s ‘é

Sint vO

PLATE 35.

/ If 2
Y iy) i] ;
lif
Yi)
Y/ ,
fe
Mh)
;
4
|

~ AMANICHOLS-ENG, figs. ; , 5 WARK-DELL =
| 3 Gare ALOPECURUS PRATENSIS, Meadow foxtail. ;

ree 5 = : 4's

x

-

PLATE 36. ‘

MARX.DEL.

ARISTIDA PURPUREA, Awned bunch grass.

AELNICHOLS-ENG.

ne
3

Tou mh
ae

$

PLATE 37,

_ STIPA VIRIDULA.

eT
Sana et ann

oa a

vam So ew
Le. € A, es gd

PLATE 39, _

Tw CTAVI AD Oe ee

-__ ORYzZoPsIS cusPIDATA, Indian millet grass.

*

ate pe tay trata

MILIUM EFFUSUM.

aed MUHLENBERGIA DIFFUSA, Nimble Will.’

ey ha

| a c 7 GF

PLATE 42.

oe K.A.NIGHALS,
MUHLENBERGIA GLOMERATA.

te

= Heri:

- MARX.DE

MUHLENBERGIA SYLVATICA.

:

Timothy.

a

\

aioe

_ SPOROBOLUS CRYPTANDRUS.

sel.

Smut grass.

a
ha

OBOLUS.

‘SPOR

Pos
ae iy 50
3 wok,

PLATE 48,

RR

SSS SS BES
N e
MARK

WW

oe i AGROSTIS VULGARIS, Red top. :

pone AGROSTIS EXARATA, Western red top.

Sr ya Se

|

4

7%
Ce,
ape
i

eo

Vee:

CINNA ARUNDINACEA,

.

edinaionant

bm ws

rs

tat

~

'

4

PLATE 51,

fei |

r a

/

_ NICHOLS-ENG.

MARKA-DEL

- CALAMAGROSTIS (DEYEUXIA) CANADENSIS, Bluejoint.

y

*:
bs

Rie Shiai
a Soe 4 :

Ee :
Eat =

PLATE 52,

tt

: WAX DERG
-’ CaLaMaGRosTIs (DEYEUXIA) SYLVATICA.

F
-

rae

Gi eee

ee ad La ped

Pe

a ad

a (eee, "
pte Sa ie)

Pe | PLATE 53.

pia ee See eetar dg

ee OAD AMAGROSTIS LONGIFOLIA. - Safeor tes FARE

hc

rap Se Net ga
~~ ¢ _ v 4
Ce 2 A

We

‘ LE; Wd ANS s&s \—
. + eae ‘ : Tj 4 \($ Y si \S

= : 6 4 M ~

= | % " = j yy wy, = - . - S s <

“ANicho/s.S¢ bef > : ~~ Z VOLES: Ee. Oo} RASS
ee : ;

_. _Hoxcus. ‘LANATUS, Velvet grass. —

| PLATE 54.

Hoar db,

:
See

ee ee ee ee ee eee re ete TS BEd Se

=

—s

3

ee ee = po =
’~fieet. Be be ern ee Oe

CT. PS SS

PLATE 55.

Sa

,

TRISETUM PALUSTRE.

; < A
A 4! Ps 35 :
wo
wis 4 ee Ne ded

Ne aa, Cw eal We eee So hee ee

- PLATE 56

SS

Re SG Te EN yea re el ae eT ee Pad oN Lb aig Pree Pe eee a ee pene

\.

WELNICHGLS.

TRISETUM SUBSPICATUM.

A IS Ce RR TaN RS = nin nay refer eaaligs

AVENA FATUA, Wild oats,

___ ARRHENATHERUM AVENACEUM, Tall meadow oat grass.

8 ee ee

nary tp VE

ee eee

A A Pg > ee rm me

PLaTE 59.

{
.
Jy f i
-
“
\
a: ng
= em
el .
, 1, Om
>
-
F a Ss \ NS
ak SN
<< =
7
_
.
rt
7
s

:
~

—

: =S
s .
os

Cynopon DacTyLon, Bermuda grass.

renee
eee Cone anaes

Ce a ORE NEE VOU SR

* a

-2y
al

NOOR dor emer mee

Seabees
Sons

Se RR Rw Sed a ae GN al ME nM ef bt Sy atten el ek a eA — fe ee ys anes ney wd

eA te We

SPARTINA CYNOSUROIDES, Cord grass.

Stet h
seein
bs

PLATE 61,

SPARTINA JUNCEA.

OHEIDEMANN.SC.

PLATE 62.

BOUTELOUA OLIGOSTACHYA, Gramma grass, Black gramma.

PLATE 63.
\
AS

a
W.R.SCHOLL. deL

_ BOUTELOUA RACEMOSA, Tall gramma

ee

i
"3. 3

ae De, 7 : ; ‘ ru r .
: see ee: nD RT EELS So ED POO rena Rete, eT ee SURES? IAT E RE Cay TE atv Tes CLA POUR A MRRES RAG RAT Se ARON ETE

grass.

ey:

> POA

Le Seasty
Sey aly

"
tay
©

: —= i er ° ~? ba Roe - 7 a ee ee ee ee ee = — ™ — - — PO er i eT Tate
. t- a ’ ‘ rs . ? =

SOG a 8 we ee OE ime iene

PLATE 64.

ELEUSINE INDICA.
\

Ce Pees et eee ERs Fabs yo. ee

PLATE 65.

>
oe
a

AS

~~

_ELEUSINE Aigyptraca, Crowfoot.

NIT Yr a a SE oe ee a A ee ae
4 /

WARK- DEL.

Buffalo grass.

ey

BUCHLO# DACTYLOIDES,

WCHOLS

Sal,

: " be) Sai 3 ? et : & ‘or 5
+ as “4 Pires r - Ar hia 4 ie Peas SP ae se se a tr 7 na Re ae ! ug ie
¥ Tg Fee Set) eas bn ee ee hE gD SLOW LAA NRE o0y Col Skee Se ee ve Matree &, Os Se eee Lr,

un at se ee

PLATE 67

TRIODIA SESLERIOIDES.

7—|

PLATE 68,

eS PHRAGMITES COMMUNIS, Reed grass.

PLATE 69, )
;
;
|

=

Sie

\

e

TANLOR.G

KGLERIA CRISTATA,

Nee

¥ 4 Se ie Cee a BF

- _BRAGROSTIS MAJOR.

|
( i
ry
4 ¢
a

*

’ PLATE 70...

; Vie
Sa Oe. ORE Let eS

fi ptt ec dws) Pay ws
Pal
et — —< oe =

4

wetntetnaicintpilinds

= Z
SSS, SSs

hey ond ae
s Lis: ee ae
pis: Bibs Ge

TS = ~

aha
Pcs

mie is Le = thi 5 ae

wie oe
-

Te lasts ages

a Z
ae
eo:
=
s

7

br

RK ‘

Ni

Bowen

DISTICHLIS MARITIMA,

A

Salt. grass.

SS in

PLATE 72,

-

Pa ee ee NE Ree
;

»

See,

LAS,

SZ

cos DACTYLIS GLOMERATA, Orchard grass. Ht

vet

er ei eee ed ; é tata epee it Bano se we
ee eA IRIN ye sckrg SOUL aN vee me ee SETA cee eae CEE mes tap ee
he LH as J f eee Oe eee ee er tr se ., a Ca ee ee ek eae Sree ae, eee

POA ARACHNIFERA, Texas blue grass.

ARDELL.

POA COMPRESSA, English blue grass.

PLATE 74.

bee oul

gap
a? ae

WOK deb.

Poa PRATENSIS, Kentucky blue grass, June grass.

PLATE 75.

PLATE 76,

MRT TET eT RTT

Ly ’
) \
HAWKS

aX

POA SEROTINA, Fowl meadow grass.

,

| §
i
at
vn

POA TENUIFOLIA.

PLATE 77.

WARADEL.

‘

, os ae ¢ chm mh
rea eee FE aia ap the San
Li ceaeats in Ss aides SEE ITT
a : ees

? PW sata
to eaten de tls 2d ‘
t rim?

Sars

tie ts Meine VATE Ae

“
<

PLATE 78,

Poa ANDINA, Mountain blue grass.

leet tan

““

: Re Pose ie PAP

PLATE 79.

GLYCERIA ARUNDINACEA,

MARX.DEL. ”

GLYCERIA NERVATA,

d
aad
ine
1
=)

i

PLATE 81.

FESTUCA ELATIOR. Tall meadaw feccene

PLATE 82,

AANICKOLS EN

FESTUCA OVINA, Sheep’s fescue.

s

ae
.
oe,
ste
a)
oa.
at
~ *
ZY
S,
AR x
j
=
ae
a
a
3
Pes
Tz
be
ae
4 ”
B's
ie
Fe
3
~e
le
“Ss
i
=

alg

PEE Ne ey eet hy
: ys

sa i oe Sag tag

a Va

ae

Se hy iS elas el

tia? |

¢

FESTUCA SCABRELLA, Rough-leaved fescue.

PLATE 83.

PLATE 84,

MARA.DEL.

—_
BROMUS SECALINUS, Chess.

2 4. \FA|
<i aa. ZA i,

ae ay Saas So Wee gh eee BOB) take ies * deal OD FR eye ee CPCS ae aes FP Ne oe TY Par + ns Mot rr ae SE ue tod Ske ORE ¢ os eb Ph de Livia tials Beata die hie by 1 j ae tery tay Sena Lu et
Fn ena RETO Dee MRA og mate Rae EAM OMe ee PANS eae Ae Ee eM oe MP Sere Re mE ee Ba Poe OR Nod Sec EMy Ramen AST OME ELEN A fo rds vt OEE eae TY he MRT ID ol Tote sae are Ait ee Rave pene Soe Be” Asaseiiito sb tins, 9 Sas

é
:

ney ay

oe)

*

a Pear ¥
> fee
fo. oe

Be oe

BROMUS UNIOLOIDES (half size).

«

Bacay ey
Teco

Pa

ft

23

te

7%
ig
7

PLATE 86.

<=

LOLIUM PERENNE, Perennial rye grass.

s
Ws

ers
<A ef
Ailes:

W.Scholl, del

AGROPYRUM GLAUCUM, Colorado blue stem.

ser

ere es Seen Sp eee ee ee ee ae Ie

i
:

\
\

\

b \\Y j
=
eS
4

—— as

ae oa
4
>

————

MARX.DEL.

ey
i ot

_ AGROPYRUM REPENS, Quack grass, Couch grass.

PLATE 88.

PLATE 89.

a1 eyes _™ 4 - pe : uM mn B idy
a ~< >< he, - rae | ~ r he e ‘ 7
Ws 2 ot ‘ ony lS ope, oye. G 5 SH 5h es eae aig 5 J 3 i
ET ee eee ey ea eS Pay ai Po ET SS eee ey eee BT es OS ae ee ee 3
Se Re op en ee On Cake ta Pion Sareea eae pee a a ie

ELYMUS CANADENSIS, Wild rye.

PLATE 90.

ELYMUS CONDENSATUS.

PLATE 91,

<a : ide : é = 9)
Sen ee eT eee te a ee ae ae fee eee a oc ay te RL a ee eg OR ee ee oS? eee eS oe, eee meh Te ee Pe ee ee ee eee eee Me ee ee ee Tee eee ewes Fee ay

ELYMUS VIRGINICUS, Wild rye.

PLATE 92.

Peas) eee Ow ee aie a oe oe eee h

ZB iy
WEL
VA

~

O.HEIDEMAN, SC.

TRIFOLIUM HYBRIDUM, Alsike clover.

‘

Wheat
Saeed

*
ye

A be Me,

PLATE 93.

‘ \ \\
N
iY \
\ }
— | tt
SS | |
HT i}
HH HY
Wh
‘hid
4 |
ii =
HEX
~
“al

TRIFOLIUM INCARNATUM.

PLATE 94,

Lt eT DT ae TET RE VENT A

“IS WHWAGAE O

RE Pig ieee NTE ae

TRIFOLIUM STOLONIFERUM, Buffalo clover.

ve § SN at
Pilea Ps ead

a
ar

ONOBRYCHIS SATIVA, Sainfoin, Esparsette.

sap

or a

Coney 3h

a
Me

oa Tr ae
x ve
1) rN

Su,
od

be PLATE 96.

TOK dd

MEDICAGO SATIVA, Alfalfa, Lucerne.

nn ee

PLATE 97.

W.SHOLL del

; - MEDICAGO DENTICULATA, Bur clover. 3 .

PLATE 98.

LESPEDEZA STRIATA, Japan clover.

fate,
” we
2

PLATE 99,

Wy,

tee,
We
Mase
GAD
of

EMAN.SC.

Mabe 15,

Ota fs

OPUNTIA ENGELMANNI, Prickly pear, Cactus.

XN

EA E

i

IDEM ATT Se

-EUROTIA LANATA, Winter fat.

PLATE 100.

}

dT Se TN Met arene es

ci)

be

t ¢

MONK de. a

_ Eroprum cicutarium, Pin grass, Alfilaria.

, -

aie ay r W
ails fe
i SYS ee

te,

PLATE 102.

WANICHOLS. SG

.

im
oD
34
ne
“©
E
A
o
st.
a
en}
(Q
at
ne
n
<
i nl
A
rd
a
Pe
<i
ee

PLATE 10

PANICUM: GIBBUM.

t
=)
Ww
E
Ss
ou

WEIACAOLS,

MUHLENBERGIA COMATA,

PLATE 105.

SpoRORBOLUS AIROIDES.

i)

AGROSTIS EXARATA var. PACIFICA.

>
>

4 in ° :

j r }
E ae i re : were vi ‘ — + oe ee j Bog phe sig

att) > 3 tr : 7 cs - + “ wk ah a Fre * : %
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PLATE 107.

Pee wey ere

DESCHAMPSIA C4iSPITOSA, Hair grass.

PLATE 108.

POR aS

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: PLATE 109.

WIN SN

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DIPLACHNE DUBIA.

i. PLATE 110,

Nace

MELICA DIFFUSA.

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ere

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ne

ST eee ee

AMAICHOLS

MELICA BULBOSA.

PLATE 111

TANLOR DEL

et

PLATE 11:

—_———,

RS YNONL Wey f

MELICA IMPERFECTA.

PLATE 113.

UNIOLA LATIFOLIA.

PLATE 114

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