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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

| BOTANICAL DIVISION.
BULLETIN NO. 6.

GRASSES OF THE ARID DISTRICTS.

—————E——E——

RHPORT

OF AN

INVESTIGATION OF THE GRASSES |

OF TIE

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

WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE,

1888.

ena mes wremsenre

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

WASHINGTON, January 20, 1888.

DEAR Sir: 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. Tracy, 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 species collected in this region we may be assured that there
are mary which would prove usefui for cultivation, and it is te be hoped
that the experiment stations of the States embraced in the arid districts
will give to such a thorough trial.

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

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 Buecnloe
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 vaiued very highly. The latter is occasionally
eut for hay, and is everywhere known as “ Blue-grass.” The higher
mesa lands also give good pasturage and are often cut for hay. Agro-
pyrum repens (Quack grass), a species of Poa (P. Tracyi), a variety of
Festuca ovina, and a species of Carex, apparently muricata, are very
abundant, and there is a considerable mixture of Bouteloua oligostachya
(Grama-grass).

tain-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.
Occasionally 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 not yet in flower. It
forms a large part of the mesa hay.

Bouteloua oligostachya (Grama-grass).

One of the most common species on the mesas.
Agropyrum glaucum (Blue-joint, Blue-grass).

Common on lowlands and the sides of the mesa.
Hilaria Jamesvi (Black buneh- grass).

Very abundant on the vegas (meadows) with Buchloe, and said
to be increasing. It makes excelent pasture at all times when
not covered with snow.

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

On

Poa Tracyi.

A species of Poa, which was found abundant near some springs

toward the top of the mesa.
Schedonnardus Texanus (Crab-grass).

Common on the vegas and valued for early pasture, but worth-
less for hay or late range. Found through New Mexico and
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 (Buchloe
dactyloides). In the mountain valleys and hill-sides there is a larger va-
riety. On irrigated land some cf the eastern species occur.

The grasses noted here were:

=

Elymus sitanion.
Very abundant on hills, and oceasional on lowlands.
Poa Bigelovii.
In one locality in a ravine.
Poa annua.
_ Abundant on lowlands 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.
Common on low ground and eaten closely.
Agrostis vulgaris (Redtop).
* Oceasionally seen on low ground.
Hordeum jubatum.
Common.
Sporobolus cryptandrus.
Occasionally found. Not yet generally in flower.
Sporobolus depauperatus.
Rare.
Glyceria nervata.
Not rare along a stream.
Stipa viridula, var. robusta. :
Rather common at the foot of the hills and apparently not eatea

very much by stock. It was not seen elsewhere on the trip,
except at Colorado Springs.

Alopecurus aristulatus.
Common on wet ground.
Lolium perenne.
Quite common on low dry lands and eaten closely.
Phleum pratense (Timothy).
One field seen, which was sown on irrigated land in January, 185¢
gaye a heavy crop the following season, and now (June, 1887)
looks well.
Dactylis glomerata (Orchard-grass).
Grows occasionally in irrigated fields.
Buchloe dactyloides (Buttalo-grass).
Much 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).
Very common here and seen occasionally in damp places from
here to Los Angeles.

Trifolium invotucratum.
Common on the banks of ditehes, and eaten closely by stock.
Trifolium repens (White clover).
Common in yards and along the streets.
Trifolium pratense (Rea clover).
One field on irrigated land, the first ever nyed 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 1s 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, Agrostis
verticillata and Hatonia obtusata, with a few sedges, form the bulk of the
pasture and hay. Oryzopsis cuspidata is 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 aneonnith of its iarger and abundant seed. Wild rye, a
species of Agropyrum, is valued highly for pasture when young, but is
considered worthless when old. I am told that 60 miles south of here

8

Andropogon saccharoides forms the bulk of the hay crop. Poa pratensis
(Kentucky Blue-grass), and Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) have both
been introduced, but do not spread.
The following forage plants were noted in this vicinity:
Agrostis verticillata.
Found in wet meadows throughout the region visited.
Agrostis vulgaris (Red-top).
Occasionally seen in wet meadows.
Agropyrum unilaterale.
Common along the banks of ditches.
Agropyrum tenerum.
Common in one locality, at the edge of a wet meadow.
Eatonia obtusata.
In the same situation as the above.

| Sporobolus asperifolius.

_~Common on ditch banks and similar situations throughout the
region visited. It is very generally affected with a species of
fungus (Tilletia asperifolia, Ki. & 1.)
Sporobolus airoides. |
Common on the mesa. Found on dry, sandy soils throughout
nearly the whole region visited.
Sporobolus cryptandrus, var. stricta.
Seen at the foot of the mesa, where it was eaten closely.
Sporobolus cryptandrus.
Occasionally seen in the streets.
Panicum obtuswm, called grape-vine mesquit.
Common ete and at Algadones, where the runners were often
10 feet long. It is eaten well by stock.
Hlymus Macounit.
Common on low, wet land.
Aristida purpurea.
Common on the mesa.
Triodia pulchella.
Occasionally seen on the mesa.
Hilaria Jamesii.
Very abundant on the high mesa.
Bouteloua polystachya.
Seen in one locality on the mesa.
Bouteloua ertopoda.
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 sparingly on the side of the lava.

Munroa squarrosa.
Found in small quantities in one locality.
Chloris verticillata.
Common on low, sandy iand.
Andropogon saccharoides, var.
7 Common on low, sandy land, where it is valued highly for hay
and used when young for pasture.
Polypogon Monspeliensis.
Common at the edge of streams and in swampy places through
New Mexico and Arizona. It varies from 1 inch to 2 feet in
height, and is not eaten when other food is to be had.
Polypogon littoralis.
Common with the above in wet, ground.
Hragrostis Purshia.
Rare.
Stipa pennata, var. Neo Mexicana.
Occasionally seen on the mesa.
Scleropogon Karwinskianus.
Quite common on the bigh mesa above the lava beds.
Muhlenbergia Texana.
Abundant among rocks on the side of the lava bed.

Selaria caudata.
Rather common near the base of the lava bed.

Bromus racemosus. (Iotroduced.)
A single plant seen.
DPatlea scoparia.
Very abundant on the mesa near the lava beds. It furnishes
almost the entire forage in the dry season.

Juncus Balticus, var., and a species of Eleocharis form fally two-thirds
of the growth of the low meadows which are cut for hay.
Pastures 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 canons are occasional springs which afford seanty water for the
few sheep and goats kept by the Indians, but water in sufficient quan-
tity for cattle or horses is rarely found except where wells have been
dug. Very little stock is kept here, and there is no farming of any

10

kind. Bouteloua oligostachya, called here black grama, is the most
abundant species of grass. In the valley Buchloe dactyloides (Butfalo-
grass) is also common, and Agropyrum glaucum is seen occasionally,
while on the hill-tops a species of Muhlenbergia is quite common, to-
gether with a small proportion of Hilaria Jamesti. Very few species
were found in a condition for herbarium specimens, as the grasses here .
make no growth until the August rains fall, when they are said to make
arapid and abundant growth until snow comes, and then remain dry
until the next year. Ice an eighth of an inch thick formed here last
night, June 19. ?
The grasses noted here were the following:
Schedonnardus Texanus.
Only occasionally seen here, but at Chaves, 30 miles east of
here, it is one of the most common species aiong the railroad.
Sporobolus depauperatus ? 7
Quite common in the valley, and closely grazed. All the plants
observed were affected with a fungus.
Poa Bigelovii. :
Occasionally seen in the valley.
Agropyrum glaucum. (Blue stem.)
Somewhat common, but not eaten when grama (Bouteloua oli-
gostachya) is to be had.
Elymus Sitanion.
Common, but not plentiful.
Oryzopsis micrantha.
Not rare on the top of the mesa.
Andropogon scoparius.
Rare.
Bromus ciliatus, var.
Occasionally found on the side of the mesa.
Poa Bigelovii.
Rather common on the top of the mesa.
Sporobolus cryptandrus.
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 south-
east, and there are no others besides that within 50 miles. On the
sandy plains about here is a scant growth of Bouteloua oligostachya
(Grama-grass), with a smaller amount of Buchloe dactyloides (Buifalo-
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.

In the San Francisco Mountains, 50 to 70 miles southwest of here,
Black bunch-grass (Hilaria Jamesit) 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” (Kestuca,
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 6,886 feet. Hxcellent 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 highly for that pur.
pose as is the Bouteloua oligostachya.

The following notes were ¢aken on the grasses found here :-

Poa Californica.
Somewhat common on the hill-sides.

Stipa avenacea, var.
Occasionally seen on the hill-sides.

Stipa Pringlet.
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.
Common.

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 exeellent
winter range. Itis eaten by stock of all kinds about as readily
as grama (Bouiteloua oligostachya). It is said to grow only in
pine forests, and was not observed elsewhere. It is nog yet in
flower (June 24).

Andropogon scoparius.
Common on low hills.
Oryzopsis micrantha.
Common on the rocky sides of a cation.
Aristida purpurea.
Occasionally found in dry rocky places on the hiils.
Hpicampes rigens (Deer grass).
Occasionally found on the lava bed. Excellent for feed.
Muhlenbergia Wrightii. :
Found on the lava bed.
Bouteloua racemosa.
Occasionally seen in the clefts of the rocks.
Sporobolus tricholepis.

Rare on lava bed.

Sporobolus Arizonicus. . >

Rare in the same situations.

Carex muricata.
Common at the foot of hills and in canons.

Peach Springs, Arizona, June 27.

Peach Springs is in a dry valley, surrounded by high hills which have a
scanty growth of cedar, with an abundance of cactus, agave, and yucea.
Most of the feed for the few animals kept here is brought from Califor-
nia, though the Indians occasionally bring in smali lots of hay wmch
they have cut with knives. One light shower is all the rain-fail 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.

Hremochloe Kingii.
Aristida purpurea.

Common on dry roeky hills.

13 P
Bouteloua racemosa, Elymus Sitanion, and Boutelowa oligostachya (grama)
were seen occasionally. Cows were noticed feeding on the
leaves of Yucca 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 canon, which has one or two springs near
its head, but is dry the rest of the way, exceptthe last mile. The canon
iS very narrow and barren, and the sides very precipitous and rocky.
The tops of the hills are commonly bare, except of cactus and sage-
brush.

Collections were made as follows, all at or very near Grand Caiion :
Panicum capillare.

Common along the creek.
Sporobolus aspertfolius.

Very common along the stream.
Polypoadon monspeliensis.

Very common along the stream.

In a * visitors’ register” kept at the camp here I find a note by Dr.
Asa Gray, as follows:

CONSPICUOUS PLANTS OF THE GRAND CANON.

Fouquiera splendens, Ocatiosa.
Acacia Lemmoni (Cat’s claw).
Allionia.
On ground; flowers all day and all the year; shuts at night.
Fallugia paradoxa.
Bush, with white rose-like flowers on slender stalks.
Cowania Mexicana.
Like the last. Many greenish-white blossoms.
Larrea Mexicana (creosote).
Porophyllum.
With yellow, sweet-scented flowers in balls on slender twigs.
EBriogonum inflatum (Indian pipe-stem).
Abronia.
In sand by the, river; small white flowers in a cluster.
Gnothera albicaulis.
Large flowers, separate.
Erythrea calycosa.
Herb with red star-shaped flowers.

The Needles, California, July 1.

The lands here along the Colorado River are sandy barrens, with very
little vegetation, except creosote-bush (LarreaMexicana) and grease-wood

14

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

Irom here to Bagdad, about 60 miles, not a single 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, 123°. |

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.
Sporobolus atroides.
Jommon.
Oryzopsis cuspidata.
Seen occasionally ; becoming more abundant farther west.
Panicum Urvilleanum.
On a sandy bank; one plané only.
Polypogon Monspeliensis.
Common.
Stipa speciosa.
Common on hill-sides.
Phragmites communis.
One clump seen on the river bottom. It was also seen at Los
Angeles, and at Wadsworth, Nev. ‘Two species, apparently of
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 suflicient
moisture, so that outside the desert many plants grow well with very
little rain, but good grasses are rare. Oryzopsis cuspidata is somewhat
common, also Hordeum jubatum, and on the hills to the south Llymus
condensatus is quite plentiful. Hrodiwm is seen occasionally. Stipa
speciosa is common on the hills, and a species of Poa is occasionally
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 Hlymus condensatus is

15

abundant, and caten well when young. Stipa setigera is also found,
and considered good feed, and Avena fatua is sufficiently abundant to
be valued highly. Hrodiwm or “filaree,” is very abundant, and forms
a large per cent. of tlfe wild forage. The hill-sides produce an abun-
dance of Bromus ciliatus, which is one of the leading sorts for horse
feed,
The notes taken here were as follows:

Hlymus 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.
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 nicrocephalum.

Very common on low Jand and well eaten.
Melica imperfecta.

Common on hill-sides.
Juncus bufonius.
Festuca Myurus.

Common.
Pamcum sanguinale.

Common on the river bank, but not yet in flower.
Distichlis maritima.

Common on low lands.
Paspalum distichum.

In one locality.
Poa annua.

Occasionally found on the river bank.
Medicago denticulata? (Bur-clover).

Very sbundant on low lands in all southern California. Grows

rip. ly, and stock will leave any other forage to get it.
Hosackia juncca ?
Common along river bottems and eaten somewhat by cattle.
Elymus Oreutianus.
Commou on river bottoms, but not well eaten.

16

Lamarckia aurea.
Common along road sides.
Scirpus maritimus.
Commen in wet places.
Trifolium tnvolucratum, var. heterodon.
Occasionally found in wet soil, but not ie very freely.

Sporobolus airoides.
Common on dry soils, but not valued. Commonly called “ Guay-
atta.”
Cyrodon dactylon (Bermuda grass).
Common in door. yards here and stil more common at Pasedena,
10 miles east of here. It does well, but needs constant irriga-
tion.
Poa pratensis (Kentucky blue-grass).
Does not succeed as well as Bermuda, the soil being too sandy.
Hrodiun. |
The early settlers claim that this has always been abundant here,
and throughout the whole region from here to Colorado it 1s
spoken of as ‘‘coming in from California.”

Reno, Nevada, July 16.

Reno is on the Truckee 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 tou
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 timothy.

The most abundant native forage plants are Agrostis vulgaris and sea-
bra, Avena fatua, Hlymus triticoides (?), Poa tenwifolia, Oryzopsis cuspi-
data, Vicia Americana, Klymus condensatus, Trifoliuminvolucratum, Spor-
obolus aspertfolius and Hrodium cicutarium. The last named is known
through the entire Southwest as ‘‘ Filaree,” and has become very com-
mon here within the last five years. It was noticed also at Trinidad,
Albuquerque, and Santa ’'é, N. Mex.; Wadsworth, Nev.; and at Ogden
and Salt Lake City, Utah. It is valued very highly on account of its
early spring growth, and it continues to grow throughout the season,
providing it has moisture. It is eagerly eaten by all kinds cof stock,
even after it is completely dried and the plants are > blown about by the

17

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 (Kedtop).

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.
Found 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 tenwifolia,
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.
Hlymus triticoides ? (Wild rye, wild wheat).

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

EHlymus Sitanion,
Common along road-sides.

Hlymus condensatus, var.
Common, and valued for winter pasture, but not eaten when other
grasses can be had. It is sometimes cut for hay.
Llymus tenurs.
Along the river-bank,
Avena fatua (Wild oats).

Very abundant from California eastward to Central Nevada, and
occasionally found in the Salt Lake Valley. Itis often cut for
hay 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,

18876 GR——%

18

Stipa comata.
Common on the dry barrens.
Stipa occidentalis.
Common in wet soil everywhere.
Sporobolus asperifolius.
Common on low land.
Sporobolus cuspidatus.
Common on the river-bank.
Bromus secalinus (chess.)
Common on irrigated lands.
Bromus mollis.
Occasionally found in dry soils. Very common in the Napa Val-
ley, Cal.
Bromus maximus.
Common atong roadsides.
Bromus racemosus.
Occasionally found on wet ground.
Bromus breviaristatus.
Grows sparingly along the river bank.
KHatonia obtusata, var.
Along ditch banks.
Beckmannia (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-
ure. Many regard it-as the mest valuable of al! the native
species, but it will grow only on soil which is constantly wet.
Holcus lanatus.
Occasionally found on ditch banks.
Hordeum murinum.
Very common.
Eragrostis major.
Introduced and yearly becoming more common in the valley.
Festuca microstachys.
Occasionally found on the barrens.
Agropyrum glaucum (Blue-joint, Blue-grass).
Common and valued.
Oryzopsis Webberi.
On ditch banks and barrens.
Bragrostis powoides (small form).
On ditch banks.
Polypogon.

In strongly alkaline soil,

1G)

Hrodvum cicutarium (Vilaree).

‘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).

The plant here is affected with a species of fungus (Phacidium
medicaginis, Liasch.), the specimen sent being no worse than a
fair sample of most fields, not only here but wherever I have
seen alfalfa. The remmnens make no complaint of it; im fact no
one seemed to have noticed it. Mr. Davis, the editor of the
Live Stock Record, informs me that it 1s even more common
about Denver than here.

Melilotus alba.

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

Trifolium tnvolucratum.
Very abundant on wet ground. TFound everywhere along streams,
but more common here than elsewhere.
Trifolium tridentatum.
Common on ditch banks, and eaten closely.
Carex siccata ?

Very common on fo leads, where it is cut for hay. It is eaten

fairly well.

Several eS 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 form 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.

Common.
Poa levis.
Occasionally found on low ground.

20

Keleria cristata.
Common on ditch banks.
Panicum capillare.
Common on low ground.
Sporobolus atroides.
Found at Winnemucca and Palisade, Ney., 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 platn, 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 Orcuttianus.

Common in the valley and grows to some extent on the hills. It
is the most valuable species here, being the main rehance
through the year.

Panicum capillare.
Somewhat common along the river.
Hordeum jubatum.
Occasionally seen in well-watered yards.
Setaria viridis. :
Witb the above.
Agrostis vulgaris (Redtop).
Does well here.
Poa pratensis (Kentucky biue-grass).

Doing well here in irrigated grounds.

Poa (too old for identification). Mountain bunch-grass, small buneh-
grass.

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

Battle Mountain, Nevada, July 20.

In an éxtensive dry and barren valley, with no cultivated fields for
many miles in any direction, and no cattle nor sheep. In the town are

Zl

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 juba-
tum, and Panicum capillare were noted.

Palisade, Nevada, July 26.

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

Poa tenurfolia.

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 but a shght hold upon the soil, so that when the herb-
age is bitten off by stock the piant is either pulled up or the
roots so loosened that it soondies. It is certainly true through
most of this State and a large part of Utah that when a range
has been pastured for.a year it is usually three years at least
before it will afford equaily good pasture again.

Agropyrum tenerum (Rye-grass).
Very common on the lower part of the hills and in the valley.
Agropyrum divergens.
Common on the top of the hills.
Hlymus triticoides.
Rather common along the river.
Festuca microstachya.
Commonon dry hills, but disliked after ripening and not valued.
Hordeum pratense (fox-tail).
Common on low land.
Festuca ovina, var (Pinon-grass).
Common in crevices in rocks.
Hatonia obtusata.
Common near the river.
Sporobolus cuspidatus.
Common on low sandy barrens.
Phelaris arundinacea.
Common on low wet land.
Stipa comata.
Rare on hill-sides.

Stipa occidentalis.
Common 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 Poa levis, Agrostis exarata,
Sporobolus filvfolius, and a species of Hlymus, the most abundant grasses.
This land was not irrigated, but is only 5 or 6 feet above the Jevel 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 Hlymus condensatus is the most abundant species
and the main dependence for winter range. Greasewood and White
Sage are somewhat abundant on the hills, and Distiehlis (Salt-grass)
covers many acres along the river.
Collections were made as follows:
Hiymus condensatus.
Quite common, but not eaten in summer if other feed is to be had.
It is sometimes cut for hay, but is of poor quality.
Beckmannia eruceformis.
Common on 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 aspervfolius.
Common at the edge of a hot sulphur spring.
Agropyrum divergens.
Common on the hills.
Festuca microstachys.
Common 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 wholiy 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 ali
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. Hrodium cicutariwn is found cecasionally, and is
said to be becoming more abundant. Agrostis vulgaris var. (Redtop)
is abundant on moist soils, and a deum 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.

Common on lowlands and in canons.
Agrostis scabra.

Rare in low ground.
Agrostis microphylla.

Along ditech-banks in the canon.
Agrostis exarata, var.

Common in the canon.
Agropyrum glaucum.

Common on dry ground.
Agropyrum tenerum.

With A. glaucum.
Agropyrum divergens.

Common in the canon and on the upper half of the mountain.
Agropyrum caninum.

In the canon.
Hlymus canadensis.

Common on lowlands.
Hiymus tenuis. |

On low, dry sands and the foot-hills.
Elymus condensatus, var. ?

Occasional in wet meadows.
Hlymus sitanion. °

On rocks, near snow, at the summit.
Sporobolus asperifolius.

Common.
Sporobolus eryptandrus.

Common on dry, sandy soils.
Sporobolus gracillimus.

Occasionally found in the caiion.

24

Koleria cristata, var.

Common on low dry ground.
Poa levis. ?

Occasionally found on low ground.
Poa tenwfolia.

Common at the summit.
Poa purpurascens.

Common in the same locality.
Poa flexuosa, var. occidentalis.

Abundant in a canon near the summit.
Ammophila longifolia.

Rare on wet ground.
Muhlenbergia glomerata, var.

Occasional on wet ground and in the canons.
Muhlenbergia comata, var.

On the river-bank.
Glyceria arundinacea.

Occasionally found on ditch-banks.
Glyceria nervata.

In a canon néar summit.
Distichiis marituma.

Everywhere on alkaline soils. Nowhere have I found it consid-
ered of any value except at Winslow, Ariz., where it is admost
the only green thing found.

Cenchrus tribuloides.
Common here, but seen elsewhere only at Canon City, Cal.
Stipa comata.
Common on the bench lands.
tipa viridula, var.
Abundant on the upper half of the mountain.
Bromus secalinus.
The most common species on low, dry, sandy land.
Bromus breviaristatus.
Common in the canon.
Bromus racemosus.
Occasional in the canon.
Panicum capillare.
Occasionally found on the river-bank.
Phalaris arundinacea.
On the river-bank ; also found at Palisade, Nev.
Deyeuxia neglecta.
On the river-bank.

INS) a

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

Lake Park, Utah, August 8.

The following were collected here:
Distichlis maritima.
The most abundant species here, in the low, marshy, alkaline soil
on the shore of Great Salt Lake.
Agropyrum repens.
Common.
Deschampsia calycina.
Common.
Spartina gracilis.
Common.
Poa tenuifolia, var.
Ueccasionally seen.
Sporobolus cryptandrus, var. stricta?
Occasionally found in dry, sandy places.

Hrodium 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
most'y in cultivation. Irom the city to the base of the mountains the
land rises and forms a broad bench, which produces a fair growth of
Agropyrum repens and A. glaucum, but almost no other grasses except
where irrigated.
Collections were made as follows:

Agropyrum divergens (** Wire bunch-grass”).

The most common species on the mountains.
Agropyrum caninum.

In clumps on low ground; rare.
Agropyrum glaucum, var.

Abundant on moist soil on bench land.
Agropyrum tenerum, var. robustum.

Along a ditch on the bench.

26

Lolium perenne (Rye-grass).
Introduced. Found occasionally in pastures and meadows.

Hlymus 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 cusprdata. 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 a
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

Zi

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 (Boutelowa oligostachya), Bunch-grass (Poa tenuifolia, var.),

and Indian millet (Oryzopsis cuspidata) are the leading grasses. White

sage, or shad scale, as it is also called (Atriplex confertifolia), is relied

upon largely for winter feed. ;
Collections were made as follows:

Poa Californica.
Very common and eaten well.
Poa tenuifolia (Buneh-grass).
Common and valued highly.
Stipa viridula.
Occasionally found.
Hilaria Jamesit.
Abundant on the upper part of the hills, but apparently not eaten
as well as Poa Californica, or next.

Bouteloua 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 seale).
Common on dry hills, and ez sen well after frost.

Provo, Utah, July 15.

The location and surroundings of Provo are similar tothoseof 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 belowthat there is but
little feed. The lowiand meadowsare mostly timothy and redtop, mixed
with Hordeum and various sedges.

Collections were as follows:

Agrostis grandis.
Common in Cations ; nearly all the specimens found were affected
with an erysiphe.

Agrostis, sp.

Common.
Bromus Kalnui, var. occidentalis.

Occasionally seen in the eafiens.
Agropyrum caninum.

With the above.

_ Agropyrum tenerum.

Common in a rocky cafion.

—— 7

Glyceria nervata (form).
Common along streams.
Glyceria nervata (large form).
Common in a wet, rocky canon.
Cinna pendula. —
Common at an altitude of about 10,000 feet, near the summit of
the mountain.

Melica bulbosa.

Occasionally found near the summit.
Poa flecuosa, var?

At the summit.
Poa reflexa.

Common at the summit.

Bromus ciliatus, var.
Common at the summit.
Trisetum subspicatum.
In a canon at an altitude of about 9,000 feet.
Stipa viridula.
At 8,000 to 10,000 feet.
EHlymus Americanus.
Common at about 7,500 feet, along a stream.

Pleasant Valley, Utah, August 18.

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. Agropyruin glaucun, A. repens, and Hlymus condensatus
are the more common species. Ovyzopsis cuspidata is common on the
hills, and Poa tenwifolia, 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 introduce-
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 to a 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 on
the mesas and hills I could find nothing except occasionally Agropyrum
repens and Poa tenuifolia, var.

isis

29

Sad

Collections were made as follows:
Sporobolus cryptandrus, var. strictus.

Common, but only eaten when young. I have noted it at every
stop from Ogden 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.
Sporobolus asperifolius.

Very common.

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

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

Boutcloua polystachya, var.

A few plants seen in cultivated ground.
Munroa squarrosa.

Common, but not eaten by stock. Also seen at Denver.
Panicum capillare, var.

Common.
Panicum crus-galli, var.

Several of the more common forms are abundant on the river-

bamie,4

Agrostis vulgaris.

father common in irrigated land.
Schedonnardus Texanus.

Common and eaten well in spring, but worthless after becoming

dry.

Atriplex canescens (Shad-scale).

Perhaps the most important forage plant here after frost.
Juncus nodosus, var. megacephalus.

Said to be eateu well, especially by horses.

S. M. Tracy.
JANUARY, 1888.

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

Houston, TEX., January 17, 1383.

DEAR SiR: In accordance with the appointment receive.) from the
Commissioner of Agriculture to make an investigation of the grassesar.d
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 Antonio River, I noticed scattered growths of
Panicum sanguinale, Hleusine indica, Hatonia obiusata, 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 zizyphs,
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 pientiful 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 Buftalo-grass it seems to with-
stand the drought better than any other grass.

Irom San Antonio to Uvalde, 93 miles, we passed 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, Zizy-
phus, Parkinsonia Tex ana, and a few other shrubs freely mixed with the
Mesquite and a few large trees of live oak and hackberry. The prickly
pear growths were also more abundant, and I gathered afew specimens
of the following grasses: Aristida purpurea, Bouteloua Burkei, Triodia ac-
uminata, and Triodia Texana. On arriving at the Hondo we fortunately |
found one of the water-holes that oceur in places along the dry bed of
this and also of other water-courses. I collected three grasses at this
place: Panicum sanguinale, Chloris verticillata, and Chloris cueullata.

30

ol

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-
gions. 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 Jarge 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 cam’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 asifin 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
ean be utilized. In some of the machine-shops the prickly pear serves
a good purpose as alubricant. 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 frutescens,
I met with frequently between San Antonio and Del Rio, and less often
in places farther west. The other, O. arborescens, I 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, t 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 Aigyptiaca, 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 creek, 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
a few plants of the Soto! and Nolina that flourish in such great abun-
danee in western Texas. Gladly would I have lingered in this interest-

32

ing region, the Sabinal Valley, perhaps one of the mostinviting 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 ine
a fine specimen of Leersia oryzoides 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 AMelica diffusa, Panicum lacnan-
thum and Setaria caudata. At Uvalde I was informed that not only
loads of prickly pear were hauled into the town, butalso 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 Hagle Pass, with our ronte
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. 1 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 all over western Texas. At Hagle 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-
age.
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 Yacca 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 aud 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 ereeks
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 Lio 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. Here I 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 Wrightit (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.

T’rom 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-gal. Thesethree grasses, socommon at many of the
streams throughout Texas, illustrate the fact that plants preferring
woist situations are of wider distribution than those in more dry situa-
tions. West of Devil’s River the Sotol (Dasylirion Teranum) became
noticeable irom 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 and 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 ofit. 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-
jng the ground in places to the exclusion of all other plants. Valued
as a soap or “amole” plant and as a fiber plant, the Lechuguilla has
long been known. The Ocotillo (Pouquiera 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 fer years, and would not leak in rainy weather.
One man in Juno, who hada 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 smaii 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, so
from Flanders we returned to Devil’s River and rode along its west side,
passing over the mesas and valieys. I saw the Sotolin great abun-
dance on the hiil-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 Pesos. While going through the picturesque Dead May’s
Pass I collected some specimens of Aristida, Panicum reticulatum, aud
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 ef
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. Werode some distance up the river. At
one point I found some fine specimens of Hlymaus canadensis. Leaving
the river we rode northwest a few miles, and arrived at Juno post-office.
Here I noticed the Sotol plentifal 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 smail patch of Triodia albescens, and near by
asmall patch of Hilaria mutica. All along our way from June to 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 arecalled—branches
of the arroyos—I saw an occasional Aristida, Triodia acuminata, and An-
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 wita 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 =e

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 Hriochloa
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 goatranch. Isaw sev-
eral of the goats feeding on the foliage and shoots of the bushes.

Hrom Live Oak Creek, graced with its lordly oaks among the other
tunber, 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 leucophawm, 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-
run apertum. Theappearance of these and a few specimens on the divides
in Val Verde County might lead one to infer that this species (LP. 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 asupply 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 came to an-
other creek, and still farther on to the Escondido Creek and spring. I
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, flowfig 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 creek. 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 theold 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 clear creek,
I saw some luxuriant growths of Hilaria mutica and Triodia albescens.
Let it be remembered that I make note of the only grassy piaces 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 ‘leucopheum
growing luxuriantly. Leaving the low prairie region by Toyah Creek
we approached the picturesque Limpia Cation, 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 colonum 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

sot

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, Hragrostis mexicana, Panicum obtusum, Panicum colonum, and a few
others. [rom ort Davis I tookan expedition to the “ Pineries,” and was
favored with the company of Mr. William Lloyd, an enthusiastic ornti-
thologist and entomologist, who was making a collection of birds for a
New York museum. Our route was through the western division of
Limpia Caiion, 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 creek. I noticed by the side of some of the ravines and cliffs rem-
nants of last year’s flora, such as dry stalks of the grasses Hlionurus
candidus, Hpicampes distichophylla, and a few others that are prominent
in the fresh vegetation of the mountain sides in the fall. In all the
mountain 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 severalspecimens 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 Government saw-mill I
gathered some 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 caiion, a few plants, here and there, of Tripsacum
dactyloides, Diplachne dubia, Setaria setosa, and others. These were 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 wouid give a cheerful as-
pect to the face of nature. While passing through on the train from
Murphyville to E1 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
Jandseape.

While in El Paso, three weeks in July and most of August, I saw no
grass on the surrounding bills. 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 (Phleum
pratense), Rei-top (Agrostis vulgaris) and Rye grass (Lolium 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 hanled
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-
scape.

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-
ance, 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 bills
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 ex tended 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 was through
Limpia Canon, north of Fort Davis, and the contrast in the aspects of

\

39

vegetation at this season from that of June was very noticeable. I
gathered several interesting grasses in this region, which I have noted
in the list, giving the names and localities. 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
eather seeds. Leaving Limpia Canon we next came to the broad plain
watered by Toyah Creek. Although in early Juncthisregion 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 fiats 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 ridgesof various sizes and shapes.” Isaw
a topography similar to such a description, but at the time of my visit,
in October, { 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 edge of 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. Onreach-
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

AO

Chenates I saw at several points burros loaded with wood or hay, be-
ing driven by Mexicans down the mountain sides. Such is a common
sight during winter in these mountains. The value of these mountain
erasses—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 eut 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. Stockmen say that horses and cattle 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 til! 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 specimens
and seeds.

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

Different forms of this grass I found growing in the gravelly soil
onthecraggyslopes. Isaw it nowhere in abundance, generally
in seattered tussocks. It seemed to be more common in the
Limpia region than elsewhere.

Panicum ciliatissimun.

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 Cation, on gravelly slopes

near the creek, and in like situations in Musqnis Canon.
Panicum lachnanthum.

Frequent on many of the lower ridges, more common on slight
elevations in the valleys. Onsome of the bottom-lands, where
the soil is sandy or gravelly, it is seen in great profusion.

AY

Panicum crus-gallr.
TI'requently seen on the borders of the creeks. In some localities
very abundant.

Panicum sanguwinale.

Seen in several places on the creek bottoms.
Panicum colonwm.

With the preceding. More common.
Panicum capillare.

Occasionally seen associated with the preceding.
Panicum proliferum.

This grass, So common in cultivated ground in eastern Texas, I
saw only in one spot by the side of Toyah Creek.

Panicum obtusum.

This was often seen on the borders of creeks; sometimes on the
eravelly slopes near the sides of creeks. I have seen it in
great luxuriance on the borders of creeks whose waters are
strongly alkaline.

Panicum Havardia.

Several plants of this tall, striking grass, I saw scattered about

at the Sand Hills in October. Not seen elsewhere.

Paniewn Halli.

Another 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 distichum.
Occasionally seen in muddy places on the borders of creeks.
Where the soil is gravelly it does not thrive.
Hriochloa punctata.
T’requently seen on creek bottoms, Often mixed with Panicum
sanguinale.

Sctaria setosa and var. caudata.

Both of these are plentiful in the valleys of western Texas; gen-
erally in soils adjacent to creeks. Not rare on low ridges near
the borders of creeks. The var. seems more abundant than
the type.

Cenchrus tribuloides.

One of the most common grasses atthe Sand Hills. Fortunately

it thrives only in sandy soils.
Cenchrus myosuroides.

This was seen only in one locality; in large clumps by the side

of the creek at Cibilo Cation.
Tripsacum dactyloides.

This was seen oniy at Musquis (south of Fort Davis) growing in

clumps in a few places along the creek.

~ «AD

Milaria 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.
Milaria cenchroides. ,
7 This 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.

Imperata Hookert. :

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 craggy 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 mountains.

Andropogon cirrhatus and Andropogon hirtifiorus.
Both of these are common in the Limpia region on the craggy
slopes.

Andropogon saccharoides.
Often seen at the base of the lower ridges. More common on
eravelly soil near the creeks. ©

Andropogon Halli.

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
ereek. Also seen in one other locality; a few scattered plants
at an arroya near Cibilo Creek.

Sorghum halepense.

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

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

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

ridge.

Ad

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 Havardit.
This 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, itis 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 flexwosa, n. sp.
Seen only on some of the lower mesas near Medero Creek. Grow-
ing in clumps in abundance.
Oryzopsis fimbriata.
Seen in a few places on the craggy slopes in the Limpia region
and at Paisano.

Muhlenbergia Texana.
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.

Several clumps of this I saw scattered about on the craggy slopes
in the Limpia region.

Muhlenbergia spiciformis.

Seen in the same localities of the preceding, also at Musquis
Cation. It offers a rare exception among grasses in its choice
of habitation. JI 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 nourishment.

Ad

Muhlenbergia Nn. Sp.
Several specimens of this were seen on the craggy slopes at Lim-
pia Canon.
Lycurus phleordes.
Common on the lower ridges and mesas. I saw several plants of
it on the slight ridges that mark the uneven surface of the
prairie land around Marfa.

_ Lpicampes distichophylla.

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

LHpicampes stricta.

Seen only in two localities—in gravelly soil near Medero Creek

and in one spot near the creek at Musguis Canon.
Sporobolus airoides.

The 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 Wrightit. |
Common on the bottom land of the Rio Grande. Often mixed
with the preceding on the flats by some of the creeks.
Sporovolus cryptandrus.
I’requent on the high prairies. Common at the Sand Hills.
Sporobolus cryptandrus, var. strictus.
Scattered about in abundance at the Sand Hills. <A few speci-
mens seen near Toyah Creek.
Sporobolus cryptandrus, var. flexuosa.
One of the most common grasses at the Sand Hills.
Sporobolus cryptandrus, 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 snot:
Sporobolus ramulosus.
Frequent at the Sand Hills; seen in a few places on the prairie
near Marfa and in a eee 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 in
patches occupying the ground for some yards. A few plants
also seen in a valley near Musguis.

Agrostis verticillata.
Frequent on the borders of creeks.

A5

Cynodon dactylon.

Several plants were seen at the Sand Hills, where it seems to be
naturalized. I saw fine lawns of it at Fort Davis, Marfa, and
Til Paso.

Chloris cucullata.
Common in the gravelly soils of the valleys. Irequent at the
Sand Hills. !
Chloris elegans.
Common on the bottom lands of the creeks.
Trichloris verticillata.

Seen at several points along the Rio Grande, generally in clumps.
Also seen in places along Toyah Creek. On the Pecos flats I
saw a few plants mixed with S. aroides. It seems to thrive on
alkaline soil.

Bouteloua oligostachya (Blue grama).

This 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-
es the best hay is furnished by a mixture of this and other
erainas.

Bouteloua hirsuta (Black grama).

This, with a more extensive range (extending eastward beyond
the Brazos, in Kast Texas), is 1nuch 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.

Seen in a few places in the Limpia region, and near Musquis
Canon; also at some of the foot-hills on the north side of the
Chenates, and at Paisano.

Boutelowa eriopoda (Woolly-jointed grama).

One of the 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. Itis 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.

AG

~

Bouteloua 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 ina 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 seen at the Sand
Hills. It is frequent on the Rio Grande bottem at Presidio.

Bouteloua aristidoides.
Often associated with the preceding, but less ibundant Of the
same manner of growth and choice of habitation.
Pappophorum Wrightii.
Frequent on many of the mesas and low ridges.
Pappophorum apertun.

Often seen with the preceding, but less abundant; but it has «
range farther east than its congener. Not rare in valleys be-
tween Devil’s River and the Pecos.

Cottea pappophoroides.

Seen in one spot by the side of Medero Crook; also in two lo-
calities in the Chenates; on a slope at Cibilo Canon, and in a
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. |
Frequent on some of the lower mesas by Medero Creek. A few
specimens were seen at a ravine branching from Cibilo Canon.
Triodia Nealleyi, n. sp. |
Seen only at one locality, on a craggy slope in Cie Canon.
Triodia eragrostoides.
With the preceding.
Triodia pulchella.

Seen at many of the arroyos; sometimes on the Ion prairies. |
A few plants were aiso seen scattered on the river bottom near
Presidio.

Lriocia trinervighunis.

Abundant at Cibilo Caton. Seen at several points near Toyah

Creek.
Triodia repens, n. Sp.

Seen only in one spot by the side of Limpia Creek (about 15 miles
north of Fort Davis), just below a rocky slope. Here, on a
level surface a few yards square, it formed a complete turf.

Triplasis purpurea.
Seen in a few places at the Sand Hills.
Diplachne dubia.
Common along the creeks. In some places on the creek bottoms
it was found growing very luxuriantly.
Diplachne fascicularis.
Seen at several points along the Rio Grande, and on some of the
ereeEs. Itis somewhat partial to alkaline soil.
Scleropogon Karwinskianus.
This was seen often in small patches scattered over the prairie
region near Marfa and Fort Davis, and near Toyah Creek.
Munroa squarrosa. — :
This peculiar grass, with its contracted stems and leaves, was
seen at several places on the prairie about Marfa—common at
the Sand Hills. :
Arundo donac.
At various points on the Rio Grande. A few specimens seen at
Presidio.
Phragmites communis.
Common along the Kio Grande.
Eragrostis Purshii. :
Common on the creek bottoms. In some places the principal
grass growth.

_ Hragrostis powoides.

With the preceding, but less common.
Hragrostis lugens.

Frequent in the Limpia region on the craggy slopes.
Hragrostis Neo-Mexicana.

With the preceding.
Hragrostis oxylepis.
. Frequent at the sand-hills.
Hragrostis curtipedicellata.

A few plants seen at the sand-hills.
Hragrostis reptans.

Seen only at one point at Limpia canon on a grassy slope.
Distichlis maritima.

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

place by Toyah Creek.

Bromus ciliatus, var.

Seen only at Fart Davis, near the summit of one of the cliffs.

G. C. NEALLEY.
Dr. GEO. VASEY,
Lotanst, Department of Agriculture.

> er

FORAGE PLANTS OF ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO.

In September, 1887, a circular 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 iniormation
was thus obtained. The returns showed that many plants which are
regarded elsewhere as useless weeds are of much value there for for-
age. The specimens sent were numbered to correspond with the ac-
companying notes. These specimens were identified by the botanist,
and their names, together with other information, returned to the send-
ers. The following notes,sent by Dr. J. Pool,of Benson, Ariz., will serve
as an example of the replies. Further information on these and other
forage plants of this region will be found elsewhere in this bulletin.
Sporobulus Wrighttt (Sacaton grass).

This 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.
When there is plenty of rain in July and August it grows very
fast, and in September it blooms. It grows in bunches or tus-
socks, and finally 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. oe

Trichloris verticillata (sometimes called Fox-tail grass).

This grass is very good forage, growing on the high land of the
valleys. It comes from seed after the summer rains fall. It
grows 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.
It has very fine seed, as you will see by the specimens. It
stands drougths very well, which we often have in this Terri-
tory, and when the dry weather comes it dries and remains
good all winter. But it tramps outin three or four years where
cattle run on the range. :

49

Panicum crus-galla (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.

This 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. Itis a very good grass for horses,
cattle, and sheep, and does not tramp out, and in fact is spread-
ing. It grows to the height of 3 feet. Wedonot know any
name for it. :

Hilaria Jamesit (Guyetta).

This 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 ent for hay a great deal in the Territories.

Hragrostis megastachya.

This grass is common in the valleys and canons 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

summerrains. It grows about 2 feet in height, and is relished
by all kinds of stock. It seems to be spreading.
Hriochloa 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).

This 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 substitute 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 States, is
abundant in this part of the country, and comes after the sum-
mer rains, and is relished by all kinds of stock, sheep, hogs,
horses, cattle, ete.

18876 GR——4

50

Prosopis juliflora (Serew-bean, mesquit tree). - |
The leaves are very good browsing for horses and eattle. 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.
This herb grows very abundantly all over the country when there
is plenty of rain. Jt runs along or 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.
Atriplex canescens (Sage-brush). ,
This grows in the 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 cf 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 grass. Professor Phares, of Mississippi,says that—

In that and some other States it is mowed annually, and is said sometimes to furnish
4 or 5 tons of hay per acre. It annually re-seeds the ground, and requires no other
cultivation or other care save protection from stock and the labor of harvesting. In
one county in Mississippi hundreds of acres are annually mowed on single farms.
Cows and horses are very fond of it whether green or dry.

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 clamps in
dry sandy soil, very common on the sea-coast, and also in the interior to
the base of the Rocky Mountains. This is a good and prolific grass if
cut when young; when ripe it becomes harsh and unpalatable. 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 Kiver 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 several 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 viridula (Bunch-grass).
A perennial grass, culms 2 to 4 feet high, leafy ; the radical leaves 12

to_15 inches long, those of the stem 4 to 10 inches long, one to two lines
D1

52

wide, involute, and bristle-like at the point; sheaths long, smooth, the
uppermost inclosing the base of the panicle; paniele very Sauls in
size, from 6 inches to a foot or more, narrow and loose, variable in thick-
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, furnishing a considerable
part of the wild forage of the region. (Plate 4.)

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

A native species growing in New Mexico, Texas, and southward into
Mexico and South America. It grows Monte feethigh. 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, nar-
rowly cylindrical, with very short sessile branches, usually somewhat
interrupted 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 Jamesu. ;

The grass was formerly called Plewraphis Jamesu. It is a native of
the arid regions extending from Mexico to Colorado, growing in clamps
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 involute. 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 con-
taining three spikelets, one central and two lateral. We do not know
to what extent this grass prevails, but all reports speak highly as to its
feeding value. (Plate 6.)

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 peduncles. 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 Atlan-
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 itis abundanf on the
native prairies, where it is eenen il called blue-stem. The,eaves are
long, and frequently somewhat hairy on the sheaths and margins. The

53

spikes are 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
elumes 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 on the prairies of the West,
where it is one of the principal hay-grasses of the country, and is ex-
tensively cut and cured for winter use. (Plate 8.)

Chrysopegon nutans (Wild oat-grass).

Thisis a tall perennial grass, having a wide range over all the coun-
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 handsome straw-col-
ored or brownish flowers 6 to 12 inches long, which is gracefully droop-
ing atthe 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.)

Orycopsis 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 is one 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 cryptandrus.

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 2.

XN

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 to its value. (Plate 11.) 7

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 whorls below, the branches subdivided above the
middle and rather sparsely fiowered.

A common grass throughout the arid regions of the West, sometimes
ealled 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 variable in appearance and presents several va-
rieties. Itis 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 Hast, but it requires investigation and experiment. (Plate 13.)

Deschampsia cespitosa (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, itis one of the common buncli-grasses which
afford pasturage to cattle and horses. In the Mast 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, graceful
appearance. We know very little as to the value of this grass; if may
be found worthy of cultivation in the arid interior districts. (Plate 14.)

Oh le VIS alba.

An annual grass growing in tufts, 1 to 2 feet high, smooth, the culms
frequently branched and bent at the lower joints, decumbent, becom-
ing erect; leaves numerous, smooth, the sheaths mostly loose, the blade
broad, the upper sheath dilated, and at first inclosing the flower spikes,

55

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.)

Bouteloua oligostachya (Grama, mesquite grass).

This is the commonest species on the Great Plains. It is frequently
ealled Buffalo-grass, although that name strictly belongs to another
grass (DBuchloc dactyloides). Onthearid plains of the West it is the prin-
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 an gles, like
asmall 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 circumstances forms a pretty
close sod, but even then it is not adapted for mowing, although it is
sometimes cut, making a very ight crop. Under the most favorable
circumstances 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 properties 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 islight,
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).

This species probabiy 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
culm 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 inch apart. There 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
i)

Buchloé daetyloides (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
scattering hairs. The flowering culms are chiefly diccious, but some-
times both male and female flowers are found on the same plant butin
separate parts. Next to the grama-grass itis 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 culms are 2 to 3 feet high, and rather
stout; the radical leaves are somewhat rigid, 6 to 12 inches long, nar-
row, acuminate-pointed, inclined to be involute, the sheaths more or
less hairy. The smooth eulm has three or four leaves, which are 4 to8

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 native of
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 braeck-
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 leose
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. Itis of more
southern range than the preceding, occurring in the Guif States and
southwestward. (Plate 22.

ey |
~]

Hragrostis 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 branches. The grass
is said to have a disagreeable odor when fresh. It produces an abun-
dance of foliage, and is apparently an annual, reaching maturity late in
the season. We are not aware that its agricultural value-has been
tested. (Plate 23.)

Distichliis maritima (Salt-grass, alkaline-grass).

This is deseribed in most botanical works as Brizopyrum spicatum, but
recently the name given by Rafinesque has been accepted and restored
to it by Mr. Bentham. It is a perennial grass, growing in marshes near
the sea-coast on both sides of the continent, and also abundantly in
alkaiine soil throughout the arid districts of the Rocky Mountains. It
has strong creeping root-stocks, covered with imbricated leaf-sheaths,
sending up culms from 6 to 18 inches high, which are clothed nearly to
the top with the numerous, sometimes crowded, two-ranked leaves. The
leaves are generally rigid and involute, sharp-pointed, varying greatly
in length on different specimens. The plants are dicecious, 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 afew spikelets.

Although this can not beeonsidered a first-class grass for agricult-
ural purposes, itis freely cut with other marsh grasses, and on the al-

kaline plains 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.)

Festuca scabrella (Bunech-grass).

A perennial grass growing in strong clumps or bunzhes, and hence
called “bunch-grass.” It is a native of the Rocky Mountain region,
from Colorado westward 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-

ra

- 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. IJtis the prevailing species on the foot-
hills and mountain slopes at from 6,000 to 7,000 feet allitude. It is
rather too hard a grassfor sheep, but thereis ne 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 difficuit grass to mow with a machine. It is
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 invelute and stiff. Itis alsv 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 or 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.

Hordewm 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 culms
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.)

Llymus condensatus (Giant rye-grass).

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

Mr. Bolander states that it seems to do excellent service by fixing
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
an inch wide or more, and the panicle 8 to 14 inches long and 14 inches
thick, As it usually occurs in arid grounds, it is from 3 to 6 feet high,

a)

the leaves about a foot long, and half an inch wide, and the spike-like
panicle 4 to 8 inches long. Mr. W. C. Cusick, of Oregon, says:

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

(Plate 29.)

Medicago sativa (Alfalfa).

This plant is called lucerne, medick, Spanish trefoil, French clover,
Brazilian clover, and Chilian clover. It is not a true clover, though
belonging to the same natural family as the clovers. 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
name of alfalfa, or Brazilian clover. The plant had previously been
introduced into the Hastern and Southern States, but attracted little
attention until its remarkable success in California. In Hurope it is
generally known as lucerne, probably from the canton of Lucerne, in
Switzerland, where it was largely cultivated at an early day. It has
been known in 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.
Hurope. It has been introduced into several of the countries of South
America, and on the pampas of Buenos Ayres it has escaped from cul-
tivation, and grows extensively in a wild state. Though known for a
long time in the United States, alfalfa is not yet cultivated to the extent
that it should be.

Prof. fi. W. Hiigard, in the Report of the Department of Agriculture
for 1878, page 490, says:

Undoubtedly the most valuable result of the search after forage crops adapted to
the California climate is the introduction of the culture of alfalfa, this being the
name commonly applied to the variety of lucerne that was introduced into California
from Chili early in her history, differing from the Enropean plant merely in that it
has a tendency to taller growth and deeper roots. The latter habit, doubtless ac-
quired inthe dry climate of Chili, is of course especially valuable in California, as it
enables the plant to stand a drought so protracted as to kill out even more persistent
plants than red: clover. Asa substitute for the latter it is difficult to overestimate
the importance of alfalfa to Californian agriculture, which will be more and more
recognized as a regular system of rotation becomes a part of the general practice. At
first alfalfa was used .almost exclusively for pasture and green-soiling purposes, but
during the last three or four years alfalfa hay has become a regular article in the
general market ; occasional objection to its use being the result of want of practice
in curing. On the irrigated Jands of Kern, Fresno, and Tulare Counties, three and
even four cuts of forage, aggregating to something like 12 to 14 tons of hay per acre,
have frequently been made. As the most available green forage during summer,
alfalfa. has become an invaluable adjunct to all dairy and stock farming wherever
the soil can, during the dry season, supply any moisture within 2 or J feet of the
surfaco.

(Plate 30.)

60

Opuntia Englemanii (Cactus).

» A number of species of cactus, mainly of the genus opuntia, 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 do 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. I*or cattle it is customary to singe off the
spines 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
country by the English, and probably years before, it has been used to supplement
grass in times of drought, but now it is being used with other feeds at all times, and
especially in the winter. Sheep do well upon it without water, there being sufficient
moisture in the leaves. The herder goes along with a short sword and elips the

points of the great leaves so that the sheep can insert its nose, when it readily eats
them entire.

John C. Chesley, Hamilton, Hamilton County, central Texas:

_ Theprickly pear 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 poorest cattle,
and they are doing wellon it. If is fed at nearly all of the ranches of Stephens
County where they are feeding at all, and there are thousands of cattle being fed
this winter on prickly pear that are doing well and will come to grass in good shape
that otherwise would have died, or at least the larger part of them.

.

Pw St hy AE rON S:

Panicum crus-galli.
Panicum virgatum.
Aristida purpurea.
Stipa viridula.

Setaria setosa.

Hilaria Jamesii.
Andropogon scoparius.
Andropon provincialis.
Chrysopogon nutans.
Oryzopsis cuspidata.

Sporobolus cryptandrus.

Sporebolus airodes.

. Agrostis exarata.
. Deschamsia caespitosa.

Chloris alba.
Bouteloua oligostachya.

. Bouteloua polystachya.

Buchle dactyloides.
Triodia trinerviglumis.

. Triodia acuminata.

Diplachne fascicularis.

2. Diplachne dubia.

Eragrostis pooides, var. megas-
tachya.

Distichlis maritima.

Poa tenuifolia.

. Festuca scabrella.

Agropyrum repens.
Hordeum nodosum.
Elymus condensatus,
Medicago sativa,

61

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ARISTIDA PURPUREA.

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Plate 7.

ANDROPOGON SCOPARIUS.

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Plate 8.

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ANDROPOGON PROVINCIALIS.

Plate 9.

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CHRYSOPOGON (SORGHUM) NUTANS.

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Plate 10

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ORYZOPSIS CUSPIDATA,

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SPOROBOLUS GRYPTANDRUS.

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Plate 12

SPOROBOLUS AIROIDES.

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DESCHAMPSIA’ (AIRA) C2ESPITOSA.

Plate 15.

CHLORIS ALBA.

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Plate 16.

BOUTELOUA OLIGOSTACHYA.

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BOUTELOUA POLYSTACHY A.

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Plate 17

BOUTELOUA POLYSTACHYA.

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BUCHLOE DACTYLOIDES.

Plate 19.

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TRIODIA TRINERVIGLUMIS.

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Plate 25.

WABRADEL,

POA TENUIFOLIA (var.),

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a ea SSS == as
— = = ial airgun = = = Sas oe

Plate 26.

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FESTUCA SCABRELLA.

Plate 27. |

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MARX.DEI

AGROPYRUM (TRITICUM) REPENS.

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Plate 28.

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ELYMUS CONDENSATUS.

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