: eM ee ae - SEER Care eer ga yt er ty ae
é ' Pre oe | : =

REPORT 2 LVS

OF AN

=
—
=
none!
puma
a
=
=
ee
=
=
oe
=a
ie
==
=
=
=
=
Cf2

OF THE

ARID DISTRICTS OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO,
ARIZONA, NEVADA, AND UTAH,

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

oo ——<«

WASHINGTON, January 20, 1588. .

DEAR Sie: In accordance with your directions to make an investi- .
gation of the grasses of the arid districts of the West, Mr. G. C. Nealley,
of Houston, Tex., was appointed to investigate the grasses and forage
plants of the arid portions of Texas, and Prof. S. M. Traey, of Columbia,
Mo., to make similar investigations in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada,
and Utah. The latter investigations were very thorough, considering
the time occupied, but were necessarily mainly restricted to the vicinity
of the railroad stations.

A detailed report from each of those observers is herewith presented.
Of the 200 spécies collected in this region we may be assured. that there ‘
are mary which would prove usefui for cultivation, and it is to be hoped
that the experiment stations of the States embraced in the arid districts
will give to such a thorough trial.

Respectfully,
GEO. VASEY,
Botanist.
Hon. N. J. COLMAN.

Mo.Bot.Garaen

LS oS ee ee >. =

oe! | ea See ia ary Se Seta Dance En MON RT OU gh a ete ee ae ee et see

REPORT OF AN INVESTIGATION OF THE GRASSES OF THE ARID
DISTRICTS OF NEW MEXICO, ARIZONA, NEVADA, AND UTAH.

Raton, New Mexico, June 6.

Raton is at the southern base of the Raton Mountains. The adjoin-
ing plains afford excellent pasturage, being well covered with Buenloe
dactyloides (Buffalo grass) and Hilaria Jamesii, while in many places
Agropyrum glaucum is becoming very abundant, and is said to be in-
creasing annually and valued very highly. The latter is occasionally
cut for hay, and is everywhere known as “ Blue-grass.”. The higher
mesa lands also give good pasturage and are often cut forhay. Agro-
pyrum repens (Quack grass), a species of Poa (P. Tracyi), a variety of
Festuca ovina, and a species of Carer, apparently muricata, are very
abundant, and there is a considerable mixture of Bouteloua oligostachya
(Grama-grass).

Rain-fall is said to be on the increase. Alfalfa and oats form the
leading cultivated hay crops.

The following notes were taken on the grasses found here:

Koeleria cristata.
ccasionally seen on the sidesof the mountains, and on the mesas.
Found at almost every station on the whole trip, but never
very abundant. It is known as June grass.

Festuca ovina, var.
Very abundant at the top of the mesa, but notyet in flower. It
forms a large part of the mesa hay.
Bouteloua pe peters te (Grama-gra
One of the most common species on the mesas.
Agropyrum hicks (Blue-joint, Blue-grass).
Common on lowlands and the sides of the mesa.
Hilaria Jamesii (Black bunch-grass).
Very abundant on the vegas (meadows) with Buchloe, and said
to be increasing. It makes excellent pasture at all times when
not covered with snow.

Poa pratensis (June-grass, Kentucky blue-grass).
een at one place on the side of the mountains only.

op 0
Schedonnardus Testa (Crab-grass).

Common on the vegas and valued for Hk pasture
less for hay or late range. Found through New Woxiee rand
Arizona.

Carex muricata ? (Water-grass).

Very abundant on the side of the mesa and in low places on the

top. Itis cut with the grasses for hay and is eaten fairly well.

Santa Fé, New Mexico, June 13.

The grasses of the mesa in this vicinity are very sparse, chiefly con-
sisting of Grama (Bouteloua oligostachya) and Buffalo grass (LBuchloe
dactyloides). In the mountain valleys and hill-sides there is a larger va-
riety. On irrigated land some of the eastern species occur.

The grasses noted here were:

Elymus sitanion
ery ican on hills, and occasional on lowlands.
Poa Bigelovii.
In one locality in a ravine.
Poa annua
Abindasit on Jowlands and eaten closely.
Poa pratensis (June-grass, Kentucky blue-grass).
Comes in wherever the land is irrigated. Very common in door-
yards.
Aristida purpurea.
The most common species on the hills.
Agrostis verticillata.
mmon on low ground and eaten closely.
Agrostis vulgaris (Redtop).
Oceasionally seen on low ground.
Hordeum oe
Com q

Sporobolus spieinsiess

Occasionally fount. Not yet generally in flower.
Sporobolus Seperate.

Rare.

oe Gipdari nervata.
ae Not rare oe a stream,
ipa viridula, v: )
Rather panier at the foot of the hills and apparently not eaten

y. mach by stock. Tt was not seen n elsewhere ¢ on the i
i : Sp

Alopecurus aristulatus.
Common on wet ground.
Lolium perenne.
Juite common on low dry lands and eaten closely.
Phleum pratense (Timothy).
One tield seen, Which was sown on irrigated land in January, 1836,
gave a heavy crop the following season, and now (June, 1887)
looks well.
Dactylis glomerata (Orchard-grass).
Grows occasionally in irrigated fields.
Buchloe dactyloides (Buftalo-grass).
fuch less common here than at Raton.
Bouteloua oligostachya (Grama-grass).
Very abundant on the hills, and the most highly valued of any
of the native species.
Melilotus parviflora (Sweet clover).
vy common here and seen occasionally in damp places from
here to Los Angeles.
Trifolium involucratum.
Common on the banks of ditches, and eaten closely by stock.
Trifolium repens (White clover).
Common in yards and along the streets.
Trifolium pratense (Red clover).
One field on irrigated land, the first ever tried here, gives a heavy
crop this year,
_ Medicago sativa (Alfalfa).
This is the leading hay crop. It costs about $10 per acre to sow
and irrigate it the first year, after which it gives a profit of $20
per acre annually. The hay sells at from $18 to $20 per ton,

Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 15.

The city is located in a broad valley on the Rio Grande.. The soil of
the valley is very sandy, and when but a few feet above the level of the
river is almost barren, except where irrigated. On both sides of the

valley are high mesas, and 8 miles to the west there are extensive
lava beds. On the mesas Bouteloua oligostachya, Hilaria Jamesii, and
Aristida purpurea are the prevailing species. On the lowlands, A yrontia
verticillata and Hatonia obtusata, with a few sedges, form the bulk of the
pasture and hay. Oryzopsis cuspidata ts quite common and grows very
large on low, sandy lands and along the slopes of the mesas. This is
often called “wild millet,” or Bunch-grass, and many consider it superior

to Bouteloua on account of its larger and abundant seed. Wild rye, a
: species of Aree, | is valued highly for pasture when young, but is
> whee nea x am st that 60 miles south of here

Andropogon saccharoides forms the bulk of the hey crop. a pratensis
(Kentucky Blue-grass), and Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda rs) have both
been introduced, but do not spread.
The following forage plants were noted in this vicinity:
Agrostis verticillata.
; ‘ound in wet meadows throughout the region visited.
Agrostis vulgaris (Red-top).
Occasionally seen in wet meadows.
Agropyrum unilaterale.
mmon along the banks of ditches.
Agropyrum tenerum.
Common in one locality, at the edge of a wet meadow.
Eatonia obtusata.
n the same situation as the above.
Sporobolus asperifolius.
Common on ditch banks and similar situations throughout the
region visited. It is very goaerally affected with a species of
fungus (Tilletia asperifolia, H. & E.)
— airoides
Jommon on ‘the mesa. Found on dry, sandy soils throughont
nearly the whole region visited.
Sporobolus cryptandrus, var. stricta.
Seen at the foot of the mesa, where it was eaten closely.
Sporobolus er ee
Occasionally seen in the streets.
Panicum obtusum, called grape-viae mesqu it.
Common here and at Algadones, where the runners were often
10 feet long. It is eaten well by stock.
Elymus Macounii.
Common on low, wet land.
Aristida purpurea.
ommon on the mesa.
Triodia Fg ella.
casionally seen on the mesa.
Rok. ee i.
Very abundant on the high mesa.
Bouteloua Sacre
in one locality on the mesa.
Bouteloua og
Found in the same locality as the above, and what seemed to be —
the same as this was the most common species on the Java bed.

Bouteloua racemosa.

Found somes on the side of the =

Munroa squarrosa.
Found in small quantities in one locality.
Chloris verticillata.
Common on low, sandy land.
Andropogon saccharoides, var.
Co n ow, Sandy land, where it is valued highly for hay
and used tien young for pasture.
Pol, me" Pi ies sop
mon at the edge of streams and in swampy places through
‘New Mexico and Arizona. It varies from 1 ineh to 2 feet in
height, and is not eaten when other food is to be had.
Polypogon oe
Common with the above in wet ground.
Eragrostis pees
vare.
Stipa pennata, var. Neo Mexicana.
Occasionally seen on the mesa.
Seleropogon Karwinskianus.
uite common on the bigh mesa above the lava beds.
Muhilenbergia Texana.
Abundant among rocks on the side of the Java bed.
Setaria caudata.
Rather common near the base of the lava bed.
Bromus racemosus. (introduced.)
single plant seen.
Dalea scoparia.
Very abundant on the mesa near the lava beds. It furnishes
almost the entire forage in the dry season.
Juncus rit var., and a species of Eleocharis form fally two-thirds
the growth of the low meadows which are eut for hay.
Palies containing the same species are eaten closely and
evenly.

Coolidge, New Mexico, June 19.

Coolidge is located 6 miles west of the Continental Divide, in a valley
some 5 miles wide, with buttes perhaps 1,500 feet high upon the north,
and sloping hills fully as high upon the south. There is no water for
many miles in any direction except that obtained from wells. The val-
ley or pass over the divide reaches from near Bluewater to Winslow,
Ariz., and through its whole length is dry except in the rainy season.
In the cajions are occasional springs which afford scanty water for the.
few sheep and goats kept by the Indians, but water in sufficient quan-
tity for cattle or horses is rarely found exeept where wells have been
dug. Very little stock is beat ae and there is no Epping of ~.

10

kind. Bouteloua oligostachya, called hone black he 1a, is. the.
abundant species of grass. In the valley Buchloe dactyloic
grass) is also common, and Agropyrum glaucum is: seen 0¢
while on the hill-tops a species of Muhlenbergia is guite com
gether with a small proportion of Hilaria Jamesii. Very fe ecies —
were found in a condition for herbarium specimens, as the Tees here
make no growth until the August rains fall, when they are said to make
a rapid and abundant growth until snow comes, and then remain dry
until the rho as Ice an eighth of an inch thick formed here last
night, June
é grasses She here were the following:
Schedonnardus Texanus.
Only oceasionally seen here, but at Chaves, 30 miles east of
here, it is one of the most common species aiong the railroad.

Sporobolus cab ntoeen ?
Quite common in the valley, and closely grazed. All the plants
area were affected with a fungus.
Occasionally seen in the valley.
sisgearieo’ glaucum. (Blue stem
Somewhat common, but sit eaten when grama (Bouteloua oli-
mae ya) is to be had.
Elymus Sitanion.
Common, but not bea pe one
Oryzopsis micrantha.
ot rare on the top of the mesa.
Andropogon scoparius.
Rare.
Bromus ciliatus, var.
asionally found on the side of the mesa.
Poa Bigelovii.
Rather common on the top of the mesa. |
Sporobolus eryptandrus. |
Common on the mesa.
Koeleria cristata.
Occasionally found on the mesa,
Sporobolus tricholepis.
Common on the mesa.

Winslow: Arizona, June 23.

From Coolidge to this point the railroad follows the valley, which in
the wet season is the course of the Little Colorado River, but which is
now almost dry, water being seen at but two points. The country is

11

very similar to that about Coolidge, but more sandy and barren. The
nearest ranch where good water can be had is 25 miles to the ane
east, and there are no others besides that within 50 miles. On t
sandy plains about here is a scant growth of Bouteloua pen: ea
(Grama-grass), with a smaller amount of Buchloe dactyloides (Buffalo-
grass), the whole insufficient to afford range now (June 23), even if water
could be had. Along the river, which is strongly alkaline, Distichlis
maritima (Salt-grass), is almost the only species, and is eaten somewhat.
After frost, stock live mostly upon White sage (Atriplex),and “saleratus
weed” (Salicornia herbacea), which grows quite abundantly on soils too
alkaline for other plants. This plant is quite abundant about Salt Lake
City, the only other locality where it was observed on the trip, and is
valued highly there for winter feed.

nthe San Francisco Mountains, 50 to 70 miles southwest of here,
Black bunch-grass (Hilaria Jamesii) is very abundant, and regarded as
the most valuable species. Boutelowa oligostachya (Grama-grass) is also
common there, and in the pine woods “Pine bunch-grass” (Festuca,
an undetermined species) is the main reliance for winter range. Wild
peas ( Vicia?) grow abundantly, and are very highly prized for sheep.

Flagstaff, Arizona, June 24.

Flagstaff is in the dense pine forests of the San Francisco Mountains,
at an elevation of 6,856 feet. Excellent grasses are abundant, but
owing to the total absence of living streams very little stock is kept.
The more common grasses are *“ Pine bunch-grass” (Festuca )
Bouteloua oligostachya, Andropogon scoparius, and Agropyrum glaucum.
The latter is often cut for hay, but is not valued as Bey, for that pur-
pose as is the Bouteloua oligostachya.

The following notes were #1ken on the grasses found here :-

Poa Californica.

Somewhat common on the hill-sides.
Stipa avenacea, var.

Occasionally seen on the hill-sides.
Stipa Pringlei.

Common at the edge of the lava bed.

Agropyrum glaucum (Blue joint, blue-grass).
Very common, and sometimes cut for hay, but not valued highly.
Stock do not eat it when other grasses can be had, but it be-
comes an important item of feed when other grasses are Cov-
ered with snow.

Koeleria cristata.
mon.

12

Festuca (No. 118). (Pine bunch-grass.)
Very abundant, and the most highly valued species. Grows in
large clumps, so that it is difficult to mow, but makes excellent
winter range. Itiseaten by stock of all kinds about as readily
as grama (Bouteloua oligostachya). It is said to grow only in
pine forests, and was not observed elsewhere. It is not yet in
flower (June 24).
Andropogon scoparius.
ommon on low hills.
Oryzopsis micrantha.
Common on the rocky sides of a canon.
Aristida purpur
Geectscails found in dry rocky places on the hills.
Epicompes rigens (Deer grass).
Occasionally found on the lava bed. Excellent for feed.
Muhlenbergia Wrightii.
und on the lava bed.
Bouteloua racemosa.
Occasionally seen in the clefts of the rocks.
Sporobolus tricholepis.
tare on lava bed.
Sporobolus Arizonicus.
Rare in the same situations.
Carex muricata.
Common at the foot of hills and in cations.

Peach Springs, Arizona, June 27.

Peach Springs is ina dry valley, surrounded by high hills which have 4
scanty growth of cedar, with an abundance of cactus, agave, and yueca.
Most of the feed for the few animals kept here is brought from Califor-
nia, though the Indians occasionally bring in small lots of hay which
they have cut with knives. One light shower is all the rain-fall this
year to date, and no more is expected until August or September.

Collections of grasses were made as follows:

Stipa speciosa.
“Common on the top of the hills. °
Stipa viridula.
Common on the hill-sides.
Panicum obtusum (Grapevine-grass).
Somewhat common on low land.

o Common ¢ on a. rocky hills.

. 13

Bouteloua racemosa, Elymus Sitanion, and Bouteloua oligostachya (grama)
were seen occasionally. Cows were noticed feeding on the
leaves of Yueca baceata, the leaves being dropped after mas-
tication ; perhaps eaten more for their watery juice than for
nourishment.

Grand Canon, Arizona, June 29.
*

This place is 23 miles north of Peach Springs. The trail from the
springs here is down a cafon, which has one or two springs near
jts head, but is dry the rest of the way, except the last mile. The caton
iS very narrow and barren, and the sides very precipitous and rocky.
noe tn of the hills are eominidiily bare, except of cactus and sage-

Cotidhictes were made as follows, all at or very near Grand Cation :
Panicum capillare.
is Jommon along the creek.
3 Sporobolus asperifolius.
me Very common along the stream.
: Polypogon monspeliensis
Very common shone the strea °
: In a “ visitors’ register” kept at the camp here I find a note by Dr.
. Asa Gray, as follows: E

, q CONSPICUOUS PLANTS OF THE GRAND CANON.
3

Pouquiera splendens, Ocatiosa.
= Acacia Lemmoni (Cat’s claw). ;
Allionia.
ation flowers all day and all the year; shuts at night.

pi En

a Ww ils rose-like flowers on slender stalks.
conn Merican

e the task Many greenish-white blossoms.
Larrea Mexicana (creosote).

Poroph a lune.
th yellow, sweet-scented tlowers in “batls on slender twigs. -
ea inflatum (Indian pipe-stem).
Abronia.
In sand by the river; small white flowers in a cluster.
Gnothera albicaulis. :
Large

is separate, :
nh care calyco j eg ee Mee
; erb with red star- abaped flowers. eS :
The Needles, California, July 1. 5
__ The lands here along the Colorado River are: san¢ barrens wit

14

(Sarcobatus vermiculatus). No grasses of any kind were seen excepting
Distichlis maritima, which grows along the river, and what seems to be
Bouteloua polystachya, which is somewhat common on dry soils.

From here to Bagdad, about 60 miles, not asingle plant of any species
of grass could be found, and there are no other plants upon which cat-
tle can live. On July 1 the thermometer, in a well sprinkled and shaded
porch, indicated 117° and on July 2, 12

Barstow, California, July 2.

On the Mohave River (now nearly dry), with high barren hills on
each side. A few cattle are kept along the river, but none on the hills.
The following grasses were noted :
Distichlis maritima.
Very abundant along the river.
eee airoides.
Common

Oryzopsis rasntted
Seen occasionally ; becoming more abundant farther west.
pemers - rvilleanum
sandy fake: one plans only.
Polt ypogon pene es
Common.
Stipa speciosa.
Common on hill-sides.
Phragmites communis.
ne clump seen on the river bottom. It was also seen at Los
Angeles, and at Wadsworth, Nev. Two species, apparently ot
Trisetum and Diplachne, were seen in the crevices of the rocks.

Mojave, California, July 3.

This place is situated on the border of the Mojave Desert, where for
miles no plants of any kind can be seen. As there are no streams or
springs about here, no stock is kept. The coast winds bring sufficient
moisture, so that outside the desert many plants grow well with vely
little rain, but good grasses are rare. Oryzopsis cuspidata is somewhat
common, also IJordeum jubatum, and on the hills to the south Zlymus
condensatus is quite plentiful. Hrodium is seen occasionally. Stipa
speciosa is common on the hills, and a species of Poa is oceasionally
seen.

Los Angeles, California, July 8.

Los Angeles is situated about 20 miles from the coast, in a well
watered valley, surrounded by high hills
I found here a much greater variety of grasses than at any other

‘point since leaving Albuquerque. On the hills Elymus condensatus is .

Tod tes aa a eae Sie cake

CRA ety hy ee = Ee Be rs ae ges) Ee ce po a a

15

abundant, and eaten well when young. Stipa setigera is also found,
and considered good feed, and Avena fatua is sufliciently abundant to
be valued highly. Lrodium or “ filaree,” is very abundant, and forms
a large per cent. of the wild forage. The hill-sides produce an abun-
dance of Bromus ciliatus, which is one of the leading sorts for horse

eed.
The notes taken here were as follows:
Elymus condensatus.

Fairly abundant on hill-sides, sometimes 8 or 10 feet tall, but
usually not more than 3 feet. It is eaten only when young,
except the seed spikes, which horses eat well during the
winter.

Bromus ciliatus, var.
Very common on hill-sides, and eaten well, especially by horses.
Stipa setigera. Z
Common on the hills.
Keleria cristata,
Occasionally seen on the hills.
Avena fatua.
Occasionally on hills and dry land. More abundant farther
north, and often cut for hay in the Napa Valley.
Trifolium microcephalum.
Very common on low land and well eaten.
Melica imperfecta,
mmon on hill-sides.
Juncus bufonius,
Festuca Myurus.
Common.
Panicum Poni vale.
Common on the river bank, but not yet in flower.
Distichlis siablatick
ommon on low lands.
Paspalum distichum.
In one locality.
Poa annua.
Mceasionally found on the river bank.
Medicago denticulata? (Bur-clover).
» tbundant on low lands in all southern California. Grows
rap. liy, and stock will leave any other forage to get it.
Hosackia juncea ?
ommon along river bottoms and eaten somewhat by cattle.
Elymus Oreuctianus.
Cena on river amie but cape well eaten.

16

Lamarckia aurea.
Common along road sides.
Si vinpus maritimus.
Common in wet places.
Ae dager involucratum, var. heterodon
sionally found in wet soil, but not eaten very freely.
ee airoides.
Common on dry soils, but not vatoell, Commonly called ‘“ Guay-
atta.”

Cyrodon dactylon (Bermuda grass).
Common in dcor-yards here and still more common at Pasedena,
10 miles east of here. It does well, but needs constant inriga-
tion.
Poa pratensis (Kentucky blue-grass).
Does not succeed as well as Bermuda, the soil being too sandy.
Brodium,
_ The = settlers claim that this has always been abundant here,
ughout the whole region from here to Colorado it is
eocken tof as “coming in from California.”

Reno, Nevada, July 16.

Reno is on the Truekee River, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada
Mountains, ina basin some 10 miles across. The soil is fertile, and pro-
duces good crops of alfalfa and redtop where irrigated, but there are
‘occasional spots, sometimes of several acres in extent, which are too
stony for cultivation, and which are almost barren, except a scattering
growth of Artemesia, Atriplex, and Sarcobatus

Alfalfa and redtop are the only plants grown for hay. Timothy is
abundant along ditch-banks and other places where it can have con-
stant moisture, but as it gives but one crop yearly, while alfalfa gives
three, it is not grown much for hay. It is generally claimed that a ton
of alfalfa is equal to a ton of any other hay for fattening purposes, but
for work-horses it is not worth more than half as much as timotliy.

The most abundant native forage plants are Agrostis vulgaris and sca-
bra, Avena Jatua, Elymus triticoides (?), Poa tenuifolia, Oryzopsis cuspi-
data, Vicia Americana, Elymus condensatus, Trifoliuminvolucratum, Spor-
shots asperifolius and Erodium cicutarium. The last named is known
_ through the entire Southwest as ‘ Filaree,” and has become very conm-

mon here within the last five years. It was noticed also at Trinidad,
Albuquerque, and Santa Fé, N. Mex.; Wadsworth, Nev.; and at Ogden

and Salt Lake City, Utah. It is valued very highly on account of its ~

early Spans growth, and it continues to grow throughout the season,
. ing it has moisture. It is eagerly eaten by all kinds of stock,
- even = it is cheolcameesd dried and the plants are blown about by the

|

OE ee mane Peay Beene OST Nee ee ee SE, Rie ee ee ee See

ARS RE A ee ere

Ce ae ee ee

a3

wind. It flourishes on stony and sandy lands where the grasses do but
little, and I regard it as the best forage plant that I have found for in-
troduction in the mountain regions.

Collections were made as follows: Those marked with a? were gen-
erally too far advanced to have the species identified with absolute
certainty:

Agrostis scabra.
Occasionally seen near the river.
Agrostis vulgaris (Redtop).

Very common along streams and in meadows throughout the
State; ‘comes in” in irrigated lands and forms a large part
of the hay crop.

Panicum capillare.
‘ound sparingly at every stop between here and Denver.
Oryzopsis cuspidata (Bunch-grass, sand-grass).

Somewhat common on dry soil. Grows well on the hills, and is
valued highly for winter range, but is not eaten much during
the summer.

Poa tenuifolia.

Common on low lands.

Poa levis ?
Common on alkaline meadows, and valued both for hay and
pasture.
Poa pratensis.
Occasionally found on low ground, but is nowhere abundant.
Llymus triticoiiles ? (Wild rye, wild wheat).

Jommon on low ground, often cut for hay and of great im-
portance for winter pasture. Also common at Wadsworth,
Nev.

Elymus Sitanion.
Common along road- sides.
Blymus condensatus
Common, and alalik for winter pasture, but not eaten when other
grasses can be had. It is sometimes cut for hay.
Elymus tenuis.
Along the river-bank,
Avena fatua (Wild oats).

Very abundant from California eastward to Central Nevada, and

occasionally found in the Salt Lake Valley. It is often eut for

ay and makes excellent pasture. It was not seen in Arizona
or New Mexico, nor in the arid regions of Nevada and Utah,
but is said to be found occasionally there, -

18576 GR——4

18

Stipa comata.
Common on the dry barrens,
Stipa occidentalis.
Common in wet soil everywhere.
eiieeotes asperifolius.
mon on low land.
eae cuspidatus
Common on Gina river-bank,.
Bromus secalinus (chess.)
Common on irrigated lands. 5
Bromus mollis.
Occasionally found in dry soils. Very common in the Napa Val-
ley, Cal.

Bromus maximus.
Common aiong roadsides,
Bromus racemo.
Oce amen found on wet ground.
Bromus breviaristatus.
Grows sparingly along the river bank.
Eatonia obtusata, var.
¢ diteh banks. |
Peay (Wild timothy). |
Common on wet ground and in shallow water from here east to
Elko, Nev. Itis valued very highly both for hay and past-
re. Many regard it as the most valuable of al! the native
species, but it will grow only on soil which is constantly wet.
Holcus lanatus.
Occasionally found on diteh banks.
Hordeum murinum. -
“ery common.

Eragrostis major.

Introduced and yearly becoming more common in the valley.
Festuca microstachys.

Oveasionally found on the barrens.
Agropyrum glaucum (Blue- a Blue-grass).

Common and valuec
Oryz ~— Webberi.

n ditch banks and barrens.

Hg powoides (small form).

On ditch banks.
Polypogon.

In strongly alkaline soil,

19

Erodium cicutarium (Filaree).
‘ery highly prized. People here inform me that they have fre-
quent requests for seed to be sent to localities where it has not
been introduced. It is becoming more abundant here every

year.
Medicago sativa (Alfalfa).
e plant here is affected with a species of fungus (Phacidium
medicaginis, Lasch.), the specimen sent being no worse than a
fair sample of most fields, not only here but wherever I have
seen alfalfa, The farmers make no complaint of it; in fact no
one seemed to have noticed it. Mr. Davis, the editor of the
Live Stock Record, informs me that it is even more common
about Denver than here.
Melilotus alba.

Jommon throughout Utah and Nevada on low ground, and used
considerably for pasture. It is almost the only plant in some
fields about Salt Lake City.

Trifolium involucratum.
Very abundant on wet ground. Fouad everywhere along streams,
but more common here than elsewhere.
pisos tridentatum.
nmon on ditch banks, and eaten closely.
Carex siccata ?
ery common on lowlands, where it is.cut for hay. It is eaten
fairly well.

Several speces of Cyperus, Scirpus, and Carex grow on low grounds
and are called ‘vater-grass ;” although they are not valued as highly
as the grasses, these sedges few an important part of the pastures, and
are eaten closely in the absence of other feed. Some meadows which
are cut for hay are at least three-fourths covered with these.

Wadsworth, Nevada, July 21.

Wadsworth is on the Truckee-River. The valley here is narrow and
surrounded by high, barren, treeless hills, which have a scattering
growth of sage-brush and grease-wood, with but little grass. Alfalfa
is the main crop, though redtop is very common in the few cultivated

_fields. The native meadows along the river contain species of Agrostis,

Keleria, Bromus, and a large proportion of sedges or “ water-grasses,”
as they are termed here. Collections were made here as follows:
Agrostis exarata, var.

Comm

Poa levis.
Oceasionally found on low eee

20

celeria posielitel
Common on ditch banks.
Panicum capillare.
Common on low ground.
Sporobolus airoides.
und at Winnemucca and Palisade, Nev., and very sparingly on
low ground here.
Agropyrum glaucum (Blue joint, Blue-grass).
-Common here and highly valued.

Winnemucca, Nevada, July 23.

The Humboldt River runs through this valley, but so far below the
general level of the land that there are no cultivated fields. The Hum-
boldt and Carson sink, where the river finally disappears, is during the
rainy season a lake, but now a perfectly barren plain, while for miles on
either side the soil is so dry and alkaline that nothing is produced ex-
cept occasionally astunted grease-wood. The rain-fall here in 1886 was
4 inches and this year to date has been .15 of an inch.

Elymus Orcuttian
Common in ce valley and-grows to some extent on the hills. It
is the most valuable species here, being the main reliance
through the year.
Panicum a
Somewhat common along the river.
Hordeum alae
Occasionally seen in well-watered yards.
Setaria viridis.
ith the above.
Agrostis vulgaris (Redtop).
Does well here.
Poa pratensis (Kentucky blue-grass).
Doing well here in irrigated grounds.
Poa (too old for identification). Mountain bunch-grass, small bunch-
8.
Common on the hilis and mountains from here to Ogden. It is
said to start very early and to make excellent spring forage,
but it dies as soon as dry weather comes. When abundant and

the seeds are ripe stock fatten rapidly upon it. At this date
it has nearly all disappeared.

Battle Mountain, Nevada, July 25.

many miles in any direction, and no cattle nor sheep. In the town are

In an extensive dry and barren valley, with no cultivated fields for 7

21

twenty-three flowing wells, each about 250 feet deep, but the flow is
very small and usually not more than enough for family use. The
largest garden in the town is about 60 yards square and receives all of
the water from two of these wells, and still the garden does not have
enough. In this garden Agrostis vulgaris, Poa pratensis, Hordeum dais
tum, and Panicum capillare were noted,

Palisade, Nevada, July 26.

The Humboldt Valley here is very narrow and without eultivated
fields. The hills on each side are from 1,000 to 1,500 feet high, quite steep
and rocky, with no tcees, and but a scanty growth of grass.

Poa tenuifolia.

The most abundant species on the hills and valued highly for
spring forage. It is claimed that this and similar species were
formerly much more abundant all through this region, and their
disappearance is attributed to the fact that the roots are short
and take buta slight hold upon the soil, so that when the herb-
age is bitten off by stock the plant is either pulled up or the
roots so loosened that it soon dies. It is certainly true through

most of this State and a large part-of Utah that when a range
4 has been pastared for a year it is usually three years at least
before it will afford equaily good pasture again.
Agropyrum tenerum (Rye-grass).
common on the lower part of the hills and in the valley. \
Agropyrum divergens.
Common on the top of the hills.
Elymus triticotdes.

Rather common along the river.

Festuca ap nya.

Co non dry hills, but disliked after ripening and not valued.

Hordeum eae (F'ox-tail).
Jommon on low land.

Festuca ovina, var (Pinon-grass).
Common in crevices in rocks.
Eatonia obtusata
Common near the river.
Sporobolus cuspidatus.
Jommon on low sandy barrens.
Phelaris arundinacea.
Common on low wet land.
Stipa comata. '
Rare on hill- lea

Stipa occidentalis.
ommon on high hills.
Trifolium cyathiferum.
On the side of a hill, near a spring.

Elko, Nevada, July 28.

Elko is near the headwaters of the Humboldt River, in a valley from
1 to 3 miles wide. But little of the land is irrigated, but where fenced
it is seen to produce a fair crop of grass in its natural state. In one
meadow, 6 miles east of the town, I found Pua levis, Agrostis exarata,
Sporobolus filifolius, and a species of Hlymus, the most abundant grasses.
This land was not irrigated, but is only 5 or 6 feet above the level of
the river, and the yield, I should judge, would be from one-half to three-
fourths of a ton per acre. In the same meadow are occasional patches
of Beckmannia, or “ wild timothy,” which is regarded as the most val-
uable grass here, both for forage and for hay, but it will grow only
where it can have abundant and constant moisture. On the drier mead-
ows and foot-hills Elymus condensatus is the most oem species
and the main dependence for winter range. Greasewood and White
Sage are somewhat abundant on the hills, and Dist (Salt-grass)
covers many acres along the river.
Collections were made as follows:
Elymus condensatus.
Quite common, but not eaten in summer if other feed is to be had.
It is sometiwes cut. sas hay, but is of poor quality.
scsaaassemetm ia eruceformis.
non the river bank and in swampy groznd from Elko to
Reno, and is everywhere one of the most highly valued species.
It is more abundant here than at any other point on the route.

Agrostis exarata (Redtop).
Somewhat common.
Melica stricta.
In one locality in clefts of the rocks on the mountains.
Sporobolus asperifolius.
Common at the edge of a hot sulphur spring.
Agropyrum divergens. |
ommon on the hills.
Festuca microstachys.
mmon on the hills.

Ogden, Utah, July 31.

Ogden is in Salt Lake Valley, 10 miles from the lake, with high
mountains on the opposite sides.. The valley is watered by the Ogden
River, and is mostly under cultivation, alfalfa being almost the only

23

foragecrop. Redtop and timothy are both abundant along ditch banks
and on wet ground, and a few wild meadows are almost wholly redtop.
One field of red clover was seen, but the. crop was poor, and alfalfa
will be sown in its place. On the mountains good pasture is found all
summer, while the bench lands too high for irrigation become so dry as
to be almost barren, except for occasional plants of Stipa comata and
Agropyrum glaucum. Erodium cicutarium is found occasionally, and is
‘said to be becoming more abundant. Agrostis vulgaris var. (Redtop)
is abundant on moist soils, and Hordeum jubatum (?) is a troublesome
weed in exhausted land.
The upper part of the mountain has an abundant supply of grass,
and stock find good pasture here all summer. The same is said to be
true of all the mountains in this vicinity.
Collections were made as follows:
Agrostis vulgaris.
ommon on lowlands and in cajons. :
Agrostis scabra.
tare in low ground.
Agrostis microphylla.
Along ditch-banks in the caiion.
Agrostis exarata, var.
Common in the canon,
Agropyrum glaucum.
Common on dry ground,
Agropyrum tenerwm.,
With A. Soren
Agropyrum cag
Common in ne canon and on the upper half of the mountain.
Agropyrum caninum.
nu the canon.
Elymus canadensis.
Common on lowlands.
Elymus tenuis.
On low, a sands and the foot-hills.
Elymus condensatus, var. ?
Occasional in wet meadows.
Elymus sitanion.
On rocks, near snow, at the summit.
Aporobolus eas
Com

Sporobolus cies
Commo non eng te soils.

24

Keleria cristata, var.
Common on low ay ground.
Poa levis,?
Occasionally found on low ground.
Poa tenuifolia.
Common at the summit.
Poa purpurascens.
mon in the same locality.
Poa flexuosa, var, occidentalis.
Abundant in a cation near the summit.
Ammophila longifolia.
Rare on wet ground. :
M See glomerata, var.
Ocea al on wet ground and in the eaiions.
, Pees comata, Var.
On the river-bank.
Glyceria arundinacea.
ionally found on ditch-banks.
Glyceria nervata.
In a canon near summit.
acne maritima.
where on alkaline soils. Nowhere have I found it consid-
we of any value except at Winslow, Ariz., where it is almost
the only green thing found.
Cenchrus tribuloides
Common arn, but seen elsewhere only at Canon City, Cal.
_ Stipa comata.
Common on the bench lands.
Stipa viridula, var.
yundant on the upper half of the mountain.
Bromus secalinus.
The most common species on low, dry, sandy land.
Bromus breviaristatus.
Common in the cajion.
Bromus racemosus.
Occasional in the eaiion.
Panicum capillare.
Occasionally found on the svenbauk.
Phalaris arundinacea
On the river-bank ; . ee found at Palisade, Ney.
Deyeuxia neglecta.
On the river-bank.

Deyeuxia neglecta, var. robusta.
Common on the river bank.
Cinna pendula.
In the cafion near the base of the mountain; rare.
Festuca confinis.
Common on rocks near the summit.
Festuca Jonesii.
n the canon.

Lake Park, Utah, August 8.

The following were collected here:
Distichlis maritima.
he most abundant species ers, 3 in the low, marshy, alkaline soil
on the shore of Great Salt Lake.
Agropyrum repens.
mon.

-

Deschampsia calycina.

Common.
Spartina gracilis.

Common.
Poa tenuifolia, var.

Uecasionally seen.
Sporobolus eryptandrus, var. stricta?

ecasionally found in dry, sandy places.

Erodium cicutarium (Filaree). :
Rather common, even where the soil is quite alkaline.

Salt Lake City, August 9.

The city is 5 miles from the lake, and about the same distance from
the mountains. Between the city and the lake the land is low and
mostiy in cultivation. From the city to the base of the mountains the
land rises and forms a broad bench, which prodaves a fair growth of

gropyrum repens and A, glaueum, but almost no other grasses except
where irrigat

Collections were siti as follows:

Agrop cee divergens (‘* Wire bunch-grass”).
most common species on the mountains.
one caninum.
_ In clumps on low ground; rare.
Agropyrum glaucum, var.
Abundant on moist soil on bench land.
t . robustu

26

Lolium perenne (Rye-g grass).

Introduced. Found occasionally in pastures and meadows.
Elymus sitanion.

Common on dry barren soil.
Bromus racemosus.

Common

Poa annua.
Common along ditches on the bench lands.

Phleum pratense.
Several meadows here which are cut for hay contain about equal
proportions of Timothy and Redtop, with usually a large mix-
ture of Hordeum.

Carex Jamesii.
Very abundant in moist meadows, and in oceasional spots almost
the only species. It is cut for hay, but is said to be not very
good

Medicago lupulina.
Common in pastures and along roadsides on low grounds, where
it is eaten closely.

Juab, Utah, August 13.

This is situated in a dry valley 100 miles south from Salt Lake. The
valley is about 6 miles wide with a wet-weather stream. During the
dry season all the water comes from wells. Considerable Redtop is found
on the lower lands and Agropyrum divergens and Erodium cicutarium
are found to some extent.

On the mountains, 8 miles east, Agropyrum divergens is one of the
prevailing species. The range about here is said to be much more bar-
ren than it was five years ago, prior to the introduction of sheep. West
of the town there are barren, treeless hills, with a scanty growth of the
above-mentioned grass, together with Oryzopsis cuspidata. White sage
(Atriplex) is the main reliance for winter range.

Frisco, Utah, August 14.

Frisco is in a dry, hilly region, wholly destitute of water, excepting
an occasional alkaline well. All water for drinking or washing here has
to be brought from Black Rock, 45 miles distant. The water from the
wells is used for stock, and seems to be harmless after the animals be
come accustomed to it, though they are often made sick on first using
it. The hills have a scanty growth of cedar and during the spring? —
fair growth of grass, but are now almost bare. There are not more than

one-fourth the number of cattle in this part of the country now that

1 A a A a a a

27

there were three years ago, and the range has been eaten so closely as
not to afford even reasonably good feed for the few animals left.
Grama (Bouteloua oligostachya), Banch-grass (Poa tenuifolia, var.),
and Indian millet (Oryzopsis cuspidata) are the leading grasses. White
sage, or shad scale, as it is also called (Atriplex CONS ORR IONE), F is relied
upon largely for winter feed.
Collections were made as follows:

Pow Bree t.
Very common and eaten well.
Poa Bai (Bunch-grass).
Common and valued highly.
Stipa viridula.
Oceasionally found.
Hilaria Jamesii.
Abundant on the upper part of the hills, but apparently not eaten
as well as Poa Californica, or next.
Louteloua oligostachya.
Rather common, but only one plant seen with green stems or
leaves. It was not seen elsewhere between here and California,
Atriplex confertifolia (White sage, o* shad scale).
Common on dry hills, and ez sen well after frost.

Provo, Utah, July 15.

The location and surroundings of Provo are similar to those of Ogden,
the town being in a well-watered valley at the foot of high mountains.
No crops can be grown without irrigation, and the unwatered bench
lands are exceedingly barren, as also are the foot-hills. High up in the

“mountains are numerous springs and good pasture, but the streams

usually disappear below 7,060 or 8,600 feet, and below that there is but
little feed. The lowland meadowsare mostly timothy and redtop, mixed
with Hordeum and various sedges.
Collections were as follows:
Agrostis grandis,
mon in caions; nearly all the specimens found were affected
with an erysiphe.

Agrostis, sp.

Common
Bromus Kalmii, var. occidentalis.

Occasionally seen in the cafiens.
Agropyrum caninum.

With the above.
Agropyrum tenerum.

Common in a rocky eaiion.

Glyceria nervata (form).
Jommon along streams.
Glyceria nervata (large form). ‘
Common in a wet, rocky caion,
Cinna pendula. . —
ommon at an altitude of about 10,000 feet, near the summit of
the mountain.
Melica bulbosa.
Occasionally found near the summit.
Poa flexuosa, var?
At the summit.
Poa reflexa.
Common at the summit.
Bromus busing var
nmon at the summit.
Trisetum ida.
In a cation at an altitude of about 9,000 feet.
Stipa viridula.
8,000 to 10,000 feet.
Hlymus Americanus.
Common at about 7,500 feet, along a stream.

Pleasant Valley, Utah, August 18. 3

Pleasant Valley is on the eastern slope of the mountains, bordering
the Salt Lake Valley. This is a very dry region, similar to that about
Green River. <Agropyrun glaucum, A. repens, aud Hbymus condensatus
are the more common species. Oryzopsis cuspidata is common on the
hills, and Poa tenuifolia, var., is also frequent.

As in other parts of Utah and Nevada, the amount of wild grass now
found on the range is very much less than it was before the introdue-
tion of sheep, which seem to have killed the roots of most perennial
species, so that what was good pasture land five years ago is now
almost barren.

_ Green River, Utah, August 20.

The bluffs here are high and barren, I found no cultivated land ex-
cept three small places on the river bank, and there are said to be no
other ranches nearer than the Lasal Mountains, 20 miles to the south-
east. The range here is so barren that no stock is kept. A rain about
July 1 wet the ground toa depth of about 3 inches; previous to that
there had been no rain or snow since April 20, 1886. On the sandy
lands along the river a number of coarse grasses were found, but 00 —
the mesas and hills I could find nothing except occasionally Agro, opyrum
repens and Poa ae atte var.

29

Collections were made as follows:
Sporobolus er sige var. strictus.

Com y eaten when young. I have noted it at every
stop from eae to this point, and have rarely found a plant
which had been touched by stock, even where other grasses
were eaten closely.

Sporobolus airoides.

Common invalleys throughout Utah, but eaten only when young,

and not valued for hay. —
se or yids ifolius.

Ver, mon.

Agropyrum aac (Blue-grass, blue-stem).

Quite common and regarded as the best native species. Grows
ee. 4 feet high. It is abundant from here to Denver.

Bouteloua polystachya, var.
A tew plants seen in cultivated ground.
MM ~—. SqUarrosa,
mmon, but not eaten by stock. Also seen at Denver.
Panicum capillare, var.
Common.
Panicum erus-galli, var,
Several of the more commou forms are abundant on the river-
bank.
Agrostis vulgaris.
Rather common in irrigated land.
Schedonnardus Texa
Common and eee well in spring; but worthless after becoming

x

Atriplex canescens (Shad-seale).
Perhaps the most important forage plant here after frost.
Juncus nodosus, var. megacephalus.
Said to be eaten well, especially by horses.
S. M. Tracy.

JANUARY, 1888,

REPORT OF AN INVESTIGATION OF THE FORAGE PLANTS OF
WESTERN TEXAS.

Houston, TEx., January 17, 1583.

DeAR Sir: In accordance with. the. appointment receive.! from the
Commissioner of Agriculture to make an investigation of the grassesar.4
forage plants of the arid districts of western Texas, under your direc:
tion, I started westward from San Antonio on the 2d of May, having
secured a good teamster to accompany me. At that time the country
about San Antonio and westward showed the effects of the severe
drought that had prevailed for over a year. At San Pedro Springs and
in places along the San Antovio River, I noticed scattered growths ot »
Panicum sanguinale, Eleusine indica, Eatonia obtusata, Paspalum dis-
tichum, and Bromus unioloides, with patches here and there of the Buf-
falo or early Mesquite grass (Buchloe dactyloides). The system of water-
works in the city has induced fine lawns of the Bermuda-grass (Cynodon
dactylon) with luxuriant gardens. But all over the surrounding country
I] saw no grass; only at very rare intervals a dry-looking plant or two
of Buchloe. Between San Antonio and Castroville, 27 miles, the Mes-
quite is by far the most predominant shrub, with occasionally a zizyph ss,
sometimes called Texas buckthorn, and still less frequently an Acacia.
The shrubbery and trees became much more varied as we advanced
west. The prickly pear (Opuntia) was conspicuous all along our route,
growing more plentiful as we journeyed on. Here and there were signs
that the Buffalo-grass had a range in this region. Before reaching
Castroville I saw at the dry beds of some of the creeks a few plants of
Bromus unioloides in bloom. Next to the Buffalo-grass it seems to with-
stand the drought better than any other grass

From San Antonio to Uvalde, 93 miles, we ped only one permanent
running stream, the Sabinal. As we approached the Hondo, while rid-
ing over the hills or slight elevations, I noticed the Acacia shrubs, Lizy-

_phus, Parkinsonia Texana, and a few other shrubs freely mixed with ihe

Mesquite and a few large trees of live oak and hackberry. The prickly
pear growths were also more abundant, and I gathered a few specimens
of the following grasses: Aristida purpurea, Bouteloua Burkei, Triodia ae
uminata, and Triodia Texana.. On arriving at the Hondo we for ‘tunately
found one of the water-holes that occur in places along the dry bed of
this and also of other water-courses. I collected three grasses at this —
place : 2 Panicum sanguinale, Chloris verticillata, and Chloris cucullatd

a

BL yr @

Along our route from the Hondo to the Sabinal no grass was seen. Of
the quantities of prickly pear I remarked how fresh and vigorous they
looked amid the dearth of other herbage. The abundance and quality
of the different species are indeed a benefit to the stockmen in these re-
gious, I was informed that an immense amount of the “leaves,” as the
flat joints of the Opuntia are called, were eaten for forage.

Not far from the Hondo we passed a ranch where a large quantity of
the prickly pear had been hauled, and the joints were passing through
the preliminary scorching. <A large herd of cattle was feeding on the
scorched food as if with a relish. I heard one man say, “The prickly
pear is all that saves this country ;” and another, “The cattle just love
it, they can’t getanything else.” But cattle can not well thrive entirely
on such diet. I heard from others that it was better for the health of
the cattle to have such food mixed with hay or grain occasionally. I
Saw a few cattle feeding on the joints in the field before they were cut
and prepared, but they were moving their mouths as ifin pain. 1 was
told that very often cattle, and sheep particularly, take such food with-
out its having gone through the scorching that softens the spines and
destroys the bristles. It would seem that these cactus lands that have
been regarded so worthless will be more valuable, not only as furnish-
ing food for stock, but also in other ways in which some of the species
can be utilized. In some of the machine-shops the prickly pear serves
a good purpose as a lubricant. The Mexicans, who give the name of
nopal to the different species of flat-jointed opuntias, prepare certain
dishes in which the nopal “leaf” is mixed with other food. It also has
the reputation of making a good poultice for sores and bruises. Of the
opuntias with cylindrical joints (called by the Mexicans, Chollas), two
Species are common in Texas west of San Antonio. With their numer-
ous branches they have a shrubby appearance. One, Opuntia Srutescens,
I met with frequently between San Antonio and Del Rio, and less often
in places farther west. The other, O. arborescens, 1 found sparingly
east of Del Rio, but west of there very abundant. I have seen both
species trained into good hedges.

On our arrival at the Sabinal, we turned from our direct course west-
ward for a short trip up the Sabinal Valley. ‘Near the creek, but not
on its border, I noticed single plants scattered here and there of Aris-
tida purpurea (purple bearded-grass) that is widely diffused in western
Texas. On the border of the creek I found two or three other kinds of
the bearded grasses (Aristida) Stipa setigera, Thurberia Arkansana,
Hleusine Algyptiaca, and other grasses that I gathered at points already
mentioned. We rode along the Sabinal only as far north as Utopia,
and there, by the ereek, I found a few specimens of Panicum pubescens,
the only place I saw it west of San Antonio. On some of the hills that
tower along the sides of the creek one sees oceasionally in riding along
® few plants of the Soto! and Nolina that flourish in such great aban-
dance in western Texas. Gladly would I have lingered in this interest-

_ 82

ing region, the Sabinal Valley, perhaps one of the most inviting regions
in Texas to the botanist.

Passing from the Sabinal to Uvalde, a similar vegetation presented
itself as that towards the Hondo; the same kinds of shrubbery and
cactus growths. All over these western regions vegetation at that time
was probably at its worst, the dry weather having continued so long.
It may be noted here that some of the settlers had asked for State aid,
which had been granted. I heard that in several of the settlements
west of San Antonio provisions and ‘ drought-money ” were being re-
ceived. The first evening at Uvalde Mr. Hale, my teamster, brought me
a fine specimen of Leersia or yzoides: that he found in a swampy place
by a creek, one of the branches of the Nueces. Probably this is the
western limit of this grass. We visited Leona Mountain, near Uvalde.
On its summit I found a few specimens of Melica diffusa, Panicum lacnan-
thum and Setaria caudata, At Uvalde I was informed that not only
loads of prickly pear were hauled into the town, but also that quantities
of sotol, for stock feed, were brought from the mountains west.

Soon after leaving Uvalde we crossed the Nueces, by whose clear
water several grasses were flourishing—the same kinds that I found by
the San Antonio River. From the Nueces to Eagle Pass, with our route
still marked by the absence of grass and the abundance of prickly pear
among the numerous shrubs, I noticed the few cattle here and there, and,
as some one said, ‘looking like walking skeletons.” I heard sundry
reports of a number of cattle dying from starvation. I saw some of the
cattle feeding or trying to feed on the prickly pear, and in two or three |
instances I noticed the cattle attacking the long leaves of the Spanish
bayonet, Yucca baccata, that forms a prominent feature of the flora of
this region and is frequent allover western Texas. At Eagle Pass the
surrounding country looked indee d barren and desolate; in most places
on the hills not even a shrub with green foliage. But I was informed
that after continued rains the mesas of this region are covered with
good grass. All over western Texas it would seem as if there must be
quantities of seed in the soil. No matter how barren or rocky a place
may be, a season of rain is followed by a coating of grass and other herb-

e.

Leaving Eagle Pass, we rode for some distance along the Rio Grande _
and came to a place on the bottom land favored with a very luxuriant
vegetation. Here I found excellent specimens of Setaria setosa, Sorghum
halepense, Eragrostis capillaris, and other grasses that flourish in moist —
situations. The grasses at this place were mixed with luxuriant growths ‘
of other herbaceous plants. Prominent here were the tall stalks of —
Phragmites communis, and still more conspicuous on the islands in the —
river were the taller stalks of Arundo donax. From the river our route —
led by one of the coal mines, and near one of the shafts I took notice
of an inclosure formed by placing together the stems and leaves of the
Spanish bayonet, Yucca baccata, thus making a serviceable fence. The

. 33

roots, stems, and ieaves of the Yacea also subserved a good purpose in
forming an embankment by the side of a hill, where a tramway was
made to one of the shafts.

Passing over the hills and through the gorges and over the mesas
that mark the configuration bordering the Rio Grande, we saw no change
for the better in vegetation before reaching Las Moras Creek. There I
found the grasses similar to those of the permanent running creeks
eastward. The herds of sheep and goats that one sees traveling in
this region must find their sustenance principally from the shoots and
foliage of the mesquite and.other bushes. On the hills bordering the
Rio Grande the prickly pear is met with much less frequently than it is
some distance away from the river.

As we approached Del Rio vegetation looked more cheering. There
had been recent rains, and grass was beginning to start afresh. I found
several interesting grasses at Del Rio both by the side of San Felipe
Creek and along the irrigating ditches through which pass the clear
waters of the creek, so important to the gardens and plantations around ,
Del Rio. Herel collected about a dozen grasses, including Setaria glauca
at Del Rio may be its western limit), Cenchrus tribuloides, Cenchrus
echinatus, and Panicum colonum, var. zonale. On the banks of the Rio
Grande I found a few plants of Sporobolus Wrightii (the Maton of the
Mexicans) in bloom. Later in the season this tall coarse grass forms a
prominent feature of the vegetation along the river.

From Del Rio to the Devil’s River I noticed no special features in the
vegetation. Where we crossed the river I saw a luxuriant growth of
Panicum sanguinale and Panicum colonum, and a number of specimens
of Panicum crus-galli. These three grasses, so common at many of the
streams throughout Texas, illustrate the fact that plants preferring
moist situations are of wider distribution than those in more dry situa-
tions. West of Devil’s River the Sotol (Dasylirion Texanum) became
noticeable trom its abundance on the side of the hills—in many places
forming the principal vegetation. The sundry useful purposes it has
served are doubtless well known; esteemed by Mexicans and others as
food—the leaves chopped off ‘ial the “head” cooked. As furnishing
the meseal, the popular beverage of the Mexicans, it has long been well
known. The herders of sheep and goats value it as a forage plant.
Cattle also seem to be fond of it. I saw several plants where the leaves
had been cut away and the head left for the benefit of the stock. One
herder in Val’ Verde County said that in the dry season he placed his
main reliance on the Sotol for the sheep.

Proceeding westward from the Devil’s River, the Lechuguillo (Agave
heteracantha) presents itself in great confusion, like the Sotol, occupy-
ing the ground in places to the exclusion of all other plants. Value
asa soap or “amole” plant and as a fiber plant, the Lechuguilla has
long been known. The Ocotillo (Fouquiera splendens) also becomes

18876 GR——3

34

prevalent. Thesingleplants, with their long branchless stalks, growing
on the rocky mesas, offer a striking feature to the landscape. I have
seen good serviceable fences made with the prickly stems of these plants.

The Nolina (Hickory grass) I saw but sparingly near Devil’s River,
becoming very abundant farther west. I saw wooden and adobe build-
ings with the roofs thatched with the long, tough leaves of this plant.
The leaves are bound with thongs of hide, and I was told that such a
covering would last for years, and would not leak in rainy weather.
One man in Juno, who had a roof thatched with this “ grass,” said he
preferred it to a shingle roof.

From Devil’s River to Flanders I saw no grasses in bloom away from
the creeks, except a few stray specimens of Pappophorum apertum and
on one of the divides a ‘small patch of running mesquite-grass, Hilaria
cenchroides. At Flanders, in a deep, rocky ravine by the side of a nat-
ural alkaline well, I found Polypogon Monspeliensis, a grass that is com-
mon in many places on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. On account of
_ the difficulty in getting water we concluded to change our route, 80
from Flanders we returned to Devil’s River and rode along its west side,

passing over the mesas and valleys. I saw the Sotolin great abun-
dance on the hill-sides. At the foot of one of the hills I gathered a few
specimens of Hilaria mutica. This grass I have seen in large patches
* west of the Pecos. While going through the picturesque Dead Man’s
Pass I collected some specimens of Aristida, Panicum reticulatum, and
a few other species of grass. In one place near a creek I found a few
plants of the rescue-grass (Bromus unioloides); this is the most western
point at which I have seen it. Just before reaching Old Camp Hudson
we rode a short distance along the river, bordered by stately trees of
poplar and willow, wild china, pecan, and others. Where we camped —
by the river, opposite the old fort, I found the grasses Paspalum dis-
tichum and Panicum colonum. We rode some distance up the river. At
one point I found some fine specimens of Elymus canadensis. Leaving
the river we rode northwest a few miles, and arrived at Juno post-office.
Here I noticed the Sotol plentiful on the hills, and by a creek running
through the place I found a few grasses that are partial to moist places.

After a day at Juno we proceeded westward to Johnson’s Run. Just
before reaching it I noticed a small patch of Triodia albescens, and near by
asmall patch of Hilaria mutica. All along our way from Junoto the Pecos
I frequently saw small patches of the buffalo-grass, but it looked rather
parched. Along some of the leads, or draws, as they are called—branches
of the arroyos—I saw an occasional Aristida, Triodia acuminata, and Ar
dropogon saccharoides. We passed Howard’s Wells, where a few green
bunches of Hilaria mutica presented themselves, with a few stray spec _
imens of Chloris elegans. Journeying along some distance we ascended
a steep hill, on the top of which was a large area covered with Lechu-
guilla. Here I found a few specimens of Schedonnardus Texanus. We
rode for some hours over a lengthy plateau, our way marked by Nolina

35

in abundance, but I saw none in bloom. I noticed here the Hilaria
mutica at intervals among the meager growths of buffalo-grass.

We turned off a short distance from our track and camped at night
by a rocky ravine where were wells of good, clear water. At this place
I found a number of interesting grasses ; some fine tussocks of Priochloa
sericea, Panicum unisetum, Panicum reticulatum, and Panicum ciliatissi-
mum. I noticed many cactus plants along our route, mostly of different
species from those of the Opuntia. Itis between San Antonio and Devil’s
River that the prickly pear in Texas seems to be most abundant; but
the shrubby-like Opuntia arborescens is common towards the Pecos and
farther west. Leaving the plateau, we descended a hill into Live Oak
Creek Valley, where I noticed the Spanish bayonet (Yucca baccata) in
abundance. Near the creek I saw a few clumps of Muhlenbergia Texana
and Andropogan saccharoides. We passed a large goat ranch. I saw sev-
eral of the goats feeding on the foliage and shoots of the bushes.

I’rom Live Oak Creek, graced with its lordly oaks among the other
timber, we rode on to the Pecos, and camped by its side near the mouth
of Live Oak Creek. The alkaline, muddy water of the Pecos presented
a strong contrast to the clear water of the creek. At the foot of the
hill I found two or three blooms of Panicum leucopheum, and near the
river Cenchrus tribuloides and Chloris cucullata. On the bank of the
river I found a few stalks, just starting into bloom, of the common
grass of the Pecos, Sporobolus airoides. This locality was favored in
one place with a covering of the buffalo-grass, the best patch of it [had
seen since leaving San Antonio. Crossing the river we rode for some
distance on the other side, where I found a few small patches of buffalo-
grass of very meager growth, till we arrived at Pontoon, a station of
one building, with astore. From here we took a direct course to Stock-
ton. A mile west from Pontoon I saw the last vestige of the buffalo-
grass on the journey, and I noticed a few straggling plants of Pappopho-
rum apertum. Theappearance of these and a few specimens on the divides
in Val Verde County might lead one to infer that this species (2. aper-
tum) is capable of resisting drought better than many other grasses.

Our route in Pecos County was through as desolate a region as any
we had yet traversed. The hills in view on either side of us looked
more barren than those east of the Pecos River. Already on our ex-
pedition we had taken precaution to obtain water in passing from one
locality to another. In this part of the country we were obliged to be
still more careful. The keg we had with us was an important requisite,
but sometimes we rode long distances before finding water for the two
mules that composed our team. We managed to keep a supply of corn
or oats for the mules; at this season, of course, placing no reliance on
grass at any point for even a “ pretty fair picking.” We overtook two
emigrant teams en route for New Mexico, and the owner of one of them
informed me that two years ago he had traveled over that same region

36

in Pecos County, and for nearly a week his horses had no food except
what they could get from the mesquite and other bushes along the way.

After traveling some distance from the Pecos we were cheered by the
sight of a creek and spring; a short distance farther on we eame to an-
other creek, and still farther on to the Escondido Creck and spring. |
saw on the borders of each luxuriant growths of Agrostis verticillata,
and Jess plentifully the Panicum obtusum. The clear water of these
creeks is salty alkaline, similar to that of Comanche Creek, flowing by
Steckton. On the 7th of June we arrived at Stockton, having been a
little over a month in passing through these regions, in the most unin-
viting time of the year perhaps; certainly as regards the presence of
grass. Doubtless in the autumn all these portions of country are
favored with the “yearly wave of rain-fall,’ and generally furnish
through the fall and winter months a pretty fair pasturage; though
perhaps not as good as that of the mountain regions farther west, where
some of the grama grasses afford such excellent pasturage and hay
through the winter. It wasa pleasant sight at Stockton—the large
plantations, where corn, oats, and vegetables produce good crops, the
result of the system of irrigation from the ereek. By the irrigating:
ditches a rampant growth was noticeable in places, of Panicum obtusum.
On the borders of the creek I saw several plants of Agrostis verticillata
and Distichlis maritima,

After spending a day in the neighborhood of Stockton we started for
Fort Davis, taking the old telegraph road. After traveling a few hours
we came to a swampy place, where I noticed a few patches of Hilaria
mutica. Proceeding some distance farther we crossed a creek, and a
few miles farther on camped at night by one of the tanks or water
holes that are seen occasionally in this region. The next day we crossed
a muddy stream, along whose banks the Sporobolus airoides was con-
spicuous. We rode over a long flat, covered by large tussocks of this
grass. “Where we camped the next night, by the side of a elear creek,
I saw some luxuriant growths of Hilaria mutica,and Triodia albescens.
Let it be remembered that I make note of the only grassy places I met
at this season. The next morning we started towards Saragossa.
From that place we rode along the side of Toyah Creek to Victoria.
Both of these are small settlements, with Mexican adobe houses. Along
the sides of the creek the Sporobolus airoides was prominent. In one
place near the creek I noticed Hilaria mutica and Panicum leucophaum
growing luxuriantly. Leaving the low prairie region by Toyah Creek
we approached the picturesque Limpia Canon, through which flows the
clear water of Limpia Creek. In a few places on the edge of the ereek
I saw a few specimens of Panicum colonwm and Panicum crus galli, and
at two or three places on the rocky slopes, among the bowlders, a few
tufts of grass starting forth. We reached Fort Davis on the night of
June 11, |

The country around Fort Davis looked very barren in June; the high —

37

prairie almost entirely destitute of vegetation, and on the steep slopes
of the hills no grass at all among the numerous timber growths. I saw
a large number of goats browsing on the numerous shrubs and trees
along the cliffs and on the hill-sides. Along the irrigating ditches by
the Government gardens, amid a rank growth of other herbage, I found
good specimens of such grasses as Chloris elegans, Sporobolus cryptan-
drus, Eragrostis mexicana, Panicum obtusum, Panicum colonum, and a few
others. From Fort Davis I took an expedition to the “ Pineries,” and was
favored with the company of Mr. William Lloyd, an enthusiastic orni-
thologist and entomologist, who was making a collection of birds for a
New York museum. Our route was through the western division of
Limpia Caion, our road winding along the clear flowing Limpia Creek
towards its source.

All along the Limpia Creek and its branches much of the land is used —
for pasture ; generally in the broad parts of the valleys, but also where
the valleys are made abrupt by the hills sloping down to either side of
the ereek. I ere by i side of some of the ravines and cliffs rem-
nants of last year’s flora, such as dry stalks of the grasses Hlionurus
candidus, Phicom dlistichoph ylla, and a few others that are prominent
in the fresh vegetation of the mountain sides in the fall. In all the
ae regions of Texas the rains of August and September bring
new life to vegetation. Through the spring months—though many of
the trees and shrubs are in bloom in May—there seems to be with the
grasses and other herbage an entire suspension of growth away from
the water-courses. I noticed in a few places, still covering small areas,
dry plants of some of the Grama grasses of the preceding year. It
would seem that, late in the spring and early in the summer, these con-
tinue to preserve their nutritive properties, and where they have not
been browsed upon or cropped, furnish forage until the fresh growth
in the fall.

I saw in the Limpia region several specimens of the remarkable “ loco”
weed (Astragalus mollisimus). It appeared much more common on the
broad valleys than on the hill-sides. Its direful effects on cattle and
horses who taste it are well known. I heard of its having caused also
the death of many sheep, but no reports of goats being seriously affected. ©
It may be that they entirely avoid it. Itis worth mentioning here that
donkeys (Mexican burros) feed on the “loco” without any injury to
them. —

Up in the Pineriesin June I saw but very few grasses along the creek.
At the base of one of the foot-hills, near the border of the creek, I
found a few plants of Poa andina. At the old avernment saw-mill I
gathered seme specimens of Panicum bulbosum.

Returning to Fort Davis, we rode over to the picturesque region of
Musquis, south of the fort. Here I saw by the sides of the creek, as
it flows through the cation, a few plants, here and there, of Tripsacam
dactyloides, Diplachne dubia, Setaria Selene, OBS OF hers. These w re also

38

seen in great profusion when I visited the same region in September.
Southward from Musquis we rode to Murphyville, and spent two days
in the neighborhood. At that time of the year, early in July, the sur-
rounding hills looked indeed desolate and barren. I deferred making
observations in any of these western regions until a month or two later,
for then the rains of August and September would give ‘a cheerful as-
pect to the face of nature. While passing through on the train from
Murphyville to El Paso, nature presented all along the route the same
dreary aspect—no grass on the hills and mesas, or on the prairies. But
in some places the numerous shrubs and yuccas gave a charm to the
landscape.

While in El Paso, three weeks in July and most of August, I saw no
grass on the surrounding hills. The system of irrigation, here as else-
where, brought forth a luxuriant growth of grass and other plants
along the irrigating ditches and in the gardens. Among the grasses
growing in the park at El Paso were fine specimens of Timothy (Phieum
pratense), Read-top (Agrostis vulgaris) and Rye grass (Loliwm perenne);
These were mixed with such grasses as are frequent on cultivated land
in the Gulf States, Cynodon dactylon, Sorghum halepense, and Pani-
cum sanguinale. It is worthy of note (as illustrating the value of the
Grama-grasses in the summer), that several loads of hay were hauled
in July into El Paso—grama hay it was called—cut in the mountain
region, 10 miles north of the town. In the latter part of August the
rainy weather caused a fresh start to the vegetation, and the green
shoots springing up, gave quite a spring-like appearance to the land-
seape.

In journeying from El Paso eastward there could everywhere be seen
the reviving vegetation. At Marfaa very cheerful view was presented,
with the surrounding country favored with a carpet of green grass and
other herbage. At Fort Davis and the neighboring regions plant-life
had started forth in great profusion. At every point the green grasses
appeared—on the flats, in the swampy places, on the high prairies, on
the craggy mountain sides, on the narrow shelves at the sides of the steep

_ cliffs. About the middle of September I went over to Medero Creek,
30 miles south of Marfa. Here I found several of the gramas in abund-
anee, though not spread over the surface to the extent that they were
near Marfa and other places. But I collected in this region, on the hills
and mesas, and near the sides of the creek, several grasses that I saw
nowhere else. I have noted them in the appended list. Though many
of the grasses have an extended range, certain species seem to be par-
tial to one or two localities. Such sections might be characterized by
certain grasses whose narrow range renders them, in their favorite
haunts, a prominent feature of the vegetation.

On the last day of September I started, with a young man and team,
from Marfa towards the Staked Plains... Part of our route wasthrough =~
Limpia Caiion, north of Fort Davis, and the contrast in the aspects of a

39.

vegetation at this season from that of June was very noticeable. TI
gathered several interesting grasses in this region, which I have noted
in the list, giving the names and loealities. October, it would seem, is
the best month in which to study the grasses of western Texas. I found
there all the species in their prime of bloom, though it was too early to
gather seeds. Leaving Limpia Caiion we next came to the broad plain
watered by Toyah Creek. Although in early Junethisregion was barren, —
it was now mostly covered with a good carpet of grass. After trav-
eling for some distance on the prairie we approached the Pecos, where
the vegetation did not look so cheerful. The soil in the vicinity of the
river is so impregnated with alkaline salts that only a few grasses and
other plants can thrive. The Salt-grass (Sporobolus airoides) finds such
a soil congenial. Its green tussocks in October were scattered about
in abundance on the flats bordering the river.

Crossing the Pecos at Pecos City (a village of three stores in running
order) we took an eastward course to the Sand Hills, which have been
characterized as ‘“‘a dreary, chaotic belt of reddish sand tossed by the
wind into hillocks, cones, and ridges of various sizes and shapes.” I saw
a topography similar to such a description, but at the time of my visit,
in October, I found a very luxuriant vegetation; though but few shrubs
beside the Mesquite, which was abundant. The numerous grasses and
other herbaceous plants were in their full prime of bloom. The species
of grass peculiar to this belt I have specified in the appended list.

From the Sand Hills we passed on to the southern edge of the Staked
Plains, not going farther east than Odessa. At this point the surface
was covered in many places with large patches of grass, but it looked
parched and dry. I learned that in August and early September vege-
tation at this and other portions of the Staked Plains was at its best.
In the country surrounding Odessa the species of grass by far the most
abundant is the “White grama” (Aristida). It is valued for hay, and
seems to be the grass most esteemed at the southern edgeof the Staked
Plains, keeping its nutritive qualities in the field through the fall and
early in the winter.

We returned to Marfa on the same route—by way of Pecos City and
along Toyah Creek and Limpia Creek. I gathered some more specimens
and a few seeds. Arriving at Marfa on Friday night, October 21, we
started the following Monday for the Chenate Mountains. Along our
route on the high prairies, varied here and there by swells or low ridges,
the surface was generally covered with good grass, mostly the Gramas.
But before reaching Cibilo Creek, riding about 40 miles, we passed no
permanent running stream; only at some of the arroyas, a water-hole
or tank, where the water is retained a long while after rains. On reach-
ing the mountains vegetation looked more advanced than in the Limpia
region. Many of the grasses were past their prime, but I collected
several good specimens as. well as seeds. While passing through the

40

Chenates I saw at several points burros loaded with wood or hay, he-
ing driven by Mexicans down the mountain sides. Such is a common
sight during winter in these mountains.. The value of these mountain
grasses—in many localities consisting entirely of the Gramas—with
their esteemed qualities of self-curing, can be seen not only in the
pasturage they afford in the winter, but in the amount of hay that is
cut. Immense quantities are cut for hay in the fall, and in a climate
that continues dry and clear the first half of the year, can be kept
through the spring and early summer without the protection of barns
or other buildings. Stoeckmen say that horses and eattle are fond of
the blooms of the Gramas; the “heads or tops” as they call them. In
the fall, when the grasses are fresh, stock often prefer the tops to the
foliage.

While passing through some of the gorges and on the lower mesas
(on our way to Presidio on the Rio Grande) the Grama-grasses could
be seen in great abundance. But descending to the bottom-land, that
stretches for some distance till it reaches the river, I saw only scanty
growths of grass, only slight patches here and there, often only a stray
plant or tussock. The few specimens I gathered in the neighborhood
of Presidio I have noted in the list. Arriving at Marfa, on our return
trip the last day of October, we started on the 2d of November for a
three days’ trip over to Musquis, by way of Paisano, returning by way
of Fort Davis. Though late in the season, I gathered several peecinene
and seeds.

The following grasses were collected during my whole Sein:
Panicum fasciculatum.

Different forms of this grass I found growing in the gravelly soil
on the craggy slopes. I sawit nowhere in abundanee, generally
in seattered tussocks. It seemed to be more common in the
Limpia region than elsewhere.

Panicum ciliatissimum.

This I saw in a few places in the Limpia region. Less abundant
than the preceding.

Panicum autumnale, var.

This is frequently seen on the lower ridges and in gravelly soil
near the creeks.

Panicum bulbosum.
This I saw in several places at Limpia Cajion, on gravelly slopes
near the creek, and in like situations in Musqnis Cafion.
Panicum lachnanthum.

Frequent on many of the lower ridges, more common on slight

elevations in the valleys. On some,of the bottom-lands, where —

the soil is sandy or gravelly, it is seen in great profusion.

a PS ls

Ser ee Sr ea te ee ey

Al
Panicum erus-galli.
Frequently seen on the borders of the creeks. In some localities
very abundant
Panicum beh:
‘nin several places on the creek bottoms.
Pace colonum.
ith the Dae More common.
Panicum capillar
Oce noeeint seen associated with the preceding.
Panicum proliferum.
is grass, so common in seltivatad ground in eastern Texas, I
saw ely i in one spot by the side of Toyah Creek.
Panicum obtusum.
1s was often seen on the borders of creeks ; sometimes on the
gravelly slopes near the sides of creeks. I have seen it in
great luxurianece on the borders of creeks whose waters are
strongly alkaline.
Panicum Havardii.
Several plants of this tall, striking grass, [ saw scattered about
at the Sand Hills in October. Not seen elsewhere.
Panicum Hallii.
nother grass peculiar to the Sand Hill region. Its proeumbent
stems, rooting at the joints, are scattered freely among the
other grasses, but not forming patches.
Paspalum distichun.
Occasionally seen in muddy places on the borders of creeks.
W e soil is gravelly it does not thrive.
Briochloa punctata,
‘requently seen on ereek bottoms. Often mixed with Paniewm
sanguinale.
Setaria setosa and var. caudata,
Both of these are plentifal in the valleys of western Texas; gen-
erally in a adjacent to creeks. Not rare on low ridges near
t of creeks. The var. seems more abundant than
the hea
Cenchrus tribuloides.
One of the most common grasses at the Sand Hills. Fortunately
it thrives only in sandy soils.
ent m yosuroides.
was seen only in one locality; in large clumps Py the side
~ the creek at Cibilo Canon. :

Tripsacum dactyloides.
This was seen only at Musquis (south of Fort Davis) growing in
=e clumps in a few pice oes the eree

%

42
Hilaria mutica.

This occurs in all the valleys of western Texas; often in gravelly
soil near the creeks; not rare on the slopes of the lower ridges.
On the low prairie at Toyah Creek I noticed it, in some places
forming large patches of itself, though generally mixed with
other grasses.

Hilaria cenchroides.
iS was seen in two localities; on the high prairie near Marfa--
several plants mixed with some of the Gramas; and on one of
the lower mesas on the south side of the Chenates.

Tragus racemosus.

Near Fort Davis, on the high prairie, I saw several plants of this
scattered about; also in several places along Limpia Creek
north of the fort. It seems to be thoroughly naturalized.

impereta Hookeri.

_ This was seen only in one locality ; by the side of Medero Creek,
30 miles south of Marfa.

Elionurus candidus.

Frequent in many places on the eraggy slopes. It seemed es-
pecially abundant in the Limpia region and in the neighbor-
hood of Musquis. I found it at several points at Paisano and
in the Chenate region, and on some of the hills near Medero —
Creek.

Heteropogon contortus. .

Common on all the craggy slopes of the mountarhs. !
——- cirrhatus and Andropogon hirtiflorus.
of these are common in the Limpia region on the craggy
Wetec :
Andropogon saccharoides.

Jften seen at the base of the lower ridges. More common on
gravelly soil near the creeks.

Andropogon Halliz.

Seen only at the Sand Hills. A few large clumps here and there
among the other herbage.

Chrysopogon nutans,

Seen at Musquis in one locality growing in clumps near the
creek. Also seen in one other locality; a few scattered plants
at an arroya near Cibilo Creek.

Sorghum halepense.

At Musquis Cajion I saw a few plants growing by the side of

the creek. Cultivated at Fort Davis and at El Paso.
Aristida bromoides.

Frequently seen near the borders of creeks and at the base ofa

ridge.

fr a a

43

Aristida dispersa.
In the same localities as the preceding and in like soils and situ-
ations,

Aristida Palmeri.
Several specimens of this were seen scattered about on the lower
ridges and mesas in the Limpia region and in the Chenates.

Aristida purpurea.

Different forms of this were seen near many of the creeks and

on the slopes of the lower ridges.

Aristida Tavardii.
his was seen in a few places on the lower mesas at the south-
ern base of the Chenate Mountains.

Aristida.

On the prairie extending south of Marfa I saw several plants of
this scattered here and there. At the southern edge of the
Staked Plains, about Odessa, it is the most prevalent grass,
known as the “ White grama.”

Aristida Schiediana.

Seen at several places in the neighborhood of Musquis and in the
Limpia region. Growing like other grasses on the craggy
slopes in the gravelly soil between the rocks and bowlders.

Stipa suet n. Sp.
n only on some of the lower mesas near cae ncioks Creek. Grow-
ing in clumps in abundance.
Oryzopsis fimbriata.

Seen in a ise re on the craggy slopes in the Limpia region

and at Pai
Muhlenbergia fede

Frequent on the mesas and high prairies. On the low prairie at

Toyah Creek I saw several specimens.
Muhlenbergia arenicola.
Common on the high prairie between Fort Davis and the Chen-
ates.
Muhlenbergia monticola,
everal clumps of this I saw scattered about on the craggy slopes
in the Limpia region.
Muhlenbergia spiciformis.
nin the same localities of the preceding, also at Musquis
Caiion. It offers a rare exception among grasses in its choice
of habitation. I found it nowhere on the gravelly slopes. All
the specimens I saw were growing on the steep sides of ledges,
sometimes on very narrow shelvy places on the side of a steep —
cliff; often in fissures of the rock, with no soil apparently for

its Goaviek ment.

Ad

|
Muhlenber gia ——-, n. sp.
everal See tneak of this were seen on the craggy slopes at Lim:
pia Cation.

Tycurus phleoides.

Common on the lower ridges and mesas. I saw several plantsof
it on the slight ridges that mark the uneven sui face of the
prairie land around Marfa.

Epicampes distichophylla. My

This is one of the most common grasses on the craggy slopes of
the mountains. The form without awns I saw only in the Lim-
pia region.

Epicampes stricta.

Seen only in two localities—in gravelly soil near Medero Creek —
and in one spot near the creek at Musquis Canon.

Sporobolus airoides.

e prevailing grass along saline and alkaline streams. At nearly
all the creeks in western Texas, on the low prairies and in the —
broad valleys subject to overflows, large level surfaces are
covered with tussocks of this grass.

Sporobolus Wrightii. ;
ommon on the bottom land of the Rio Grande. Often mixed
with the preceding on the flats by some of the creeks.

Sporovolus cryptandrus.

Frequent on the high prairies. Common at the Sand Hills.

Sporobolus cryptandrus, var. strictus. ;

cattered about in abundance at the Sand Hills. A few speci-
mens seen near Toyah Creek.

=o iceman, var, flexuosa,

“the most common grasses at the Sand Hills.

Bs osoiue pe us, var. robusta.

A striking feature of the grass growths at the Sand Hills. Less
common than the preceding.

Sporobolus Nealleyi, n. sp.

Seen at the Sand Hills only in one spot.

Sporobolus ramulosus.
requent at the Sand Hills; seen in a few places on the gi
near Marfa and in a scala’ near Musquis.

Sporobolus asperifolius, var. '

Seen at several places along Toyah Creek. Not seen elsewhere

Sporobolus repens,

Seen at several places on the prairie near Marfa; sometimes ip
patehes occupying the ground for some yards. A few plants
also seen in a valley near Musquis.

Agrostis verticillata.
' Frequent on the borders of creeks.

ee ‘45

Cynodon dact, ve
everal plants were seen at the Sand Hills, where it seems to be
naturalized. I saw fine lawns of it at Fort Davis, Marfa, and
El Paso.
Chloris eens
nin the gravelly soils of the valleys. Frequent at the
Sand Hills.
Chloris elegans.
Common on the bottom lands of the creeks.
Tr ese! verticillatas
n at several poiits alony the Rio Grande, generally in clumps.
as seen in places along Toyah Creek. On the Pecos flats I
saw a few plants mixed with S. airoides. It seems to thrive on
alkaline soil.
sail 0 Mee gostachya (Blue grama).
well-known grass, so abundant in these western regions, is
seen in its greatest perfection on the high prairies, covering
extensive areas. Mixed with some of the other gramas, it oc-
curs on the grassy slopes and in wide, gravelly spaces on the
: mountain-sides. Unlike many of the mountain grasses, the gra-
= mas are not at their best on the craggy slopes. In many locali-
ties the best hay is furnished by a mixture of this and other
gramas.

Boutcloua hirsuta (Black grama).

This, with a more extensive range (extending eastward beyond
the Brazos, in East Texas), is inuch less abundant than the
blue grama. In some places it is largely mixed with other
gramas. Several specimens were seen at the Sand Hills,

Bouteloua Havardii., ~
een in a few places in the Limpia region, and near Musquis
Caiion ; also at some of the foot-hills on the north side of the
Chenates, and at Paisano.
Bouteloua eriopoda (Woolly-jointed grama).

e most common grasses in the Chenate region. On the
lower ridges and prairies just north of the mountains it is gen-
erally the prevailing grass, covering large areas. In the gorges
of the Chenates, on some of the grassy spots, this and the fol-
lowing (B. stricta) constitute the principal growth. On the
high prairies it is occasionally found mixed with the blue
grama. It is frequent in the Limpia and other mountain re-
gions. Several specimens were seen at the Sand Hills.

Bouteloua stricta.

Common in several portions of the Chenate region. Seen in
abundance on some of the lower ridges at the southern base
of the mountains.

46

Boutelowa racemosa. :

_Common in gravelly soil in the valleys. Often seen on low ridges.

Bouteloua polystachya.

Never seen in patches, like most of the other gramas. With its
short, procumbent stems it prefers situations where there is no
turf. It is found in a great variety of soils. I saw it in open
spaces on high prairies and on low prairies and flats ; some-
times on hill-sides. Several specimens were secn at the Sand
Hills. It is frequent on the Rio Grande bottom at Presidio.

Bouteloua aristidoides.

Often associated with the preceding, but less abundant. Of the

same manner of growth and choice of habitation.
Pappophorum Wrightii.
’ Frequent on many of the mesas and Jow ridges.

Pappophorum apertum.

Often seen with the preceding, but a abundant; but it has a
range farther east than its congen Not rare in valleys be-
tween Devil’s River and the Wasa

Cottea pappophoroide.

Seen in one ice, by the side of Medero Crook ; also in bwo lo-
calities inthe Chenates ; on a slope at Cibilo anon, and ina
ravine at the southern base:

Troidia acuminata.

This, common east of the Pecos, I saw only in one locality far-

ther west, at an arroyo near Musquis.
Triodia albescens.
Seen in a few places by Toyah Creek. Farther east it is abun-
dant in several localities.
Triodia avenacea.
oe on some of the lower mesas by Medero Creek. A few
pecimens were seen at a ravine branching from Cibilo Canon.
Triodia Neate yi, D.
Seen only ae one i tahoiye on a craggy slope in Cibilo Canon.
sivpates rast ides
e phasetiae.
Triodia euskal

Seen at many of the arroyos; sometimes on the high prairies.

A few plants were also seen scattered on the river bottom neat

Presidio,
Triodia trinerviglumis. . 4
ant at Cibilo Cafion. Seen at several points near Toyah
Creek.
Triodia repens, n. sp.
Seen xchiydi in one spot by the side of Limpia Creek (about 15 miles
north of Fort Davis), just below a rocky slope. Here, 02% —
level surface a few yards square, it formed a complete turf.

AT

Triplasis on
in a few places at the Sand Hills. -
Di es pes
Common along the creeks. . In some places on the creek bottoms ,
it was found snsities very luxuriantly.
Diplachne Rlsties si
S sev ir points along the Rio Graude, and on-some of the
per It is somewhat partial to alkaline soil.

Scler opogon Ka)
This was seen often: in small patches scattered over the prairie
region near Marfa and Fort Davis, and near Toyah Creek.
Munroa squarros
This scoaiae grass, with its contracted stems and leaves, was
seen at several places on the prairie about Marfa—common at
the Sand Hills.
Arundo donax.
At various points on the Rio Grande. <A few specimens seen at
Presidio.
Phragmites communis.
Common along the Rio Grande.

Eragrostis Purshit.
Common on the creck bottoms. In some places the principal
grass growt
Eragrostis powoides.
Vith the preceding, but less common.

Eragrostis lugens.
Frequent in the Linen region on the craggy slopes.
Eragrostis Neo-Mexicana.
ith the preceding.
Eragrostis oxylepis.
Frequent at the sand-hills.
Hragrostis hs anlecrete
A few plants seen a the sand-hills.
Lragrostis aoe .
xen only at one point at Limpia caiion on a grassy slope.

Ul

Distichlis maritima.

This common grass of saline and alkaline soils [ found in one

place by ap Creek.

Bromus ciliatus, v

Seen only at on Davis, near the summit of one of the cliffs,

t. C, NEALLEY.
re Guo. Vasry,

Bot toxist, Department of Agriculture.

FORAGE PLANTS OF ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO.

In September, 1887, a circulur was sent to about fifty stockmen in
Arizona and New Mexico, asking for Specimens of any plants used for
forage, with notes on their value. Considerable valuable information
Was thus obtained. The returns showed that many plants which are
regarded elsewhere as useless weeds are of much value there for for-
ige. The specimens sent were numbered to correspond with the ac
companylug notes. These specimens were identified by the botanist,
and their lames, together with other information, returned to the send-
ers. The following notes, sent by Dr. J. Pool, of Benson, Ariz., will serve
as un example of the replies. Further information on these and other
forage plants of this region will be found elsewhere in this bulletin.
Sporobulus Wrightii (Sacaton grass).

Th

is grass is adapted to the Valleys, and grows on any kind of ©

soil, good or poor, where there is a little moisture. It grows
at all times of the year, attaining the height of 8 or 9 feet.
Vhen there is plenty of rain in J tly and August it grows very
fast, and in September it blooms. It grows in bunches or tus-
socks, and finall y mats together. It grows from both the seed
and root; is very hardy, and does not tramp out very easily.
It is sometimes cut for hay.
Trichloris verticillata (sometimes called Fox-tail grass). :
‘his grass is very good forage, growing on the high land of the
valleys. It comes from seed after the suinmer rains fall. It
stows to the height of 4 feet, and is not easily tramped out.
Bouteloua polystachya (Six-weeks grass).

This grass starts after every rain, on the mesas and bottom lands,
and comes to maturity in six weeks. It grows very thick, comes
every year, and is relished by horses, cattle, sheep, ete.

Muhlenbergia Texana (Grama grass). :

This grass is adapted to the mesa lands, table lands, and hills,
and grows to the height of 2 feet, and in bunches or clusters,
matted together. It is very fine feed for cattle, horses, and
sheep, and it also makes very good hay, of which a great
many tons are cut every year. It Starts up after every rain.

Seed, as you will see by the specimens. It
Stands drougths very well, which we often have in this Terr J
tory, and when the dry weather comes it dries and remains

cattle run on the range.

good all winter. But it tramps out in three or four years where

(49

Panicum crus-galli (Water-grass).

After the summer rains in all swampy places or low lands this
grass commences growing, sometimes attaining the height of
6 or 7 feet. It is relished by all kinds of stock, and does not

' tramp out, as it always starts from the seed.

Setaria setosa.
is grass comes up in bunches after the summer rains in the
hills and valleys. It is not very thick, and grows mostly
around bushes and trees. it is a very good grass for horses,
cattle, and sheep, and does not tramp out, and in fact is spread-
ing. It grows to the =e of 3 feet. We do not know any
name for it.
Milaria Jamesii (Guyetta).
is grass grows on the hills and mesa lands, and does not tramp
out easily. it grows to the height of 18 inches, is relished by
all stock, horses, sheep, and cattle, and stands the drougth well.
It is cut for hay a great deal in the Territories.
Lragrostis megastachya.
is grass is common in the valleys and caiions of this Territory,
and is relished by all kinds of stock. It grows to the height
of 2 feet and does not tramp out readily, as it comes from
seed after the summer rains.
Chloris elegans.

This grass comes up in bunches around bushes and trees after the
summer rains. It grows about 2 feet in height, and is relished
by all kinds of stock. It seems to be spreading.

EBriochloa punctata.

This comes from seed in the valleys after the summer rains, and
is relished by all kinds of stock. It grows thickly, is not tramped
out, and is sometimes cut for hay.

Allionia incarnata (Gunaninpil of the Spanish).
is is a slender prostrate plant, which comes from theseed after
the summer rains. All stock relish it, and it is not tramped out
readily. The natives use it as a subetitats for tea.
Amarantus (Careless-weed, big-weed).

This weed, which is known everywhere, is abundant over the
hills and low-lands in this Territory, coming after the summer
rains. It is relished by all kinds of stock, sheep, hogs, cattle,
and horses.

Portulacca oleracea (Purslane).

This herb, which probably grows all over the United Bates, is
uhuudect } in this part of the country, and comes after the sum-
mer rains, and is relished Le all kinds of stock, — hogs,
horses, cattle; ete.

18876 GR——4

50

. Prosopis juliflora (Screw-bean, mesquit tree).

The leaves are very good browsing for horses and cattle. It
bears two crops of beans a year, which are next to barley for
fattening purposes, for horses, sheep, cattle, and hogs. This
tree is the chief timber of this Territory for fencing and fuel.
The small branches bear sharp thorns; it grows chiefly in good
soil in the valleys and mountains, becoming very scrubby on
the mesa lands.

Tribulus maximus.
is herb grows very abundantly all over the country when there
is plenty of rain. It runs along on the ground, and has a
small yellow flower. The cattle eat it all by licking it up from
the ground. We know of no name for it.
é

Atriplex canescens ( Sage-brush).
is grows inthe higher valleys and on the mesas or table-lands.
It is of a shrubby character, and attains a height of 10 feet.
The leaves and small twigs are eaten by cattle, aud in some
parts of the Territory there is nothing else for feed. Stock
keep fat upon it, but it gives milk a bad flavor. Bees obtain
honey from the blossoms.
Cyperus strigosus (Tula-grass). :
This grass grows in the Swampy lands of this valley, attaining
the height of 4 feet. It is relished by all stock.

GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS FIGURED IN THIS BULLETIN.

The most common and conspicuous of the grasses mentioned in the
report of Mr. Neally and of Professor Tracy are figured herewith, and
the figures will aid much in an identification of the species by those liv-
ing in the arid districts, and will be useful in directing experiments for
their cultivation or utilization.

Panicum crus-galli (Barn-yard grass).

_ ‘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 considered
/ a valuable ee Jeans cameos of Mississippi, says that—

that 4 lly, and is said sometimes to furnish

f q 4or 5 tons of hay peracre. It Giaaety re-seeds the ground, and requires no other
’ cultivation or other care save protection from stock and the labor of harvesting. In

4 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.

In the Northern States it is hardly ever employed. (Plate 1.)
Panicum virgatum (Fall panic-grass, switch-grass).

A tall perennial grass, 3 to 5 feet high, growing mostly in clumps 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 ripeit becomes harsh and unpalatable. It forms
a large constituent of the native grasses of the prairies, particularly in
moist localities. (Plate 2.)

Aristida purpurea (Western beard-grass; purple three-awned grass).

This species prevails extensively west of the Mississippi River from
British America to Mexico, and is abundant on the plains of Kansas,
New Mexico, and Texas. It grows usually 1 to 14 feet high, with slen-
der culms, branching at the base, and with short, involute leaves. It
is an exceedingly variable species, and there are sven distinct varie-
ties. The panicle is 6 to 8 inches long, rather narrow, erect or flex-
uous. The spikelets are much like those of the preceding species, but
usually larger, and with longer awns or beards. In some varieties
these awns are 2 or 3 inches long, widely diverging, and purplish
colored, the whole panicle having a graceful and feathery appearance.
(Plate 3.)
Stipa fed ate (Bunch-grass).

A perennial grass, culms 2 to 4 feet high, leafy ; the radical leaves 12

to 8, eka long, those of the stem 4 to 10 inches long, one to two lines
51

52

wide, involute, and Dristle-like at the point; sheaths long, smooth, the —

uppermost inclosing the base of the panicle; paniele very variable in
size, from 6 inches to a foot or more, narrow and loose, variable in thiek-
ness, the branches mostly in twos and threes, erect and appressed,
much subdivided. Widely diffused over the Rocky Mountain region,
extending to California and British America, furnishtg a considerable
part of the wild forage of the region. (Plate 4.)

Selaria setosa (Bristle-grass, fox-tail).

A native species growing in New Mexico, Texas, and southward into
Mexico and South America. It grows about 2 feet high. The stem and
leaves are smooth, except a fine hairy ring at the joints. The leaves
are 6 to 10 inches long, narrow, and gradually tapering to a long point.
There is a tuft of short white hairs at the top of the leaf-sheath. The
panicle is 4 to 6 inches long, erect, or slightly nodding at the top, Dat-

rowly cylindrical, with very short sessile branches, usually somewhat
Svclnanel below: sometimes the lower branches are longer, and the
panicle looser. We know little as to the agricultural value of this spe-
cies; as it is found in the arid districts, it is deserving the attention of
farmers of that section. (Plate 5.)

Hilaria Jamesii.

The grass was formerly ealled Pleuraphis Jamesii. It is a native 0 of ©

the arid regions extending from Mexico to Colorado, growing in clumps
from strong scaly runners orrhizomes. The base of the culm is usually

covered with the dried leaves of the preceding year. The culms are —

from 1 to 14 feet high, with a few short, rigid, light green or bluish-green

leaves, which are more or less invelute. Hach culm is terminated by a —

simple loose spike, 1 or 2 inches long, with alternate clusters of sessile
spikelets. These clusters are quite complex in structure, each one col
taining three spikelets, one central and two lateral. We do not know
to what extent this grass ae but all reports speak highly as to its
feeding value. (Plate

Andropogons scoparius (Wood-grass; broom-grass).

This grass usually grows from 2 to 3 feet high, the flowering spikes
coming out in small clusters from many of the side joints on slender
graceful peduneles. The spikes have a small bract near the base, and
consist of a slender axis, with from six to ten alternate joints. This
grass forms an important portion of the native grasses of the prairies
of Kansas and Nebraska, extending in some of its forms to the Atlav-
tic coast. (Plate 7.)

Andropogon provincialis (Blue-stem).

This is the tallest of our species. It grows erect to the height of 5
or 6 feet, in rocky or hilly ground, or at the West it is abundant on the —
_— & prairies, where it is frequently called blue-stem. The jdeaves are

ently somewhat hairy on the sheaths and ee

Spikes ave in small clusters of three to six, terminating the stalk, and
also several clusters from the side branches. The spikes are usually 2
to 3 inches long, rather rigid, and contain ten to twenty flowers each.
At each joint there is one sessile perfect flower and one stalked one,
which is male only, otherwise it is nearly like the fertile one. The outer
glumes are about 4 lines long, the upper ones tipped with a short stiff
awn. The flowering glume of the perfect flower is twisted and about
one-half inch long. -

This species, as above stated, is abundant en the prairies of the West,
where it is one of the principal hay-grasses of the country, and is ex-
tensively eut and cured for winter use. (Plate 8.)

Chrysopogon nutans (Wild oat-grass).

This is a tall perennial grass, having a wide range over all the ecoun-
try east of the Rocky Mountains. It grows rather sparsely and forms
a thin bed of grass. The stalks are 3 to 6 feet high, smooth, hollow,
straight, and having at the top a narrow panicle of Seabdianio straw-col-
ored or brownish flowers 6 to 12 inches long, which is gracefully droop-
ing at the top. The spikelets are at the ends of the slender branches of
the loose panicle, generally of a yellowish color. This grass, when it
occurs in quantity, is frequently utilized for hay-making, for which pur-
pose it should be cut early. (Plate 9

Oryzopsis cuspidata (Indian millet.)

This grass has a wide distribution, not only on the Sierras of Cali-
fornia, 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. . It is a perennial, growing in dense
tufts, whence its common name of bunch-grass. The culms are 1 to 2
feet, with about three narrow convolute leaves, the upper one having a
long, inflated sheath which incloses the base of the panicle. In Mon-
tana it isone of the most esteemed bunch grasses, and thrives on soil
too sandy for other more valuable species. The abundant seeds are
very nutritious and fattening for cattle. (Plate 10.)

Sporobolus eryptandrus.

This species grows chiefly in sandy soil. The culms are frequently
bent at the lower joints, then rising erect to the height of 2 or 3 feet.
The leaves are mostly near the base, where the joints of the culms are
short; here the sheaths are short and the blades of the leaves 5 to 6 inches
long, the upper sheaths become longer and the blades shorter; the
leaves are flat, but become involute in dry weather. The top of the
sheath is fringed with fine soft hairs. The long and narrow panicle is
for a long time completely inclosed in the very long sheath of the upper
leaf, but finally emerges except the base and becomes more or less
spreading. The full panicle is from 6 to 12 inches long, the branches
mostly alternate or scattered, the lower ones about 1 inch apart and

1 Nee ta eR a APO LR eae ean een

54

inches long, the upper ones much closer and shorter, ail flowering nearly .

to their bases with the spikelets short-stalked and appressed.

This species is very common in sandy fields in the Northern and South-
ern States, as well as over all the dry plains west of the Mississippi
River, extending from British America to Mexico, where it furnishes a
portion of the wild pasturage. It deserves observation and experiment
as toits value. (Plate 11.)

Sporobolus airoides (Salt-grass, fine-top grass).

Culms arising from strong perennial, creeping root-stalks 2 to 3 feet
high, thickened at the base and clothed with numerous long, rigid,
generally involute, long-pointed leaves, which are smooth and bearded
in the throat of the sheath, panicle becoming exserted and diffuse, 6 to
12 inches long, 3 to 4 inches wide; the branches capillary, scattered,
mostly single, or in aba below, the branches subdivided above the
middle and rather sparsely flowered.

A common grass throughout the arid regions of the West, sometimes
called salt-grass, and affording considerable pasturage in some places.
(Plate 12.)

Agrostis exarata (Northern redtop, mountain redtop).
This is chiefly a northern species, being found in Wisconsin and west

ward to the Rocky Mountains, also in British America and California

to Alaska. It is very Pita | in appearance and presents several Va-
rieties. It is generally more slender in growth than the common red-
top. The panicle is usually longer, narrower, and looser. In all the
forms the palet is wanting or is very minute.

There is reason to believe that this grass can be made to supply the
same valuable place on the Pacific coast that the Agrostis vulgaris does
at the East, but it requires investigation and experiment. (Plate 15.)
Deschampsia caspitosa (Hair-grass).

This is an exceedingly variable species, having a very wide distribu-
tion in this and other countries. It is somewhat rare east of the Mis
sissippi, but on the elevated plains and in the Rocky Mountains, : also in
California and Oregon, it is one of the common bunch-grasses whic
afford pasturage to cattle and horses. In the East it is found in the
hilly. regions of New England and the Alleghanies. The panicle is
very handsome, presenting a purple or glossy hue and a loose, g eracefill
appearance. We know very little as to the value of this grass; it may
be found worthy of cultivation in the arid interior districts. (Plate 14.)

-Chleris alba.

An annual grass growing in tufts, 1 to 2 feet high, smooth, the eulms

. eae, branched and heeos = ia lower joints, ease becom

F4 Mie fi flower Spl

se, th he blade
ikes,

~

5D

which are eight to fifteen in number, 2 to 3 inches long, and umbellate
or fasciculate at the top of the clum or of the lateral branches.

This is a common grass in the arid regions of New Mexico, Arizona,
and further south and west. It furnishes a large quantity of foliage,
but of its agricultural value we have no information. (Plate 15.)

Baxteloes oligostach ya (Grama, mesquite grass).
the commonest species on the Great Plains. It is frequently
the

cipal grass, and is the main reliance for the vast herds of cattle which
are raised there. It grows chiefly in sinall, 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 nearly at right angles, like
‘a small flag floating in the breeze. Where much grazing prevails, how-
ever, 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 ciUcunstancss 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 ast favorable
cireumstances the product of this grass is small compared with the eul-
tivated grasses. Itis undoubtedly highly nutritious. Stock of all kind
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 Scotties in
the winter. No attempt is generally made by stockmen to feed cattle
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, sometimes very
heavy. (Plate 16.)

Bouteloua polystachya (Low grama-grass).

his species probably does not reach farther north than northern New
Mexico. It is an annual, from 6 to 10 inches high, growing in clumps;
the culms are slender, branching, and bent at the lower joints. The
culny terminates in a raceme-like panicle, 3 to 6 inches long, composed
of five to seven alternate, narrow, one-sided spikes, which are about 1
inch long and one-half inch to 1 heh apart. ere are several varie-
ties or forms of this species, some smaller and some larger. It abounds
near the banks of streams and furnishes excellent pasturage. (Plate
17.)
Buchloé dactyloides (Buffalo- grass). :

This grass is extensively spread over all the region known as the

Great Plains. It is very low, the bulk of leaves seldom rising more

56

than 3 or 4 inches above the ground, growing in extensive tufts or
patches, and spreading largely by means of stolons or offshoots similar
to those of 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
seattering hairs. The flowering culms are chiefly dioecious, 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 valua-
ble grass in the support of the cattle ofthe plains. (Plate 18.)

Triodia trinerviglumis (Spear-grass).

Another perennial species, growing in Colorado, Arkansas, Texas,
New Mexico, and southward. The culmsare 2 to 3 feet high, and rather
stout; the radical leaves are somewhat rigid, 6 to 12 inches long, nat-
row, acuminate-pointed, inclined to be involute, the sheaths more or
less hairy. The smooth culm has three or four leaves, which are 4 to
inches long and slender-pointed. Little is known of its abundance or
agricultural value. (Plate 19.)

Triodia acuminata (White tuft-grass).

A low species, growing in tufts from 6 to 12 inches high, the leaves
short and narrow, but abundant near the ground; the culms are erect,
slender, with one or two short leaves, and terminated by an oblong,
spike-like panicle about an inch long, composed of a few crowded ses-
sile or nearly sessile branches, each with one to three spikelets. The
spikelets each contain eight or ten crowded flowers. Thisis a nativeof
the arid regions of Texas, New Mexico, and southwestward. (Plate 20.)
Diplachne fascicularis (Spike-grass).

An annual grass of vigorous growth, 2 to 3 feet high, growing in brack-
ish marshes or wet ground near the sea-coast, and also far inland in the
Mississippi Valley, Texas, Arizona, ete., in alkaline soil. The radical
leaves are narrow and half to two-thirds as long as the culms, rough
on the margin; those of the culms similar, with long, smooth loose
sheaths, the upper ones usually inclosing the base of the panicle. The
culms are frequently branched at the lower joints. The panicle is large,
6 to 10 inches long, consisting of numerous (fifteen to thirty) spike-like
branches, which are 2 to 4 inches long, mostly alternate, sometimes
fascicled below, angular and rough, and flower-bearing throughout.
(Plate 21.)
Diplachne dubia.

A grass of similar aspect to the preceding; the leaves somewhat
longer and more rigid; the panicle rather shorter, and composed of
-six to twelve branches, which are stouter and more spreading. The —

spikelets in age become spreading, and. the axis zigzag. It is of more
southern range than the preceding, oceurring in the Gulf States and
southwestward. (Plate 22.)

57

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 southern
Territories. It is found in waste and cultivated grounds and on road-
sides, 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 ig The grass
is said to have a disagreeable odor when fresh. If produces an abun-
dance of foliage, and is apparently an annual, reachi ip maturity late in
the season. We are not aware that its nericnitarel value has ain
tested. (Plate. 23.)

Distichlis maritima (Salt-grass, alkaline- et

is is described in most botanieal works as Brizopyrum spicatum, but
recently the name given by Rafinesque has been accepted and Seiten
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 abandenthy in
alkaline soil throughout the arid districts of the Rocky Mountains. It
has strong creeping root-stocks, covered with imbricated loaf 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 and involute, sharp-pointed, varying greatly
in length on different specimens. The plants are diewcious, 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.

Although this ean not be eonsidered a first-class grass for agricult-
ural purposes, itis freely cut with other marsh grasses, and on the al-
kaline oes of the Rocky Mountains it affords an inferior pasturage.
(Plate 24

_

Poa tenuifolia (Blue-grass of the plains and mountains).

This species in several varieties is common in California, Oregon,
Montana, ete., 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 the seeds of this grass
for food. It is probable that it, by careful cultivation, may be made as
valuable in agriculture for the region where it grows as the Poa pratensis
is in the Hastern States. (Plate 25.)

paras poietic (Bunch-grass).

A pe ial grass growing in strong clumps or bunches, and hence
called eanel -erass.” It is a native of the Rocky Mountain region,
from Colorado wentwata to California and Oregon. The culms are usu-
ally 2 to 3 feet high, erect and smooth; the- radical leaves are numer-
ous, about half as long as the culm, generally rigid, involute, and sca-

58

brous on the margins; the blade is prone to separate when old, leaving
an abundance of leafless sheaths at the base; the cauline leaves are
about two, short and pointed, 2 or 4 inches long; the sheath scabrous,
the ligule short or wanting; the panicle is usually 3 to 5 inches long.
In Montana it is called the Great-bunch grass, and is one of the princi-
pal grasses of that country. Itis 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 tus-
socks, making it rather a difficult grass to mow with a machine. It 1s
one of the most important grasses of eastern Oregon and Washington.
(Plate 26.)

Agropyrum glaucum (Blue-stem, blue-joint).

This species prevails on the western plains from Texas to Montana,
and is well known to stockmen. It differs from the Agropyrum repens
in having a stouter, more rigid stem and leaves; the leaves, indeed,
often becoming involute and stiff. It is also of a light bluish-green color
The spike is generally shorter, denser, and with larger spikelets.

Mr. Richard Gaines, of Colorado Springs, Colo., says:

We think this is the best grass grown, superior to timothy er clover. We call it
Blue-stem, or Blue-joint ; no richer hay can be made from anything known.

Plate 27 is a figure of Agropyrum repens.

Hordeum nodosum (Barley-grass).

An annual or biennial grass, growing principally in alkaline soils and
on the borders of saline marshes, especially in the Western States and
Territories. Although eaten by cattle when in a young state, it can
not be claimed as of anything more than temporary value. The eulms
are usually 1 to 14 feet high, sometimes in moist places reaching 3 feet,
and varying as to smoothness or pubescence.

‘The leaves are usually flat, 2 to 4 inches long, and about two lines
wide. The flowers are in a close cylindrical spike about 2 inches long,
with three spikelets at each joint of the rachis. (Plate 28.)

Elymus condensatus (Giant rye-grass).

This is a perennial grass, ranging from San Diego throughout Call-
fornia and into Oregon and Washington Territory, also in the Rocky
Mountain region of the interior. It is very variable, but always 4
_ Strong, heavy-rooted, coarse grass, from 3 to 5 or even to 12 feet high-

Mr. - ander states that it seems to do excellent service by fixing
ie the soil on the banks of creeks and rivers. In the larger forms the
culms are half an inch thick. The leaves are smooth, 2 feet long, and
inch wide or more, and the panicle 8 to L4 inches long and 1} inches
ok. it usually occurs in arid grounds, it is from 3 to 6 feet highs

hacia

59

the leaves about a foot long, and half an inch wide, and the spike-like
mane 4 to S inches long. Mr, W. C. Cusick, of Oregon, says :

This isa very valuable grass, commonly known as rye-grass. In Baker County
large peace s 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 29.)

Medicago sativa (Alfalfa).

This plant is called lucerne, medick, cee trefoil, French clover,
Brazilian clover, and Chilian clover. It is nota true clover, though
belonging to the same natural family as the elovers. Alfalfa, the
name by which it is commonly known in this country, is the Spanish

name, which came into use here from the fact that the plant was intro-
duced into cultivation in California from South America under the

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 cultivation from very ancient times, and was introduced
from western Asia into Greece about 500 B.C. Itis now largely grown
in southern France, and to a considerable extent in other parts of
Europe. It has been introduced into several of the countries of South
America, and on the ome of Buenos Ayres it has escaped from eal-
tivation, and grows extensively in a wild state. Though known for a
long time in the nied States, alfalfa is not yet cultivated to the extent
that it should

Prof. E. W. Bilgard, in the Report of the a of Agriculture
for 1878, page 490, says :

Ppipsiceraec pd the most valuable result of the search after forage crops adapted to

e 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 California

from Chili early in her history, differing from the European plant merely in that it
The latter habit, doubtless ac-

the importance of alfalfa to Californian agriculture, which will be more and more
recognized as a ee a of rolesion becomes a part of the general practice.
first alfalfa was used alm y for pasture and green-soiling purposes,
during the last three or ae years alfalfa hay has become a regular article in ihe

t
> i -
in curing. On rrigated Jands of Kern, é Tulare Counties, three and
even four cuts of forage, aggregating to something like 12 to 14 tons of hay per acre,
ave frequently been le, e available green forage during summer,

A i
alfalfa has become an invaluable adjunct to all dairy and stock farming wherever
the _ ean, during the d@ ary season, supply ia moisture within 2 or 5 feet of
surface

(Plate 30.)

60
_ Opuntia Englemanii (Cactus).

A number of species of cactus, mainly of the genus optntia, and
commonly called nopal, or prickly pear, are used as food for cattle and
sheep in the dry regions of Texas and westward, where the ordinary
forage plants fail. In the natural state cattle dc not often touch it
unless driven by hunger, except while the new growth is young and
tender. Sheep eat it without preparation more readily than cattle, and
for them the plants are sometimes merely cut down, so as to be within
reach. More often the herder passes along and clips off a portion of
each flat joint, so that the sheep can enter their noses without coming
in contact with the spines. For cattle it is customary to singe off the
a over a brisk blaze.

Leonard A. Heil, San Antonio, Tex. :

The cactus or prickly pear grows abundantly in nearly every section of southwest
Texas, often reaching a height of 10 or 12 feet. Ever since the settlement of the
ee by the English, and probably years before, it has been used to supplement
; sin times of drought, but now it is being used with other feeds at all times, and
Scoiatly | in the winter. Sheep do well upon it without water, there being sufficient
_ moisture in the leaves, 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
them entire.

John ©, Chesley, Hamilton, Hamilton County, central ES aaa

The prickly sie! is used here to a great extent. We have a ranch in Stephens
County where we are now feeding the pear to over a hundred of our ee cattle,
and they are doing wellon it. It is fed at nearly all of the ranches of Stephens
County where they are feeding ai all, and there are thousands of cattle being =
this winter on prickly pear that are enne well and will come to grass in good shap
that otherwise would have died, or at least the larger part of them.

rays

/

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Ae Panicum erus-galli.

ae

SMA os sls

FREES

= ee ee

pe se 2
=

Sebeos

Oh gr or ees

GB es ar

5

S

&,

=

=

o
i=
ey
4
ies
S
re
°
oS
g
=]
=}
S
i=}
9

—
ee AS eae
ROS >

2s
=
3
=
3
S
=)
Q
S
3
x}
-_
=

_

x
14, Deschamsia cwspitosa.
15. Chloris alba.
16. Bouteloua ee

~

Bouteloua polystachya.
Buchle dactyloides.

Triodia trinerviglumis.

a, poeoides,

chya.
Distichlis maritima.

var.

megas-

Plate 1.

PANICUM CRUSGALLI.

PANICUM VIRGATUM.

Plate 3.

ARISTIDA PURPUREA.

STIPA VIRIDULA.

SETARIA SETOSA.

gs rs.

HILARIA JAMESIL

Plate 7.

ANDROPOGON SCOPARIUS,

CHRYSOPOGON (SORGHUM) NUTANS.

Tv TAYLOR OEke

ORYZOPSIS CUSPIDATA.

ee ees Eee Ts Ome gt

SPOROBOLUS CRYPTANDRUS.

i
S|
:
5
a
a
S
pS
Es
Dn

AGROSTIS EXARATA,

ne

5
ea. ene af dime di

<j

DESCHAMPSIA (AIRA) CESPITOSA.

é if UA
EM Wy 4 1
YA} 47 d)
V7

CHLORIS ALBA,

BoUTELOUA OLIGOSTACHYA.

Plate 16.

BOUTELOUA POLYSTACHYA.

WOROLS WARA-DEL,

BUCHLOE DACTYLOIDES.

TRIODIA TRINERVIGLUMIS.

——

a

TRIODIA ACUMINATA.

DIPLACHNE FASCICULARIS.

iS

DIPLACHNE DUBIA.

S POAOIDES.

GROSTI

ERA

=<
maf

WW, ack

DISTICHLIS MARITIMA.

Plate 25.

WARADEL.

PoA 'TENUIFOLIA (var.).

Plate 26.

FESTUCA SCABRELLA.

AGROPYRUM (TRITICUM) REPENS.

Plate 28.

MARX. Del.
HORDEUM NODOSUM.

Plate 29,

ELYMUS CONDENSATUS.