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U. S. J )EPARTMENT OF AGRICULTU RE.

BOTANICAL DIVISION.
Si'iaM.VL BULLETHS".

t
THE \

il,i

OF THE

UNITED STATES;

AND SUCH FOREIGN KINDS AS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED.

By Dr. GEO.. VASEY, Botanist;

WITH AN

APPENDIX

On the Chemical Composition of Grasses, by Clifford

Richardson, and a glossary of terms used

in describing grasses.

A NEW, REVISED, AND ENLARGED EDITION,

WITH J14 PLATES.

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.

WASHINGTON:

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1889.

LETTER OF SUBMITTAL.

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

This report is largely a revised and enlarged edition of the "Agricult-
ural Grasses of the United States" published by this Department in
1884. In the present report the principal forage plants, other than
grasses, which are employed in agriculture, are treated of. The purpose
is to give plain, general descriptions of the plants, together with prac-
tical notes and observations from persons who have tested them in
actual cultivation or who have given them special investigation. The
larger portion of the plants treated of are natives of the United States,
but such foreign species as have been tried here have also received
proper notice.

The great extent of this country, with its extraordinary diversities
of climate and soil, makes necessary a corresponding diversity in the
subjects and methods of agriculture. With respect particularly to
grasses and forage plants adapted to different sections of the country
we are yet in the infancy of our knowledge, and must patiently and in-
telligently conduct such experiments as will give us the precise infor-
mation we need. Every farmer and stock- raiser in the country is in-
terested in this subject, and it has been the endeavor of the writer to
present to the attention of such persons in any part of the country
some grasses or forage plants suitable to their wants.

Respectfully,

Geo. Vasey,

Chief of Botanical Division.
Hon. J. M. Rusk,

Secretary of Agriculture.

AGRICULTURAL GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS OF THE UNITED

STATES.

INTRODUCTION.

Every thoughtful farmer realizes the importance of the production
on his land of a good supply of grass for pasturage and hay. He who
can produce the greatest yield on a given number of acres will be the
most successful man; yet this is a subject which has been, and still is,
greatly neglected.

In the United States we have many climates, many kinds of soil,
many geological formations, many degrees of aridity and moisture. It
must be apparent that one species of grass can not be equally well
adapted to growth in all parts of this extensive territory; yet hardly a
dozen species of grasses have been successfully introduced into our
agriculture. True it is that this number answers with a tolerable de-
gree of satisfaction the wants of quite an extensive portion of the
country, chiefly the northern and cooler regions. But it is well known
that in other localities the same kinds of grasses do not succeed equally
well, and one of" the most important problems for those regions is to
obtain such kinds as shall be thoroughly adapted to their peculiarities
of climate and soil. This is particularly the case in the Southern and
Southwestern States, the arid districts of the West, and in California.

•The solution of this question is largely a matter of experiment and
observation.

The grasses which we have in cultivation were once wild grasses, and
are still such in their native homes.

The question then arises, can we not select from our wild or native
species some kinds which will be adapted to cultivation in those por-
tions of the country which are not yet provided with suitable kinds !
Many observations and some experiments in this direction have already
been made, and if proper research is continued, and sufficiently thorough
experiments are followed up, there is no reason to doubt that proper
kinds will be found for successful cultivation in all parts of the country.

The plains lying west of the one hundredth meridian, together with
much broken and mountainous interior country, nearly treeless and
arid, in New Mexico, western Texas, and Arizona, are unreliable tor
the purposes of ordinary agriculture, but are becoming more and more

important as the great feeding ground for the multitudes of cattle which
supply the wants of the settled regions of our country as well as the
constantly increasing foreign demand. The pasturage of this iegion
consists essentially of native grasses, some of which have acquired a
wide reputation for their rich nutritious properties, for their ability to
withstand the dry seasons, and for the quality of self-drying or curing,
so as to be available for pasturage in the winter. This quality is due
probably to the nature of the grasses themselves and to the effect of
tin' arid climate. It is well known that in moist couutries, at lower
altitudes, the grasses have much succulence; they grow rapidly, and
their tissues are soft; a severe frost checks or kills their growth, and
chemical changes immediately occur which result in rapid decay 5
whereas in the arid climate of the plains the grasses have much less
succulence, the foliage being more rigid and dry, and therefore when
their growth is arrested by frost the tissues are not engorged with
water, the dessicating influence of the climate prevents decay, and the
grass Is kept on the ground in good condition for winter forage. Gen-
eral Benjamin Alvord, of the U. S. Army, in an article on the subject
of these winter-cured grasses, states that they only acquire this prop-
erty on land which is 3,000 feet above the level of the sea. The region
having such an altitude includes, he says, all, nearly up to the timber
line, of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and New
Mexico; five-sixths of Arizona, one-half of Dakota, one-fourth of Texas,
one-fifth of Kansas, and one-sixth each of California, Oregon, and
Washington Territory, embracing about one-fourth of the area of the
whole United States.

Many of the grasses of this extensive region are popularly known as
"bunch grass,17 from their habit of growth ; others are known as "mes-
quite" and "grama grass." These consist of many species of different
genera, some of them more or less local and sparingly distributed,
others having a wide range from Mexico to British America.

The most important of the " bunch grasses" may be briefly mentioned
as follows: Of the genus Stipa there are several species ; Stipa comata
and Stipa setigera occur abundantly in New Mexico, Texas, Arizona,
and California, reaching to Oregon. In Colorado, Kansas, and all the
prairie region northward, stretching into British America, Stipa spartea
is the principal one of the genus. On the higher plateaus and near the
mountains the Stipa viridula is very common, extending from Arizona
to Oregon and British America. Somewhat related botanically is Ory-
zopsis cuspidate, a very rigid bunch grass, with a fine, handsome panicle
of flowers. It is equally widespread with the preceding. Another
widely diffused grass is Deschampsia cwspitosa, varying much in size
and thriftiness according to the altitude and amount of moisture where
Init always having a light, elegant, spreading panicle of
silvery gray flowers.

One of t lie most extensively diffused grasses is Kcelcria cristata, vary-

ing in heigh I from i foot to 2j foot, with u narrow and closely flowered
spike. Several species of fescue grass (Festuca) are intermixed with
the vegetation in varying proportions; the most important of the
probably are Festuca ovina in several varieties, and Festuca scabrella,
the latter especially in California, Oregon, and Washington.

The genus Calamagrostis (or Deyeuxia, as it has been called) furnishes
several species which contribute largely to the vegetation of this region.
They are mostly tall, stiff, and coarse grasses, hut leafy and some of
them very nutritions. Of these, Calamagrostis sylvatica and Calama-
grostis neglecta are the least valuable. Perhaps the best of them is
Calamagrostis Canadensis, which is soft and leafy. Next in value, prob-
ably, is Calamagrostis Aleutica, of California and Oregon, extending
into Alaska. Calamagrostis (AmmophUa) longifolia, confined chiefly to
the plains east of the Rocky Mountains, is tall and reed-like, growing
in dense clumps, from 4 to 0 feet high.

Several species of Andropogon are diffused from Arizona to British
America, but are not found on the western coast. The principal species
are Andropogon scoparius, A. furcatns, and A. (Clirysopogon) nutans.
Some of them are known under the name of "bluejoint."

Other grasses also widely spread, but in more sparing quantity, are
several species of Poa aud Glyceria. Several varieties of Agropyrum
repenSy or couch grass, occur abundantly in saline soils, and also Agro-
pyrum glaiicum, which is widely known as " blue stem," and is considered
among the most nutritious of grasses. Brizopyrum spicatum, now called
Distichlis maritima, and some species of Sporobolus, also form extensive
patches or meadows in saline soils. Besides there is a large number
of grasses of low growth and of more spreading habit, which are kuown
in the southwest and east of the Bocky Mountains under the names of
"mesquite" and u buffalo "" grasses. The former belong mostly to the
genus Bouteloua, the most important species being B. racemosa, or tail
mesquite, and B. oligostachya, or low7 mesquite. The true buffalo grass
is, botanically, Buchloe dactyloides, which in many places forms exten-
sive fields over large areas. It is of a low and densely tufted or matted
habit. Another similar grass, but of little value, spreading out in low,
wide patches, is Mnnroa squarrosa. The above-mentioned species form
the larger proportion of the grassy vegetation of the great plains.

GRASSES FOR GENERAL CULTURE.

The grasses form one of the largest and most widely diffused families

of plants, being spread over all habitable parts of the globe. Some
kinds are restrieted tm^nrti/Miiov lrvnoiifi^c ~*i. i>-

ERTIATA.

Page 35, after "Andropogon furcatus" insert "(A. provincmlis) ".

Page 111, after "Ammophila arundinacea " for "43" read "48"; after " Clover,
pin "°for " 103 " read " 102."

Page 112, after " Euchlama luxurians" for "30" read "31."

Page 113, after " Sporobolus heterotopia" for "107" read "106"; after "Sweet
v em al grass" for "39" read "40"; after " Trifolinm stoloniferum " for " 62" read
«83"; after "Trisetum subspicatuni " for "51" read "52"; after "Wire grass" for
"107 "read "106."

Page 147, for " Millium " read " Milium" ; in the same line, for "41 " read "40."

Page 148, after "Trifolium incarnatum " for "94" read "93."

Plate 10, for "blue grass" read " millet."

Plate 62, for " Gramma" and " gramma" read " Grama " and " grama."

Plate 63, for "gramma" read " grama."

Plate 83, for " Rougli-leaved fescue " read " Bunch grass."

-uvxv vau k/o uv uuuul time tney were originally selected from wild
forms on account of the size, quantity, and nutritive value of their
grains. The fact of their great value being discovered, the observation
would soon follow that by planting the seeds in suitable ground, and
caring for the growing plants by the exclusion of all other vegetation,
a certain and reliable resource for sustenance would be obtained.

This was the beginning of agriculture, and agriculture made possible
the numerical increase and diffusion of human population.

History of Grass Culture. — The selection and cultivation of particular
kinds of grasses with reference to their superior grazing qualities and
fcr the greater production of hay is, however, a comparatively modern
practice.

In the Philippine Islands, as we are informed by the United States
consul at Manilla (Mr. Julius G. Voight), a species of rice grass [Li
sia hexandra) is cultivated for the purpose of supplying feed for the few
domestic animals which are kept for the cultivation of land and for the
carrying of burdens.

GRASSES FOR GENERAL CULTURE.

The grasses form one of the largest and most widely diffused families
of plants, being spread over all habitable parts of the globe. Some
kinds are restricted to particular localities, others are diffused over large
countries, and a few are either native to all the continents or have fol-
lowedjn the tracks of commerce and discovery, so as now to be found
in every principal country. Over three thousand species are now known
and described. Among these there is an immense diversity in size and
form of growth, some kinds never growing more than an inch or two
high, and others in tropical regions attaining a height of 60 or 70 feet,
with such a density of stem as to be useful in the building of houses,
for masts for vessels, and many other purposes; as the bamboos of
China, Japan, and India.

The grasses are of greater economic importance, as furnishing food
for man and animals, than any other or all other plants. The troth of
this remark will at once be recognized when we consider that all the
staple cereals of the world, as wheat, rye, barley, maize, rice, oats, mil-
let, etc., are grasses.

These grasses have been objects of cultivation from time immemorial.
There can be no doubt that they were originally selected from wild
forms on account of the size, quantity, and nutritive value of their
grains. The fact of their great value being discovered, the observation
would soon follow that by planting the seeds in suitable ground, and
caring for the growing plants by the exclusion of all other vegetation,
a certain and reliable resource for sustenance would be obtained.

This was the beginning of agriculture, and agriculture made possible
the numerical increase and diffusion of human population.

History of Grass Culture. — The selection and cultivation of particular
kinds of grasses with reference to their superior grazing qualities and
f ( r the greater production of hay is, however, a comparatively modem
practice.

In the Philippine Islands, as we are informed by the United States
consul at Manilla (Mr. Julius G. Voight), a species of rice grass [La >•
Ha hexandra) is cultivated for the purpose of supplying feed for the few
domestic animals which are kept for the cultivation of land and for the
carrying of burdens.

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

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

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

Perennial rye grass, as we have seen; began to be cultivated early
in the seventh century, and it seems to have been about the only grass
so cultivated for a hundred years longer. In 1703 it is said that a Mr.
Wynch brought from Virginia into England the Phleum pratense, under
the local name of Timothy grass, it having been cultivated in the
United States for some forty years. This was also soon established as
an agricultural grass in England, and a few years later was followed
by the introduction of orchard grass (Dactylis glomcrata) from Virginia,
by the Society of Arts ; at least this statement is made by Mr. Parnell
in his work on British grasses, but is probably an error. It is con-
sidered doubtful by Mr. Charles Johnson in the "Grasses of Great
Britain," who says it is eminently European, being distributed natu-
rally over the whole of Europe and the adjoining parts of Asia. It is
not known to be native in the United States.

As to Phleum pratense (Timothy grass), it is naturally widely diffused
over Europe, but it is admitted by all that its cultivation was first under-
taken in the United States, where it is also indigenous in mountainous
regions. It is, however, well known that in Europe up to about the year
L815 there were but three or four kinds of grass generally cultivated.

At that time the Dnke of Bedford instituted bis famous series ol
periments at Woburn, in England, for determining the nutritive prop
erties of different grasses. These experiments brought into notice
many before unnoticed grasses and greatly stimulated their cultivation ;
and the subsequent development of this branch of agriculture has been
the means of obtaining astonishing results, not only in the multiplied
facilities for the grazing and fattening of cattle and sheep, but also in
the reaction of this business on the cultivation of grain, by the greatly
multiplied means of obtaining manures by which the exhausted lands
were renewed and the yield of grain iucreased.

History of Grass Culture in the United States. — In the early history of
this country, particularly in the Northern States, while the settlements
were sparse, the natural pasturage was abundant, and the natural
meadows and marshes furnished a supply of hay for winter feeding.
But in course of time, by the increase of population, the farms began
to crowd each other, and the range for cattle was restricted.

Then probably arose the question of forming meadows and pastures
of limited extent. Early in the last century Mr. Jared Elliot (of Con-
necticut) made some valuable investigations respecting the grasses suit-
able for cultivation, and by practice and teaching sought to bring this
subject to the attention of the people.

In 1749 he wrote a particular account of the fowl meadow grass (Poa
serothia) which is native in New England, giving an interesting account
of its value as a meadow grass.

He also relers to Herd's grass, or Timothy, as having been found " in
a swamp in Piscataqua by one Herd, who propagated the same." It is
also said to have been cultivated in Maryland about the year L720. This
was some fifty years before its cultivation in England. It is also stated
by Parnell in his work on the British Grasses, that orchard grass
(Dactylis glomerata) was first cultivated in the United States, and thence
introduced into England about the middle of the eighteenth century.
Probably soon after this date two other standard grasses came into use,
viz, Poa pratensis (Kentucky blue grass) and Agrostis alba (redtop).
Some other grasses have had a limited trial, but the Timothy g]
blue grass, orchard grass, aud redtop have continued to be the prin-
cipal meadow grasses of the Northern States. To these should be added
red clover, which, although not a grass, is a very common meadow crop,
usually combined with Timothy.

Grass in the South. — Although the Southern States were earlier settled
than the Northern ones, there was a very different condition of agri-
culture as respects grazing and hay-making. In some of these States
the climate permits of the growth of grasses during the greater part of
the year, some species making their growth during the hot season and
others during the colder months, so that cattle may commonly obtain
subsistence in the field throughout the year, aud hay is little employed
except for horses and cattle kept to labor.

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

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

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

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

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

Drainage of Grass Land*. — Generally speaking, there is the same benefit
to be derived from the proper drainage of grass lands, that is so con-
spicuously shown in lands devoted to other crops. All lands with an
impervious subsoil of stiff clay, or soils that are water-clogged, may be
greatly benefited by proper draining, both in the quality and quan-
tity of the grass product. On such land, properly drained, the grass will
Start earlier in the spring and will continue to grow later in the fall
than without drainage. All soils which rest upon a porous subsoil do
not need it, and land maj have 80 strong a slope that the water is dis-
charged from it with sufficient rapidity without the aid of a drain.
Wet, water-soaked pastures generally abound in rushes and sedges,
which may grow luxuriantly, but are coarse and innutritions. The valu-

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

An mi i unit German soientisl has demonstrated thai there is an Intimate oonne
between a warm, dry soil ami economy iii feeding cattle. Friable land ab
heat than land which is saturated with moisture, and retains the heal fori he

period. Upon the one, animals lie wanner, especially at eight, than they do upon the
other. Now a Large portion of the food consumed by animals is utilized lor the pro-
duction of the heat which is constantly dissipated from their bodies. It follows t hat
additional food becomes necessary to replace the animal heat lost by the colder sur-
roundings.*

The Selection of Grasses. — The selection of the proper kinds of gnu
to be employed for meadows or pastures must depend on several cir-
cumstances, such as soil, drainage, habit of growth, productions, etc.
No oue kind of grass can be expected to be adapted to all conditions,
neither can any given mixture of grasses. There has been a great
amount of empiricism in this matter. One man finds a certain grass to
be very thrifty and productive ou his farm, and thinks he has found the
great desideratum, and at once proclaims his grass, perhaps gives it a
uew name, and recommends its use, without regard to the conditions or
circumstances which may be absolutely essential to its success.

Others purchase seed of the new grass, perhaps at exorbitant prices,
and without a knowledge of its peculiar habits or wants, give it a trial
and find it a failure, probably because climate or soil, or other essential
conditions are unsuitable to its wants.

Mr. Sutton, writing on this subject, says:

The whole question is one of experience, and I am well persuaded that those who
possess the largest knowledge, drawn from the widest sources, will concur in the
opinion that each, individual case should be considered independently and upon its
own merits. Iwoull lay great stress upon the necessity of start ing with a clear under-
standing of the condition and capability of the soil. The subsoil, too, must be taken
into account; for sooner or later its influence will tell decisively upon the existence
of certain grasses.

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

In an old and well-settled country there is much accumulated experi-
ence among farmers, which a beginner may avail himself of to the avoid-
ance of serious mistakes. Still an observing and progressive man will
often find occasion for a departure from established rules and practices
in the introduction of new kinds for cultivation ; indeed it is only thus
that progress and improvement can be made ; but it will also be wise to
make such experiments with caution and without incurring too much risk.

In some portions of our country the experience of the past is very
unsatisfactory with respect to grass culture; and in other portions, as

* Sutton on Permanent aud Temporary Pastures,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sutt'rn on Permanent and Temporary Pastures.

Supplementary Feed. — It often happens that a drought occurs iu the
summer or fall, in which the pastures are dried and parched so that the
cattle fail to get a sufficient amount of feed, It is, therefore, the prac-
tice of careful and provident, farmers to h ive a tract of land sown to
some kind of fodder, which may he drawn upon to supply the deficiency
of pasturage, and not only to keep the animals from suffering, hut to
keep them also in a growing condition. (Join sown broadcast or in
close drills, or sorghum sown in like manner, are some of the best
grasses for this purpose.

Some varieties of sweet corn, combining eai liness and product iven
or large size, will be better than common field corn, especially to keep
up the supply of milk from cows.

Hungarian grass and millet make excellent fodder crops. They are
both considered to be but varieties of the same species, and there is
practically little difference between them. If sowed on tolerably rich
ground they will produce sometimes a very large yield of grass. They
are of rapid growth, and are frequently ready to be cut two months
from the time of sowing. They generally produce an abundance of nu-
tritious seeds, on account of which cattle thrive better on them than on
corn fodder. Beets and prickly comfrey are also recommended as fod-
der plants in some localities.

The pastures may also often be relieved by turning stock on to
stubble after harvest.

Humanity dictates that a man should not keep any more stock than
he can under ordinary circumstances care for and give sufficient feed.
But a provident and good manager will be enabled safely to keep a
much larger number than a man who is shiftless and careless. He will
do this by making provision for casualties and probable contingencies.
It is much better and more profitable to have a surplus of feed than to
have a deficiency.

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

Farmers are influenced somewhat by the markets they supply. The
most popular hay in the markets of the great cities is Timothy, and
meadows of this grass alone are very common, and when well managed
are very satisfactory and profitable. It is also very commou to combine
Timothy with red clover in various proportions.

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

In England, great attention has been given to combining several
kinds of grasses in meadows, and it is claimed that the practice is
better for the laud and gives a larger yield than when one variety only
is employed. By using a mixture the ground may often ho more uni-

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blue grass pounds.. 8

Orchard grass do 4

Timothy ...do — 4

Red clover do 6

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

Colman's Rural World.

17
A writer in the New England Farmer recommends tin- following foi

inula for a permanent pasture:

Early varieties —

Kc*i clover pounds.. 1"

Alsike clover do r>

Orohard grass bushel.. l

Jane grass do 1

Perennial rye grass do 1

Late varieties —

I [erd's grass do J

R. I. bent grass do i

Red bop do 1 •

This forms an unusually heavy seeding, and probably the quantities

may be advantageously reduced, but the combination presents a vari-
ety that will give a succession from early till late in the season.
The more common mixture for meadows is as follows per acre:

Redtop bushel.. 1

Timothy do %

Red clover * pounds.. 4

On highlands orchard grass might be substituted for the redtop.

Time and Manner of Seeding Grass Seed. — There has been much diver-
sity of opinion as to the proper time of seeding laud to grass. A very
common practice has been to sow the seed in the spring with a grain
crop, generally of oats. If the season is favorable this method suc-
ceeds very well, having the advantage of no loss in the regular crops
of the land. The growing grain furnishes to the young grass shelter
and shade from the heat of the sun, and after the removal of the crop
the grass spreads, and sometimes the same season furnishes a light crop
f»r the scythe or some grazing for the cattle. But the success of this
plan of seeding is not by any means certain. In a very dry season the
young plants may perish from drought, or in a wet season the grain
may lodge and smother the young grass. Hence others recommend
late summer or early fall seeding. A writer in the Massachusetts
Ploughman makes the following statement :

The last half of August is generally considered the best time for seeding ; earlier
than this the weather is apt to be too hot for the ready germination of the seed, and
■reeds will get a start before the grass. The first half of September is a good time,
and we have sometimes had very good success with seeding as late as October 1, but
would prefer to sow earlier if possible. If rye is sown with the grass seed it is best
done about the middle of September; too much rye will choke the grass, but a light
seeding of about one-half to five-eighths of a bushel per acre will not injure the
grass much, and will give a much better return the next season than the grass alone.

Too little care is usually bestowed upon the preparation of the land for seeding:
it should be worked only when just moist enough to make the lumps crush easily, and
should be harrowed repeatedly and rolled before sowing the seed, then brushed and
rolled again, which will leave the land in fine, smooth order for the mowing-machine
or scythe.

It is customary to mix Herd's grass, redtop, and clover seed in seeding, but we
prefer to seed high land with Herd's grass (Phleum pratense) only low, moist land
with redtop (Agroslis vulgaris) and fescue, and clover by itself in the spring, for the

3594 GB 2

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

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

For a number of years past I have sown grass seed only in the spring. On such
lands as I wish to seed down without grain I fit my land in the fall if I can, as that
saves valuable time in the spring ; but if I do not have time to perform the work in
the fall, I fit the land as early as I can in the spring, sowing the seed then. On all lands
that 1 seed down I finish working the land before the seed is sown, never covering
the seed. I think where grass seed is harrowed, raked, or brushed in much of the
seed is covered so deep that it never comes up.

Many people think that grass seed sown in the spring will not make a good crop of
hay the first season, and that it requires two seasons to do it. This is an error. On
all the lands that I have sown with grass seed in the spring the grass has been ripe
enough to cut in from ten to twelve. weeks from the time the seed was sown, while I
invariably get better crops than I do when I seed down with 'grain. If the grain lodges
it will kill the grass, and if the weather is dry the grass will dry up, while in both
cases the land will need reseeding; also weeds and foul grasses will occupythe soil.

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

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

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

I will state my experience, in brief, on cold, wet, swale-land that was once a black-
ash swamp. The grass was so light and wild it did not pay for cutting. Immedi-
ately after haying I plowed it in deep wide furrows, being sure to lap them and turn
Hat over. I took pains to make dead furrows where they should be, and also a clear
outlet at the lower end of tho furrows. 1 harrowed lightly with a line harrow, and
went over the field with a hoe and fixed the loose sod, and top-dressed with alight
coal of manure and gravelly loam scraped up in the milking yard, and sowed on a
mixture of redtop, timothy, and English Hat turnip s^'ed, then brushed lightly.
Now for results: In the first place, I harvested turnips enough from the piece to pay
for i he labor of plowing and fitting the piece, and the next harvest I cut the hea viest
burden of hay from that land that I ever saw on any meadow ; it was waist-high an
very thick. I accounted for it in this way, the land was thoroughly drained by th
spaces lc ft between the furrows, and the decaying sod provided a. rich, warm seed
bed above the cold, wet, hard-pan, a portion of which had been brought to the BUI
face by the deep plowing. Of course a roller would not have been tolerated on the
piece, as it would have been detrimental to the best results. I wanted to get the
land up and keep it up as long as I could, and let it breathe by leaving space for ai
to pass in under and eome up through : and I believe that if such land was plowe<
in t hat way clear up to freezing t inie and seeded t hen or left until early spring, when
clover seed could be added, most excellent results would follow,

■a,

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF GRASSES.

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

(1) The roots are the fibrous branching organs which extend down-
ward into the ground and appropriate the water or other liquid nutri-
ment to be conveyed into the stem and leaves.

(2) A stem that rises above ground, either erect, ascending, or re-
clining, is called a calm. In some species, in addition to the culm,
there are horizontal subterranean stems, improperly called roots. They
are known botanic-ally as rhizomes, and are sometimes several feet long.
They may be distinguished from the true roots by their bearing a
greater or less number of scales and sending out erect branches as
well as fibrous roots. In some grasses there is a kind of bulb at the
base of the stem, in which is stored a concentrated mass of food for
the support of the plant under peculiar circumstances, as in protracted
drought. This bulbous formation is a part of the stem, and not of the
root. The stem or culm of grasses is usually cylindrical and hollow;
sometimes it is more or less compressed or flattened. It is divided at
intervals by transverse thickened portions called joiuts or nodes, at
which points leaves and someiimes branches are given off. These
nodes tend also to strengthen the stem. Stems are usually simple and
unbranched, except at the top, where they commonly divide into the
more or less numerous branches of the panicle or flowering part. But
some stems give rise from the side joints to leafy branches, which may,
like the main stem, produce smaller panicles at the top.

(3) The leaves take their origin at the nodes or joints in two ranks —
that is, they are placed alternately on opposite sides of the stem at
greater or less distances ; thus, the first leaf will be on one side, the
second on the opposite side a little higher up, the third still higher and
directly over the first, the fourth over the second, and so on. The leaves
consist of three parts: (1) the sheath, (2) the ligule, and (3) the blade.
The sheath is that part which clasps the stem. It is generally open on
one side, as will be readily observed in the leaves of a corn-stalk, but in
some grasses the sheath is partly or even completely closed together
by the adhesion of the opposite edges. The sheath is analogous to the
stem or petiole of the leaves of many higher plants. At the point where
the blade of the leaf leaves the stem, at the top of the sheath and e

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

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

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

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

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

alternately on opposite sides of the axis, one above the other, with a

pair of empty or outer glumes at the base of the cl aster. Bach maj be

seen in the blue grass (Poa pratensis), fescue grass (Festuca) and many

others.

There are Innumerable modifications of these floral organs, and upon

the differences which exist in them the distinctions of genera and species

are based. In some eases the glumes are entire in outline, in some they

are toothed and lobed, and sometimes running out into a slender point

called an awn, sometimes with a bristle or awn on the back, etc. They

also vary in size from the twentieth part of an inch to an inch or more

in length.

PLATE 1.

Fig. 1. 1, fibrous roots ; 4, culm; 5, node; 6, leaf.

2. 2, rhizoma; 4, culm; 6, blade of leaf; 7, ligale; 9, scales of the rhizoma.

3. I, root libers; 3, bulbous base of culm ; 4, culm ; 5, sheath ; <>, blade.

4. 2, scaly rhizomas; 4, node; 6, blade; 7, ligule; 9, scales of fche rhizoma.

5. 1, fibrous roots; 2, creeping rhizoma; 4, culm ; 5, sheath ; 6, blade ; 7, culm;

8, nodes.

PLATE 2.

The numbers in each of the figures are as follows: 1, sheath ; 2, blade ; 3, culm : 1.
node, or joint; 5, ligule.
The ligule is best shown in the lower right-hand figure.

PLATE 3.

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

2. An elongated, one-sided spike (Paspalum dilatatum).

3. Spike (Hordeum pratense).

4. Spike (Agropyrum repens).

5. Spike (Elymus condensatus).

C. Spike (Bouteloua polystachya).

7. Spike (Bouteloua oligostachya).

8. Panicle (Panicum Crus-galli).

9. Panicle (Agrostis exarata).

10. Panicle (Keeleria cristata).

11. Panicle (Distichlis maritima).

12. Panicle (Bromus secalinus).

13. Panicle (Hierochloa borealis).

14. Panicle (Poa pratensis).

15. Panicle (Dactylis glomerata).

PLATE 4.

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

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

3. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Sporobolus Indicus.

4. An opened spikelet of Calaraagrostis Canadensis.

5. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Phleum pratense.

6. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Mahlenbergia diffusa.

7. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Paspalum dilatatum.

8. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Paspalum heve.

9. A spikelet of Aristida purpurea.

10. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Setaria setosa.

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

12. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Alopecnrus pratensis.

13. Two spikelets, one closed, one opened, of Holcus lanatus.

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

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

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

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

closed and opened.

PASPALUM.

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

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

Paspalum dilatatum.

This may be called the hairy -flowered Paspalum. It has been found
native in Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and
Texas, {Mid has been introduced into other States. It" also occurs in
South America. It grows from 2 to 5 feet high, with numerous leaves
about a foot in length and one third to one half an inch in breadth. It
does not creep upon the ground like the following species, but is in-
clined to grow in tufts, which may attain considerable size. It is rec-
ommended both for pasture and hay by the few who have tried it.

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

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

Paspalum dilatatum was brought to this country about twelve years ago, and planted
by -S. B. Wallis. It is a promising grass for hay and pasture, growing best on moist
lands, but doing well on upland. It is easily subdued by cultivation, and is not in-
clined to encroach on cultivated lands. It is best propagated by roots or sets, the
seed not being reliable. It is rather slow in starting, but when well rooted it spreads
and overcomes all other grasses. Tramping and grazing is more of an advantage to
it than otherwise. I think that this grass will succeed in a great variety of soils and
climates, but tlio.se planting it must have patience with it at first.

Mr. Wallis, above referred to, says:

This I consider the most valuable of all the grasses with which I am acquainted; it
is perennial and grows here all the year round, furnishing excellent green feed for
stock at all seasons, excepl that the greeu blades freeze in our coldest weather per-
haps two or three times 111 a winter. It, increases rapidly from seeds, and also repro-
duces it self from suckers, which sprout from the nodes of the culm after the iirst crop

of seed has ripened. 1 have seen these Bookers remain green for Bis or elghl \v«-
.iitrr the. old stalks wen- as dead and dry as hay, and then, w inn the old stalks had
fallen to the ground, take root and form new plants. It grows well on all kinds of
dry land. Plants two or three years old form stools V> to l- inohe Thegi

has very strong roots and grows in the longest drought almost as last as when it
rains.

(Plate 5.)

Paspalum platycaule.

This has sometimes been called Louisiana grass. It occurs in all the
Gulf States and in the West Indies and South America. It grows flat
on the ground rooting, at every joint, and forming at the South a thick,
permanent, evergreen sod. It does well on almost any upland soil,
and is said to stand drought better than Bermuda grass. It usually
grows too short and close to the ground for hay, but for grazing it ap-
parently has many good properties, ft may be distinguished from the
other Paspalums and from Bermuda grass by its flattened stems (whence
the name) and the very slender seed- stalks, each bearing only two or
three very narrow, somewhat upright spikes. The leaves, especially on
the long runners, are short and blunt.

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

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

It lias taken a firm foot-hold in this section. It is perfectly hardy, prefers damp
localities, and suffers somewhat from long droughts. It grows hest in a sandy loam,
rather close, compact, and damp, in exposed situations, as it does not stand shad-'
well. It stands browsing and tramping well, and is greedily eaten by all kinds of
stock. Its vegetation begins earlier in spring than that of Bermuda.

G. A. Frierson, Frierson's Mill, La., in the Southern Live Stock Jour-
nal, says :

It grows everywhere in rather low, wet, clay lauds, and stands grazing as well or
better than Bermuda.

B. H. Brodnax, Morehouse Parish, La. :

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

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

On all old roads, where travel has killed the other grasses and packed the soil, it
covers the ground with a close, even turf; it forms such a thick turf that it is called
here "blanket grass." The cattle in the woods are so fond of it and keep it oaten down
so close, that it is difficult to tiud any of it more thau 2 or 3 inches in height, but ou

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

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

Paspalum distichum.

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

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

(Plate 7.)

BECKMANNIA.
Beckmannia erucaeformis (Slough Grass).

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

It usually grows in tufts, and isof a coarse growth, the stout, roughish
calms rising to about 3 feet in height; the thickish leaves are about
half an inch wide and 0 to 8 inches long. These, as well as the loose,
long sheaths, are strongly marked with numerous parallel veins. The
panicle is generally long and narrow, from G to 10 inches long, and half
an inch to an inch wide, composed mostly of many very short, closely-
set branches, which are more or less interrupted belowr where the
branches are generally longer, sometimes 2 inches long and erect.

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

some localities this grass is abundant and tonus a valuable resource for
stock. The bottom Leaves and sterile shoots are tender and mncfa rel-
ished. (Plate 8.)

PANICUM.

In this genus the mode of inflorescence is very variable, but most of the
have a spreading, much-branched panicle, the terminal branchleta of which have

spikclets of a single perfect llovvcr, or in some cases with a lower male or imperfect
tlower also. There are two or three empty glumes, the lower one generally much
shorter than the others; the perfect flower has a thick, hard glume with a palet
similar in texture, and with the stamens and pistil inclosed between them. The
other imperfect flower when present has a glume similar to the empty ones.

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

Panicum maximum (True Guinea. Grass).

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

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

Panicum Texanum (Texas Millet).

Tins grass is a native of Texas, and was first described and named
in 1806 by Prof. S. B. Buckley, in his preliminary report of the " Geo-
graphical and Agricultural Survey of Texas." It is frequently called
Colorado grass, from its abundance along the Colorado River in that
State. In some localities it is known as river grass ; in others as goose
grass, from its being supposed to have been introduced by wild geese.
In southern Texas it is sometimes called buffalo grass, and in Fayette
County it is known as Austin grass from the fact that it was first util-
ized as hay near Austin.

The most numerous aud favorable reports regarding it are from
Lampasas, Burnet, and Travis Counties, along the Colorado River, and

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

The grass is an annual, growing usually from 2 to 4 feet high, and is
especially valuable for hay. It prefers rich alluvial soils, but stands
drought well, though on dry uplands its yield is much reduced. The
plant is furnished with an abundance of rather short and broad leaves,
and the stems, which are rather weak, are often produced in consider-
able number from a single root, and where the growth is rank are in-
clined to be decumbent at the base. It is valuable for all purposes for
which the ordinary millets are used, and should be tried throughout
the South. In Texas, where most largely grown, it generally over-
comes other grasses and weeds; but in some of the other Southern
States crab grass and weeds have interfered with its growth. It has
not been much cultivated in the Northern States, but is deserving of a
trial ; as with a good season it will probably be more productive than,
and of superior quality to, common Hungarian millet. (Plate 10.)

Panicum proliferum, var. geniculatum.

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

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

In damp, grassy places it prefers rich ground throughout the coast region. It com-
mences to vegetate vigorously in the hottest part of the summer, throwing out
numerous shoots from the joints, forming large-branched bushes. The foliage, is rich
and tender; and the succulent, thick stems are sweet and juicy. After cutting, it
throws out numerous sprouts from the lower joints, which grow rapidly, so as to
allow rejx ated cuttings until frost. It is through all stages of its growth much rel-
ished by horses and cattle.

(Plate 11.)

Panicum barbinode (Para Grass).

This species has been introduced from South America in some locali-
ties of the Southern States. In Cuba it is cultivated and highly valued
for its prolific growth and nutritive properties. It is not adapted to
culture in the Northern States. It is a coarse, reed-like grass, that
looks as if it should grow in the water; but it makes a heavy growth
on the high pine ridges of Florida. (Plate 1_J.)

Paiiicum miliaceum.

Tliis is t In* millet grass of India, or at least one of the Indian millets.
It lias, in Asia, been cultivated for ages, and is, in mauy parts, an
important article in the tbod supply of t In* i mi Ives. It is also cultivated
in Egypt, Turkey, and Southern Europe. It has been cultivated to a
limited extent in this country for forage, and will thrive and ripen in
the Northern as well as the Southern States.

Mr. Charles L. Flint says :

Millet is ono of tho best crops we have for cutting and feeding green for soiling
purposes, .sine© its yield is large, its luxuriant, leaves juicy and tender and much

relished by milch cows and other stock. The seed is rich in nutritive qualities, but
it is very seldom ground or used for dour, though it is said to exceed all other kinds
of meal or Hour in nutritive elements. An acre well cultivated will yield from 60
to 70 bushels of seed. Cut in the blossoms, as it should be for feeding to cattle, the
seed is comparatively valueless. If allowed to ripen its seed, the stalk is no more
nutritious, probably, than oat straw. It is well adapted to culture in dry regiops.

(Plate 13.)

Panicum Crus-galli (Barnyard 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 is consid
ered a valuable grass. Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says :

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

Id the Northern States it is seldom employed. (Plate 14.)
Panicum sanguinale (Crab Grass).

This is aD annual grass, which, although a native of the Old World,
has become spread over most parts of this country, and indeed over all
tropical countries. It is the most common crab grass of the Southern
States. It occurs iu cultivated aud waste grounds, and grows very
rapidly during the hot summer mouths. The culms usually rise to the
height of 2 or 3 feet, aud at the summit have from three to six slender
flower spikes, each from 4 to 6 inches loug. The culms are bent at the
lower joints, where they frequently take root. At the New Orleans
Exposition there were specimens of this grass 5 feet 10 inches long.

Professor Killebrew, of TeDDessee, says :

It is a line pasture grass; although it has but few base leaves and forms no sward.
yet it sends out numerous stems or branches at the base. It serves a most useful
purpose in stock husbandry. It fills all our corn-fields and many persons pull it out.
which is a tedious process. It makes a sweet hay, and horses are exceedingly fond of
it, leaving the best hay to eat it.

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says that the corn and cotton fields
are often so overrun with it that the hay which might be secured would
be more valuable than the original crop. It is sometimes mowed from
between the rows, sometimes cut across the ridges, with the corn.

Although so much esteemed in the South, it is considered a pest iu
the Northern States. (Plate 15.)

Panicum virgatum (Tall Pauic Grass ; Switch Grass).

A tall perennial grass, 3 to 5 feet high, growing mostly in clumps in
moist or even in dry, sandy soil, very common on the sea-coast, and
also in the interior to the base of the Kocky 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. It is said to be cultivated in
some parts of Colorado, and with very satisfactory results. (Plate 1G.)

Panicum agrostoides. (Redtop Panicum.)

This is a perennial grass, commonly growing in large clumps in wet
meadows or on the muddy margins of lakes and rivers. It grows 4 to
G feet high, is erect in habit, and developes its reddish panicles from
several of the joints as well as at the apex. The stem is somewhat
flattened and very smooth, as are the sheaths ; the leaves are 1 to 2
feet long, about half an inch wide, and somewhat rough on the margins
and midrib. The terminal panicle is 6 to 12 inches long, at first some-
what close, but becoming quite open and diffuse. The lateral panicles
are shorter and partly inclosed by the sheath at the base. The branches
of the panicle are mostly 1 or 2 inches long and rather densely flowered
nearly to the base. The spikelets are a little more than a line long on
very short pedicels, mostly racemose on one side of the branches, oblong,
acute, the lower empty glume ovate, acute, half as long as the upper
one, which is rather long-pointed and five-nerved ; the lower or sterile
flower is a little shorter than the longer glume and a little shorter than
the perfect flower, which is oblong, obtuse, and under a lens shows a
few beards at the apex. This grass produces a large amount of foliage,
which makes fair hay if cut before flowering time; if left later it con-
tains too many wiry stalks. It may be utilized as a hay crop in low
grounds, but it is doubtful if it can be made productive on dry, tillable
land. (Plate 17.)

Panicum anceps. (Two-edged Panic Grass.)

A perennial grass, when well developed resembling the preceding, but
of a smaller, lighter growth, generally found in moist clay soil. It has a
flattish erect stem, 2 to 3 feet high, with smooth leaves a foot or more
long, of a bluish-green color, and mostly near the base of the stem. The
root-stock is thick, scaly, and creeping near the surface of the ground.
The panicle is G to 12 inches long, with short branches near the top, the
Lateral branches 3 to (J inches long, rather distant, erect or somewhat
spreading. Usually there are also several smaller lateral panicles from
the upper joints of the culm. The spikelets are about a line and a half
long, a little longer than those of Panicum agrostoides, oblong, lanceo-
late, a little curved, and sessile, or on very short pedicels. The lower
empty glume is broadly ovate, and about half as long as the live to

2<)

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

It forms strongly rooted spreading clumps, often completely carpeting the ground
with pretty, glossy, light-green foliage.

(Plate 18.)

SETARIA.

In this genus the flowers are constructed as in the Panicums, but they arc arranged
in narrow, more or less cylindrical spikes. Below the spikelets are several l>ristl< \&t
generally longer than the spikelets, which remain on the spike after the fall of the
flowers.

Setaria Italica (Hungarian Grass; German Millet).

This grass is supposed to be a native of the East Indies, but it has
been extensively introduced into most civilized countries. It has long
been cultivated as a fodder grass both in Europe and in this country.
It is an annual grass of strong, rank growth, the culms erect, 2 to 3 feet
high, with numerous long and broad leaves, and a terminal, spike-like,
nodding panicle, 4 to 6 inches long, and often an inch or more in diam-
eter. The varieties and forms of* this grass differ greatly, so much so
that some of them have been considered different species; but the gen-
eral opinion of botanists is that they are all varying forms of the same
species, dependent upon the character of the soil, thickness of seeding,
moisture or dryness, and time of sowing. It owes its value as a fodder
plant to the abundance of its foliage, and to the large quantity of seed
produced. In some instances objection has been made to this grass on
account of the bristles which surround the seed, and which have been said
to penetrate the stomachs of cattle soas to cause inflammation and death.
Bnt it is plain that this opinion is not generally held, as the cultivation
of the grass is widely extended and everywhere recommended.

For forage it should be cut as soon as it blooms, when, of course, it is
worth nothing for seed ; but it is most valuable for forage and exhausts
the land much less. If left for the seeds to mature they are very abun-
dant and rich feed, but the stems are worthless, while the soil is more
damaged.

Professor Phares says :

The matured stems are very bard, indigestible, and injurious, and the ripe -
will founder more promptly than corn, and sometimes produce diabetes if moldy and
too freely used. If cut at the right stage the whole plant La safe ami ver\ valuable

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

(Plato 19.)
Setaria glauca and Setaria viridis.

These two kinds, called pigeon grass, are very common in cultivated
fields, especially among stubble after the cutting of grain. They are as
nutritious as Hungarian grass but not so productive. (Plate 20.)

PENNISETUM.

The flowers in this genus are arranged in close spikes much like those of Setaria,
but the bristles at the base of the spikelcts fall off with the spikelets, instead of re-
maining attached to the rhachis.
Pemiisetum spicatum (Penicillaria spicata) (Pearl Millet; Cat-tail Millet; Egyptian

Millet).

This is supposed to be a native of Africa, but .has been known from
time immemorial in cultivation in India, Arabia, and Egypt.

It is an annual grass of luxuriant growth, frequently reaching G or
8 feet in height, with long, broad leaves, and a stout, solid culm ter-
minated with a thick, erect spike, 6 to 10 inches long, and three quarters
of an inch in thickness, having a resemblance to the heads or spikes
of the common cat-tail (Typha latifolia). The stalks are freely pro-
ductive of suckers which furnish a large amount of succulent, sweet
leaves.

Professor Phares states:

It has been grown to some extent for twenty-five years in many parts of the
Southern States, more largely since 1865.

No crop will pay better or yield more forage than this on very rich, highly fertilized
land. Ou such land it has been cut on an average every forty-five days, from the
time of planting till frost, with a reported product of 80 or 100 tons of green forage,
or from 16 to 20 tons of dry hay. When it grows luxuriantly it is impossible to cure
it for bay on the ground upon which it is grown ; so that it would bo impracticable
to make hay of a large held of it sown solid. Hence it must be sown in small patches
or in beds, with spaces between upon which to spread it when cut This difficulty
would occur only on rich and highly manured land. Any one can have the crop as
light as he chooses by sowing on poorly prepared or on exhausted land.

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

TRIPSACUM,

Tripsacum dactyloides (Gama Grass).

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

maturity, Professor Pharos says it was formerly found widely diffo ed
through the Southern Slates, from theses shore bo the mountains, it
is now seldom seen, having been destroyed by cattle.
Mi1 Howard, of South Carolina, says of it :

This is a native of the South, from the mountains to tb< The seed stem i

bp (<• the height of5 to 7 feet. The seeds break off from the .stem as if from a joint, a
■ingle seed at a time. Thu leaves resemble those of corn. When cut before the
stems shoot up they make a coarse -but nutritious hay. It may be cut threeoi four
times during the season. The quantity of forage which can be made from it is enor-
mous. Both cattle and horses are fond of the hay. The roots an- almosl as Large and
strong as cane roots. It would require a, team of* four to six oxen to plow it up. It
can. however, be easily killed by close grazing, and the mass of dead roots would
cei tainly enrich the laud. As the seeds of this grass vegetate with uncertainty, it is
usually propagated by setting out slips of the roots about 2 feet apart each way.
On rich land the tussocks will soon meet. In the absence of the liner hay gi.
this will be found an abundant and excellent substitute. The hay made from it is
very like corn fodder, is quite equal to it in value, and may bo saved at a tithe of
the expense.

(Plate 21.)

EUCHLAENA.

Euchlaena luxurians (Teosinte).

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

Prof. Asa Gray, in the American Agriculturist for August, 1SS0,
speaking of this plant, writes :

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

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

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

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

J. G. Knapp, Limona, southern Florida:

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

Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. :

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

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

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

Dg spring and summer, [fedoes not, however, withstand dronghl as well asmillo
Baize or kafflr corn, and it died completely daring oar seventy-five days of drought
Mt Pall. I have a few seeds which were matured on the grounds of Mr e w.

Benson, in theopen air, at Marietta, Ga. II<% ripened Heeds two yeai ago on
plants which were forced in early spring ami transplanted to the open ground. Last
/ear this seed was planted in the open ground, and produced Mi,- plants which ma-
tured the seed which I have. He seems thus to have succeeded in acclimating the
plant, which is therefore likely to prove a valuable acquisition.

(Plate 22.)

ZIZANIA.

Zizania aquatica (Wild Rice; Indian Rice).

Its ordinary growth is from 5 to 10 feet high, with a thick, spongy stem, and abun-
iant long and broad leaves. The panicle is pyramidal in shape, 1 to 2 feel long, and
widely branching below. The upper branches are rather appressed and contain the
fertile llowers, while the lower branches contain only staminate ones. The Bpikelets
ire one-ilowered, each with one pair of external husks or scales, which are by some
botanists called glumes, and by others called palets. These husks or glumes in the
fertile llower are nearly or quite an inch long, with an awn or beard as long, or twice
is long. The grain inclosed between them is half an inch long, slender and cylin-
drical. The glumes of the staminate flowers are about half an inch long and without
iwns, each flower containing six stamens. These flowers fall off soon after they ex-
pand. The fertile flowers also drop very readily as soon as the grain is ripened.

This is botanically related to the common commercial rice ( Oryza sativa)
but is very different in general appearance. It is widely diffused over
North America, and is found in Eastern Siberia and Japan. It grows
on the muddy banks of rivers and lakes, both near the sea and far in-
land, sometimes in water 10 feet or more deep, forming- patches or mead-
ows covering many acres or extending for miles.

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

Near the sea-coast multitudes of reed-birds resort to the marshes,
where it grows, and fatten upon the grain. The culms are sweet and
nutritious, and cattle are said to be very fond of the grass. It is not
adapted to culture on any ordinary farming land, as it will live only
in the presence of water. (Plate 23.)

LEERSIA.

The flowers grow in spreading pauicles. The spikelets are sessile, on short, one-
sided branches or spikes. The spikelets are one-flowered, possessing but i \\ o scales.
which may bo called glumes or palets, which are strongly compressed, without aw ns,
bristly ciliate ou the keels, the lowrer one broader and inclosing the seed. Stamens
one to six ; stigmas two ; grain flattened.

A genus of rough-leaved grasses growing for the most part in marshy
or moist ground throughout nearly all parts of the United States. Then'
are about five species, two of which are confined to the Southern States;
3594 gr 3

the others, at least two of them, are very coaimou, though rarely occur-
ring iu great quantity. They are sometimes cut for hay. They can
not be recommended for culture, but may be utilized wherever the.y
grow spontaneously.

Leersia oryzoides (White Grass; Cut Grass; False Rice).

This is a handsome grass, the culms decumbent. It is commonly
called rice grass, from its strong resemblance to common rice. The
leaves are pale green, frequently a foot or more long, prominently veined
below, very rough on the margins and on the sheaths. The panicle is
about 1 foot long, diffusely branched, the branches mostly in twos, and
an inch or two distant. The spikelets are very flat, about 2 lines long,
nearly sessile, and borne mostly towards the ends of the long branches,
The leaves are so rough on the margins as readily to cut the hand iJ
roughly drawn through it.

Leersia Virginica (Small-flowered White Grass).

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

Leersia hexandra.

This species occurs in wet ground on the Atlantic and Gulf coast. II
also occurs in other tropical and semi tropical countries. It might b(
utilized iu this country, if it becomes necessary, as it now is in some
other countries. In Manilla, one of the Philippine Islands (as we lean:
from the United States consul at that place), this species is cultivates
as food for horses and cattle. It is treated like rice, being transplanted
to wet and previously plowed meadows. The local name there is za
cate.

HILARIA.

Hilaria Jamesii (Gietta Grass).

This is one of the characteristic grasses of the arid districts of Texas
New Mexico, and Arizona, where it is sometimes called black grama
It is found sparingly also in Colorado and Utah. There are several
other species growing iu the same region, in some places quite abun
dantly. They are relished by cattle, and are considered as next iu value
to grama grass. (Plate 25.)

ANDROPOGON.

This genus is quite largely developed in the United States. They an
perennial grasses, mostly tall, and with rough, wiry stems. Some oi
them occur in nearly all parts of the country from New England tc
Florida and west to Arizona. They are most abundant, however, ii
the Southern States, where they have been employed for perm an e«
pastures. When they occur in quantity they can be utilized, but to b(
of value they should be kept from sending up their strong stems, ■
these are universally rejected by cattle and horses. Most of the specif

are not to be recommended for cultivation, but some have been praised

in the South as furnishing, with proper management, permanent and
reliable pastures.

Andropogon Virginicus and Andropogon scoparius (Broom Sedge).

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

Dr. Charles Mohr, of Mobile, says that Andropogon scoparius grows
extensively in old fields, and in the dry, sandy soil of the pine woods.

Much despised ;is it is as a troublesome weed, it has its good qualities, which en-
title it to a more charitable consideration. In the dry pine woods it contributes,
while green and tender, a large share to the sustenance of the stock.

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

Andropogon macrourus.

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

Andropogon furcatus.

This is the tallest of our species. It grows erect to the height of 5
or 6 feet, in rocky or hilly ground; or at the West it is abundant on the
native prairies, where it is frequently called blue stem. The leaves are
long and frequently somewhat hairy on the sheaths and margins. The
spikes are in small clusters of from three to six, terminating the stalk,
and also with several clusters from the side branches. The spikes are
usually 2 to 3 inches long, rather rigid, and contain ten to twenty flow-
ers each. At each joint there is one sessile, perfect flower, and one
stalked one, which is staminate only ; otherwise it is nearly like the fer-
tile one. The outer glumes are about four lines long, the upper one
tipped with a short, stiff awrn.

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

Andropogon Hallii.

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

CHRYSOPOGON.

Chrysopogon nutans (Sorghum nutans) (Wild Oats).

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

This is a tall, perennial grass, having a wide range over all the country
east of the Eocky Mountains. It grows rather sparsely and forms i\
thin bed of grass.

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

SORGHUM.

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

There are several species.

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

This grass is a native of Northern Africa and the country about the
Mediterranean Sea.

It was introduced into cultivation in this country more than fifty
years ago, and has recently attracted renewed attention, especially in
the Southern States. The name Johnson grass, which is the one now
most generally adopted in this country, originated from William John-
son, of Alabama, who introduced the grass into that State from South
Carolina about the year 1840. It had previously been known as Mean's
grass, aud that name is still occasionally used, It has also been largely
grown under the name of Guinea grass, but that name should be re-
stricted to Panicum maximum^ described in another part of this bulletin,
It has been called Egyptian grass, Green Valley grass, Cuba grass, Al-
abama Guinea grass, Australian .millet, and Morocco millet. In Cali-
fornia it is best known as evergreen millet or Arabian evergreen mil-
let. There seems to be good evidence that some of these names have
been used at times in order to sell the seed as a new kind at an un-
reasonably high price. Johnson grass seeds abundantly, and the seed
may be obtained of nearly all seedsmen under that name.

This grass is best adapted to warm climates, and has proved mosl
valuable on warm, dry soils in the Southern States. It has been testefi
<|in't<' generally throughout the country, and is often recommended foi
cultivation even in the North, but there its growth is much smaller thai

at the South, and in severe winters ft is killed outright H i ion-

ally more or less winter-killed as l*;ir south as I lie northern portion of
Texas and Alabama. lis chief value is lor bay, io regions where other
grasses fail on account of drought. If cut early the hay is of good
quality, and several cuttings maybe made in the season; but if the
cutting is delayed until the stalks are well grown the hay is so coarse
and hard that stock do not eat it readily. The seed may be sown at
any time when the soil is warm and not too dry. Failures often occur
from sowing the seed too early. If there is danger that the soil should
dry out before the seed can germinate, soaking the seed may be resorted
to with good results. Thick seeding gives a heavier yield and a better
quality of hay. From 1 to 2 bushels are usually sown per acre, accord-
ing to the cleanness of the seed. In case of failure to get a good stand
the. crop may be allowed to go to seed the first year, after which the
vacant places will be found to be self-seeded. On small patches in such
cases the ground is sometimes plowed up and the underground stems
scattered along in the furrows over the vacant spots. In most localities
it is generally considered desirable to plow the land set in Johnson
grass about every third year; otherwise the root stocks become matted
near the surface, and the crop is more affected by drought. Plowing
causes it to grow more thickly and vigorously. If desired, a large por-
tion of the root stocks may be removed at the time of plowing without
injuring the stand. The greatest objection to Johnson grass is the diffi-
culty of eradicating it. Care should be taken not to introduce it into
fields intended for cultivation. It spreads rapidly, both by the root
and by seed, and is apt to enter fields where it is not wanted. On stock-
farms this feature is not so objectionable as elsewhere. The grass is
not well adapted to pasture, and close pasturing is one of the means of
getting rid of it. Its succulent, subterranean stems are usually well
liked by hogs after they have become accustomed to them, and by
keeping hogs closely confined upon it, it may be eradicated. Another
method of eradication which is recommended is to plow in the fall, so
as to expose it to the action of frost. In the South, where the grass is
most largely grown, this is only partially successful.-

There has been much discussion in the Southern papers respecting
this grass, some considering it a great blessing, others a curse, the fact
being that it is a blessing where a permanent grass is desired, and a
great pest in land desired for general cultivation. It is probably too
tender for the Northern States, but needs further trial. (Plate 31.)

Sorghum vulgare.

This name as at present applied includes several varieties quite dif-
ferent in appearance, as the variety saccharatum, or ordinary sugar
sorghum, millo maize, Kaffir corn, dourra, and broom corn. The
broom corn variety we need not discuss here. Some of the other vari-

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

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

J. S. Newman, Director Experiment Station, Agricultural and Me-
chanical College, Auburn, Ala. :

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

As evidence that millo maize has undergone acclimation, I will add
that plants grown from seed freshly imported from South America do
not mature seeds here.

Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. :

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

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

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

Florida Farm and Fruit-Growers :

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

PHALARIS.
Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary Grass).

A perennial grass, with strong, creeping rhizomes, growing from 2 to
5 feet high, usually in low or wet ground. It ranges from New England
and New York westward to Oregon, and northward to Canada, also in

the mountainous parte of Pennsylvania and Virginia, it is common

also in the north of Europe. The culm is stout, smooth, and leafy;
the leaves are mostly from o" to 10 inches Long ami about half an inch
wide, the upper ones shorter.

The well-known ribbon grass of the garden is a variety of this grass,
and will, it is said, easily revert to the normal type. In mountainous
regions it may be worth trial for meadows. (Plate 32.)

Phalaris intermedia (Southern Reed Canary Grass; Gilbert's Relief Gran; Stew-
art's Canary Grass; California Timothy Grass).

This species resembles the foreign Canary grass (PhalarU Canariensis) which pro-
duces the seed commonly sold as food for Canary birds. It is, however, a taller and
more robust species, growing 2 or 3 feet high, with a stout, erect culm and broad,
linear leaves, which are from 4 to 10 inches long. The spike is oblong and compact,
1 or 2 inches long. There is a variety called var. anguxta, in which the spike is 3 or
4 inches long. The spikelets are much like those of the precediug species (Phalaris
arundinacea), having one perfect flower and two abortive ones. The outer glumes
are lanceolate and nearly alike and have a narrow wing extending down the keel.
The glumes of the feitile flower are nearly like those of Phalaris arundinacea already
described.

This species grows in South Carolina and the Gulf States, extending
to Texas, then stretching across to the Pacific coast and occurring
through California and Oregon. It has frequently been sent to the De-
partment from the Southern States as a valuable winter grass.

Mr. Thomas W. Beaty, of Conway, S. C, writes as follows:

The grass I send you was planted last September, and the specimens were cut on
the 9th of March, following. You will notice that it is heading out and is just now
in a right condition for mowing. It is wholly a winter grass, dying down in the latter
part of April and first of May ; and it seems to me should be a great thing for the
South if properly introduced and cultivated, or rather the ground properly prepared
Mid the seed sown at the right time. It would afford the best of green pasturage for
sheep and cattle all winter. It is what we call Gilbert's relief grass.

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

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

(Plate 33.)

ANTHOXANTHUM.

Panicle somewhat spike-like. Spikelets apparently three-flowered,
but only the terminal one perfect; the lower pair of glumes are equal,
the lower one much smaller than the Upper one ; above these and be-
low the perfect flower are two short, thin, two-lobed pubescent glumes.

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

A. odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass).

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

ALOPECURUS.

Alopecurus geniculates (Water Foxtail).

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

Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Foxtail).

This is a perennial grass, a native of Europe, but it has been introduced into this
country and is frequently found iu meadows of the Eastern States. It has consider-
able resemblance to Timothy, but will be readily distinguished by an examination.
It ordinarily grows but 2 feet high, but frequently in good soil reaches 3 feet or more.
The culms are erect, with four or five leaves at pretty uniform distances. The
sheaths are long and rather loose, particularly the upper one. The blade of the leaf
is 3 or 4 inches long, about one-quarter of an inch wide at the base, and tapering
gradually to a point. The panicle terminates the stalk, and is a cylindrical spike 2 or
3 inches long, dense, soft, and with the awns of the ilowers conspicuously projecting.
The spikelets are single-ilowered, between 2 and 3 lines long. The outer glumes
are strongly compressed, boat-shaped, keeled, nearly equal, sometimes slightly united
together at the base, and have a line of soft, short hairs on the keels. These glumes
closely inclose the flower, which is of nearly the same length, and consists of a flower-
ing glume, but without any true i>alet. This flowering glume is folded upon itself
and incloses the stamens and styles. It gives rise on its back, near the base, to a flue
awn, which extends two or three lines beyond the glumes.

Mr. J. S. Gould says:

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

(Plate 35.)

Alopecurus occidentalis ( KorUy Mountain foxtail).

This species is indigenous iii Montana and Idaho, and is \<i.\ com«
mon along mountain streams, frequently covering acres of i he mountain
meadows. It is called in some Localities mountain Timothy. It yields
a large quantity of fine, bright hay, Cor which purpose it is often har-
vested and highly valued. It is of little value for grazing. Probably
under cultivation it would become as useful as the European specii

ARISTIDA.

Spikelets one-flowered, in a spicate or an open branching panicle, generally on fili-
form pedicels; outer glumes unequal, often bristle-pointed ; flowering glome narrow,
rolled around the flower, terminating with a trilid awn, or apparently fchree-awned.
Palet small and thin, inclosed in the flowering glume.

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

Aristida purpurea.

* Aristida purpurea prevails extensively on the Western plains, and it
is said to form an important part of the early feed of the cattle. It grows
in bunches, and is about 1 foot high. The panicle is somewhat spread-
ing, and the flowers are purplish, with spreadiug, slender awns, 1 inch
or more in length. (Plate 36.)

STIPA.

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

This genus has its principal range in the region of the Rocky Mount-
ains and the Great Plains. They are mostly coarse, rigid grasses, hav-
ing little agricultural value. In common with many other kinds they
are usually called bunch grass, sometimes beard grass, or feather
grass. The more abundant species aue Stipa spartea^ Stipa comata\ and
Stipa viridula. These prevail from British America southward, on the
plains, and iu the mountains. The genus is particularly distinguished
by the awn or beard of the flowering glume, and the sharp-pointed and
barbed stipe or base of the glume. Complaint has been made among
stockmen of great injury to sheep by the penetration of these sharp
points into the wool, and even into the flesh. The awns or feathery
appendages are iu some species 4 to 0 inches long, and are subject to a
spiral twisting when dry, which assists in forcing the seed into the
ground for germination. Stipa avenacea is the only species prevailing
in the Eastern and Southern States, and is of no agricultural impor-

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

Stipa spartea.

Stipa spartea is called porcupine grass, arrow grass, and devil's
knitting-needles, from the long, stiff, twisted awns inclosing the seed.
The seeds ripen early and drop to the ground, and later in the season
the grass may be easily recognized by the persistent, bleached culms
and empty glumes of the spreading panicle. The long root leaves con-
tinue green and vigorous throughout the summer, frequently being 2
feet long. Although somewhat coarse the grass makes a very good hay,
and forms a considerable pari: of the wild prairie hay in Iowa, Nebraska,
Minnesota, and southern Dakota. It is called buffalo grass in the Sas-
katchewan region. It should receive attention in Western experiments
for a pasture grass. (Plate 38.)

ORYZOPSIS.

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

Oryzopsis cuspidata (Bunch Grass).

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

Tho culms are 1 to 2 feet high, with about three narrow, convolute leaves, the up-
per one having a long, inflated sheatli which incloses the base of the panicle. Tho
radical leaves are narrow, rigid, and as long as or longer thau the culm. The panicle
is about C inches long, very loose, spreading and flexuous. The branches are in pairs,
slender, rather distant, and are subdivided mostly in pairs. The spikelets are at
the ends of the capillar}7 branches, each one-flowered. The outer glumes are 3 to
4 lines long, inflated and widened below, gradually drawn to a sharp-pointed
apex, thin and colorless except the three or five green nerves, and slightly hairy.
The glumes inclose an ovate flower, which is covered externally with a profusion of
white, silky hairs, and tipped with a short awn, which falls off at maturity. This
apparent flower is the flowering glume, of a hard, coriaceous texture, and incloses a
similar hard, but not hairy, and smaller.palet.

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

MILIUM.

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

Milium efliiBiim.

A tall, perennial grass, 1 or 5 feet high, growing in damp woods iu the Doribern
portions of the United States and in Canada. It is also found in Northern Enrope

and iii Russian Asia.

Hon. J. 8. Gould, in the Keport of the New York State Agricultural

Society, says, respecting this grass :

Meadows and borders of streams and cold woods. It thrives when transplanted to
open and exposed situations. It is one of the most beautiful of the grasses; the pan-
icle is often a loot long, and the branches are so exceedingly delicate that the small,
flossy spikelets seem to be suspended in the air. Birds are very fond oftheseed.
Mr. Colman says that he has raised 3 tons to the acre of as good, nutritious hay as
eon Id bo grown from it, when sown in May. The plants multiply by the roots as
well ashy the seed, sending ont horizontal shoots of considerable length, which root
at the joint as they extend.

(Plate 40.)

MUHLENBERGIA.

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

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

It is hardly more than necessary to mention this grass, which forms in many sec-
tions the bulk of the pastures of the woods. It does not grow in fields, but in woods,
whore, after rains have set iu, it carpets the earth with living green. Various opin-
ions are entertained as to its nutritive qualities. Some farmers assert that their stock
are fond of it, and that on sufficient range, cattle, horses and sheep will go into the
winter sleek and fat from this vigorous grass. Others regard it as well nigh worth-
less.

(Plate 41.)

Muhlenbergia glomerata (Spiked Muhlenbergia).

This grass grows* in wet, swampy grounds, chiefly in the Northern
and Western portions of the United States. It is found in Colorado,
Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. It grows to the height of 2 or
3 feet, stiffly erect and generally unbranched.

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

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

Muhlenbergia Mexicana.

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

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

Muhlenbergia sylvatica.

This species has much the appearance and habit of Muhlenbergia Me.v-
icana. The panicle is looser, the spikelets not so densely clustered, and
the flowering glume bears an awn two or three times as long as itself.
1 1 is found in dry, open, or rocky woods and fence corners. In agricult-
ural value it corresponds to that species. (Plate 44.)

PHLEUM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

known lipids ol* this grass to be highly productive for thirteen 3
succession. Farmers should no t lose sight of the fact thai the roots do
not extend widely, and that much of its vitality depends on the thick-
ened bulb-like base of the stein; therefore there Is danger that, if mowed
too late in the season so that the bulbs and roots are left unprotected
from the weather, they may suffer from the action of fro.st; being some-
times lifted out of the ground from this cause.

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

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

SPOROBOLUS.

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

Sporobolus cryptandrus.

This species has an extensive range. It is common in sandy fields in
the Northern and Southern States, as well as over all the dry plains
west of the Mississippi, extending from British America to Mexico, fur-
nishing a considerable share of the wild pasturage of that region.
(Plate 4G.)

Sporobolus Indicus.

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

patches, from 1J to 3 feet high, with an abundance of long, flat, fine-
pointed leaves at the base, and a narrow terminal panicle, frequently a
foot in length, composed of short, erect, sessile branches, which are
very closely flowered.

Professor Phares says :

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

(Plate 47.)

AGROSTIS.

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

Agrostis vulgaris (Redtop, Finetop, Herd's Grass [of Pennsylvania], Bent Grass, etc. )
A perennial grass, growing 2 or 3 feet high from creeping root- stocks,
which interlace so as to make a very firm sod ; the culms are upright,
or sometimes decumbent at the base, smooth, round, rather slender and
clothed with four or five leaves, which are flat, narrow, and roughish,
from 3 to 6 inches long, with smooth sheaths, and generally truncate
ligules. It is extensively cutivated.

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

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

This is a favorite grass in wet, swampy meadows, where its interlacing, thick roots
consolidate the sward, making a firm matting which prevents the feet of cattle from
poaching. It is generally considered a valuable grass in this country, though by no
means the best one. Cattle eat hay made from it with a relish, especially when
mixed with other grasses. As a pasture grass it is much valued by dairymen, and in
their opinion the butter would suffer much by its removal.

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

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

Mr. Flint says:

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

(Plate 48.)

Agrostis canina.

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

Agrostis exarata.

This is chiefly a northwestern species, being found in Wisconsin and westward to
the Rocky Mountains, also from British America and California to Alaska. It is
very variable in appearance, and presents several varieties. It is generally more
slender in growth than the common redtop. The panicle is usually longer, narrower,
and looser. In all the forms the palet is wanting or is very minute. The form chiefly
growing on the Pacific slope from California to Alaska is often more robust than the
Agrostis vulgaris, growing 2 to 3 feet high, with a stout, firm culm, clothed with three
or four broadish leaves, 4 to 6 inches long. The panicle is 4 to b" inches long, pale
green, rather loose, but with erect branches.

It deserves trial for cultivation, at least on the Pacific side of the con-
tinent, (Plate 49.)

CINNA.

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

Cinna arundinacea (Wood Keed Grass).

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

This leafy-stemmed grass furnishes a larg<'- quantity of fodder, but
experiments are wanting to determine its availability under cultivation.
(Plate 50.)

Cinna pendula.

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

ains and Oregon.

AMMOPHILA.

Spikelets one-flowered, in a contracted, spike-like or open, diffuse panicle, with or
without a bristle-like rudiment opposite the palet; outer glumes large, nearly equal,
rigid, thick, lanceolate, acute, keeled, five-nerved; flowering glome similar in texture,
about equal in length, sometimes inucronate at the apex : palet as long as its glume,
of similar texture, two-keeled, sulcate between the keels; hairs at the base o{ the
flower usually scanty and short.

Ammophila arimdinacea (Beach Grass; Sand Grass).

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

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

CALAMAGROSTIS.

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

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

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

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

It varies much in luxuriance of foliage and size of panicle, according

to tbe location.

The culms are from :5 to 5 feet high, stout and hollow, hence iii some places if is
called the small reed grass. Tho leaves are 1 foot or more long, flat, from a quarter

to nearly half an inch wide, and roughi&h ; the stem and sheaths smooth.

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

Mr. J. S. Gould says :

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

Professor Crozier, who spent some time in northwestern Iowa and
adjacent parts of Minnesota and Dakota, in studying tbe native grasses,
says :

This is considered by some to produce the best hay for cattle of all the native
grasses. It is very leafy, and stands remarkably thick on the ground. The seed
ripens early in July, but the leaves remain green until winter. It is probably
hardly equal to some of the upland grassss in quality, but it gives a larger yield, and
is undoubtedly worthy of cultivation. It is usually found upon the margins of ponds;
it will thrive, however, on land that is only slightly moist, and often occurs along
the banks of roadside ditches. On rather low land which has been broken and
allowed to go back it frequently comes in, and after a few years occupies the land to
the exclusion ot all other vegetation.

(Plate 51.)

_Calamagrostis (Deyeuxia) sylvatica (Bunch Grass).

A coarse perennial grass, growing in large tufts, usually in sandy
ground in the Kocky Mountains at various altitudes, also in California,
Oregon, and British America. It furnishes an abundant coarse forage
in the regions where it is found. The culms are from 1 to 2 feet high,
erect, rigid, and leafy; the radical leaves are frequently as long as the
culm, two or three lines wide, sometimes flat, but generally involute
and rigid. The culm leaves are from 3 to G or 8 inches long, rigid
and rough. The panicle is narrow and spike like, 3 to 5 inches long,
erect, rather dense, sometimes interrupted below, and varying from pale
green to purple. (Plate 52.)

Calamagrostis longifolia.

This grass grows on the sandy plains of the interior from British America to Ari-
zona, and on the borders of the Great Lakes. It has strong, running root>torks. like

3594 CxE— 4

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

(Plate 53.)

HOLCUS.

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

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

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

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

C. Menelas, Savannah, Ga. :

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

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

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

L. S. Nicholson, Crumly, northeastern Alabama:

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

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

Clarke Lewis, Oliftonville, Miss.:

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

II. \V. L Lewis, secretary Louisiana State Grange, Tangipahoa Par-
ish, La. (P. <)., Osyka, Miss.):

It is hardy and oultivated in small lots, doing best on rich, Handy loam, yielding •-'
to 3 tons per acre. I have experimented more than any one else in my section with
forage plants, especially winter grains and grasses. Bave used rye, and barley far

winter feed, but have given them up in favor of t he Holom !<ouitits; have had this in
cultivation for thirty years. It is a perennial, but owing to its shallow roots it dies
ont during our long, dry summer and fall from 50 to 75 per cent. One lot kept the
third year had less than 10 per cent, of the grass alive. Hence I have for twenty
years or more used it as an annual, sowing it with turnips, collards, or by itself. A
good way is to sow the seed broadcast and cover lightly in a late crop of tnrnips after
the last cultivation. After the turnip crop is removed the first warm days in January
or February will start the grass into rapid growth. It is cut frequently through the
spring for green feed, and after oats are ready to cut is allowed to mature seed.

Prof. D. L. Phares, in his " Farmer's Book of Grasses," says:

In the Eastern States this grass is called Salem grass and white Timothy; in the
South, velvet lawn grass, and velvet mesquite grass; in England, woolly soft grass
and Yorkshire white. It has been sent to me for name more frequently than any
other grass. Having found its way to Texas, people going there from other States
have sent back seeds to their friends, calling it Texas velvet mesquite grass, supposing
it a native of that State. So far as has come to my knowledge nine-tenths of all so-
called mesquite grass planted in the Southern States is this European velvet grass.
It growrs much larger in some of the Southern States than in the Eastern States or in
England, and seems to have greatly improved by acclimation.

Velvet grass may be readily propagated by sowing the seed or dividing the roots.
It luxuriates in moist, peaty lands, but wrill grow on poor, sandy, or clay hill lands
and produce remunerative crops where few others will make anything. The reason
that cattle do not prefer it is not because of a deficiency in nutrition, but because of
its combination. It is deficient simply in saline and bitter extractive matter which
cattle relish in grasses.

It is by no means the best of our grasses, but best on some lands. Other grasses
are more profitable to me. It should be sown from August to October, 14 pounds equal
to 2 bushels per acre. Northward it is perennial, in the South it is not strictly so,

(Plate 54.)

TRISETUM.

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

Trisetum palustre.

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

1J inches long and loosely flowered ; tbe spikelets are two-flowered;
the outer glumes are about two lines long, tbe lower one one-nerved,
tbe upper ratber obovate and three-nerved ; the lower flower is com-
monly awnless or only tipped with a short awn; the second flower is
rather shorter and with a slender, spreading awn longer than the flower.
This is a nutritious grass, but is seldom found in sufficient quantity
to be of much value. (Plate 55.)

Trisetum subspicatum.

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

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

AVENA.

A vena fatua (Wild Oats).

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

ARRHENATHERUM.

Arrhenatherum avenaceum (Evergreen Grass; Meadow Oat Grass; Tall Oat Grass).
Culms 2 to 4 feet high, erect, ratber stout, with four or five leaves eacli ; the sheaths
smooth, the Leaves some what rough on the upper surface, 6 to 10 inches long, and about
3 lines wide, gradually pointed. The panicle is loose, rather contracted, from 6 to 10
inches long, and rather drooping; the branches very unequal, mostly in lives, the
longer ones 1 to 3 inches, and subdivided from about the middle; the smaller branches
Yury short, all ratber full-flowered. The spikelets are mostly on short pedicels. The,

structure of the Mowers ia similar to thai of common outs, but different m i
particulars. TJie apikelet consists of two Mowers, the lower of which ia ataminate

only, the upper one- both Btaminate and pistillate; the outer glumes are thin and
transparent, the upper ones about 1 lines long and three-nn \ ed, t he lower one nearly

3 lines long and one-nerved. The flowering glume is about 1 linea long, green,

strongly seven-nerved, lanceolate, acute, hairy at base, roughiah, and in the lower
flower gives rise on the hack below tho middle to a long, twisted, and hent awn : in
the upper Mower the glume is merely bristle-pointed near the apex. The palet is thin
and transparent, linear and two-toothed.

This grass is much valued on the continent of Europe. The herbage
is very productive and its growth rapid. When growing with other
grasses, cattle aud sheep eat it very well, but do not like to be confined
to it exclusively. It is a perennial grass of strong, vigorous growth, in-
troduced from Europe aud sparingly cultivated.

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says :

It is widely naturalized and well adapted to a great variety of soils. On sandy or
gravelly soils it succeeds admirably, growing 2 to 3 feet high. On rich, dry upland it
grows from 5 to 7 feet high. It has an abundance of perennial, long, fibrous roots
penetrating deeply in the soil, being therefore less affected by drought or cold, and
enabled to yield a large quantity of foliage, winter and summer. These advantages
render it one of the very best grasses for the South, both for grazing, being evergreen,
and for hay, admitting of being cut twice a year. It is probably the best winter
grass that can be obtained. It will make twice as much hay as Timothy. To make
good hay it must be cut as soon as it blooms, and after it is cut must uot be wet by dew
or rain, which damages it greatly in quality and appearance. For green soiling it may
be cut four or five times, with favorable seasons. Iu from six to ten days after bloom-
ing the seeds begin to ripen and fall, the upper ones first. It is therefore a little
troublesome to save the seed. As soon as those at the top of the pauicle ripen suffi-
ciently to begin to drop, the panicle should be cut off and dried, when the seeds will
all thrash out readily aud be matured.

After the seeds are ripe and taken off, the long, abundant leaves and stems are still
green, aud being mowed make good hay. It may be sown in March or April and
mowed the same season ; but for heavier yield it is better to sow in September or Octo-
ber. Not less than 2 bushels (14 pounds) per acre should be sown. The average an-
nual nutriment yielded by this grass iu the Southern belt is probably twice as great
as iu Pennslyvania aud other Northern States.

A. P. Eowe, Fredericksburgh, Ya. :

Tall oat grass has been seeded here and does well. It eomes in with orchard
grass for hay, and the two might be seeded together with the best results.

T. W. Wood & Sons, Richmond, Va. :

It is cultivated very generally for pasture and hay ; and is the best grass we know
for thin soils. It is hardy, stands drought moderately well, is easily subdued, and
lasts five or six years.

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

It is cultivated iu a few places iu tho State, proving perfectly hardy, and doing best
on deep, porous soils where it stands drought very well, yielding perhaps 3 tous
per acre. It makes good pasture, and lasts a long time.

J. J. Dotsou, Cedarton, Tex.

It is very fair for early spring pastures, and to cut for green i'ced when it first heads,
in March, but it is uot liked as hay. It is too light and the seeds tall off too easily.
I have never known it cultivated. Thrives only on low bottom-land.

(Plate 58.)

CYNODON.

Cynodon Dactylon (Bermuda Crass).

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

This is undoubtedly, on the whole, the most valuable grass in the
South. It is a native of Southern Europe, and of all tropical coun-
tries. It is a common pasture-grass in the West Indies and the Sand-
wich Islands, and has long been known in the United States, but the
difficulty of eradicating it when once established has retarded its intro-
duction into cultivation. Its value, however, is becoming more appre-
ciated now that more attention is being given to grass and relatively
less to cotton, and better methods and implements of cultivation are
being employed. Still, it seems probable, from the reports received,
that at the present time a majority of farmers would prefer not to have
it on their farms. It seeds very sparingly in the United States, and as
the imported seed is not always to be had, and is expensive, and often of
poor quality, those who have desired to cultivate it on a large scale
have seldom been able to do so. It is generally used as a lawn grass,
and to hold levees or railroad embankments, and for small pastures.
In some localities, however, it has spread over a considerable extent of
territory. Its natural extension into new territory has been slow,
owing to the partial or entire absence of seed, but it spreads rapidly
by its rooting stems when introduced. It is usually propagated arti-
ficially by means of the sets or rooting stems. These are sometimes
chopped up with a cutting-knife, sown broadcast, and plowed under
not very deeply ; sometimes they are dropped a foot or two apart in
shallow furrows, and covered by a plow ; sometimes pieces of the sod are
planted two feet apart each way. By any of these means a continuous
sod is obtained in a few months if the soil is good and well prepared.

The chief value of Bermuda grass is for summer pasture. It grows
best in the hottest weather, and ordinary droughts affect it but little.
The tops are easily killed by frosts, but the roots are quite hardy
throughout the Southern States. It is grown to some extent as far
north as Virginia, but in that latitude it possesses little advantage over
other grasses. In Tennessee, according to Professor Killebrew, its
chief value is for pasture, there being other grasses there of more value
for hay. Farther South, however, it is highly prized for hay. To make
the largest quantity and best quality it should be mowed several times
during the season. The yield varies greatly according to soil, being
generally reported at from a ton and a half to two tons per acre. Much
larger yields have been reported, however, in specially favorable local-
ities where several cuttings were made.

Bermuda grass is more easily eradicted from sandy land than from
elay, and on such land may he more safely introduced into a rotation.
To kill it out it should be rooted up or plowed very shallow ly sonic time
in December and cultivated or harrowed occasionally during the winter.
If severe freezes occur most of it will be killed by spring; or it may be
turned under deeply in spring and the land cultivated in some hoed
crop or one which will heavily shade the ground.

M. M. Martin, Comanche, Comanche County, central Texas:

Bermuda grass grows on any kind of soil in Texas, but will not stand the tramping

of stock on loose, sandy soil. It is hard to beat for a grazing grass, though long
droughts cause it to dry up. It is not very early to start in the spring.

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

Bermuda stands droughts well, is a good fertilizer, grows well from fifteen to twenty
years from one planting, then only needs plowing to renew it. It is tolerably easily
subdued by shallow turning in early winter, so that it will freeze. It yields heavy
crops of hay and can be mowed three times a year. It is the finest grass I have e\ er
seen for summer grazing, and when inclosed from stock during the summer it is tine
winter grazing. It will stop washing, and cause low, wet land to fill up and become
thy.

E. W. Jones, Bueua Vista, Miss. :

Bermuda has been a great terror to planters until recently. If plowed shallow late
in the fall, and allowed to freeze during winter, there is no trouble to cultivate a crop
the next season. The ground becomes perfectly mellow, and though the grass is not
dead, it does but little injury to the crop.

E. Taylor, Pope's Ferry, Ga.:

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

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

This is about the most northern limit at which Bermuda grass grows in this State.
It is beginning to be highly appreciated both for grazing and for hay. It stands
drought well, keeping green from May until November. It makes good hay. and can
be cut two or three times a year, producing on an averago 2\ tons of hav per acre.
While this is the most northern limit of Bermuda grass, it is also the most southern
limit of blue grass. The two growing together on the same land produce a most per-
fect pasture, as the blue grass is green nearly all the fall, winter, and spring months,
while during the heat of summer, which prevents the growth of the bine grass, the
Bermuda nourishes. The two together in good, strong soil make a perfect pasture.
good all the year around.

l'rof. S. M. Tracy, now Director of the Mississippi Agricultural Ex-
periment Station, formerly ot the Agricultural College, Columbia, Mo.:

It has been in cultivation near St. Louis, in one locality only, for many years. It
barely survives the winter and would doubtless be destroyed by pasturing. I have
noticed it very carefully about New Orleans, where it is by far the most valuable

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

Prof. J. B. Killebrew, in "The Grasses of Tennessee,'* says:

Occasionally the traveler meets with patches of Bermuda grass in the cotton fields
of the South, where it is carefully avoided by the planter, any disturbance giving new
start to its vigorous roots. Some ditch around it, others inclose it and let shrubbery
do the work of destruction. It forms a sward so tough that it is almost impossible
for a plow to pass through it. It will throw its runners over a rock (3 feet across and
hide it from view, or it will run down the sides of the deej)est gully and stop its
washing. It does not, however, endure shade, and in order to obtain a good stand
the weeds must be mown from it the first year. It would be a good grass to mix with
blue grass, as when it disappears in winter the blue grass and white clover would
spring up to keep the ground in a constant state of verdure. This experiment has
been tried writh eminent success. It grows luxuriantly on the top of Lookout Mount-
ain, having been set there many years ago. This mountain is 2,200 feet high, and
has, of course, excessively cold winters.

(Plate 50.)

SPARTINA.

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

Spartina cynosuroides (Cord Grass).

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

This species has a wide range, from near the coast to the base of the
Eocky Mountains. In the Western States it is very common, often
forming' a large part of the grass of the slonghs and wet marshes of
that region. It is frequently cut for hay, but is of inferior quality
unless cut very early.

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

Spartina juncea (Salt Grass ; Marsh Grass).

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

This grass forms a large portion of the salt-marshes near the coast.
It makes an inferior hay, called salt hay, which is worth about half as
much per ton as Timothy and redtop. It is much employed as a pack-
ing material by hardware and crockery dealers. (Plate 01.)

r>7

BOUTELOUA.

(GlIAMA GlIASS.)

Spikes single or numerous in a racemose, commonly one-sided panicle; spikelets
commonly densely crowded in I \\<> rows on one side <>i t he ihachis, eat li i onsisl ing of
one perfect flower and a .stalked pedicel bearing empty glumes and one to three stiff
awns; outer gin m es unequal, acute, keeled, membranaceous ; flowering glome broader,
usually thicker, with three to five lobes, teeth, or awns at the ;i]>c.\ ; palel narrow,
hyaline, entire or two-toothed, infolded by its glume.

Bouteloua oligostachya (Grama Gr#ss; Mesquite Grass).

This is the commonest species on the great plains. It is frequently

called buffalo grass, although that name strictly belongs to another
plant (Buchloe dactyloides). On the arid plains of the West it is the
principal grass and is the main reliance for the vast herds of cattle
which are raised there. It grows chiefly in small, roundish patches
closely pressed to the ground, the foliage being in a dense, cushion-like
mass. The leaves are short and crowded at the base of the short
stems. The flowering stalks seldom rise over a foot in height, aud bear
near the top one or two flower-spikes, each about an inch long, and from
one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch wide, standing out at right angles
like a small flag floating in the breeze. Where much grazing prevails,
however, these flowering stalks are eaten down so much that only the
mats of leaves are observable. In bottom-lands aud low. moist ground
it grows more closely, and under favorable circumstances forms a pretty
close sod, but even then it is not adapted for mowing, although it is
sometimes cut, making a very light crop. Under the most favorable
circumstances the product of this grass is small compared with the
cultivated grasses. It is undoubtedly highly nutritions. Stock of all
kinds are fond of it and eat it in preference to any grass growing with
it. It dries and cures on the ground so as to retain its nutritive
properties in the winter. No attempt is made by stockmen to feed cat-
tle in the winter j they are expected to "rustle around," as the phrase
is, and find their living 5 and in ordinary winters, as the fall of snow is
light, they are enabled to subsist and make a pretty good appearance
in the spring; but in severe winters there are losses of cattle, some-
times very heavy ones, from want of feed. (Plate G2.)

Bouteloua racemosa (Mesqnite Grass; Tall Grama Grass).

This species ranges from Mexico to British America and east of the
Mississippi River, in Wisconsin and Illinois. It is easily distinguished
from the others by its taller growth and by the long, slender raceme of
twenty to fifty or more slender spikes. These are usually about half
an inch long aud reflexed. There are from six to ten spikelets on each
spike. Although eaten by cattle, especially when made into hay, it is
not so much relished as some other kinds.

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

all of which are nutritious grasses, but seldom occurring in sufficient
quantity to be particularly important. (Plate 03.)

ELEUSINE.

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

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

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

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

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says :

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

(Plate 64.)

Eleusine iEgyptiaca (Crow-foot.)

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

This is an important distinction, which ought to be generally known
and noticed in our popular account of these grasses. (Plate 05.)

r>9

BUCHLOE.

Buchloe dactyloides (Buffalo Grass).

This grass is extensively spread over all the region known ;is the
threat Plains. It is very low, the, bulk of leaves seldom rising more than
3 or 4 inches above the ground, growing in extensive tufts, or patches,
and spreading largely by means of stolons or off-shoots similar to those
of the Bermuda grass, these stolons being sometimes 2 feet long, and
with joints every 3 or 4 inches, frequently rooting and sending op
towering calms from the joints. The leaves of the radical tufts are :;
to 5 inches long, one or one-half line wide, smooth or edged with a few
scattering hairs. The flowering culms are chiefly dioecious, but some-
times both male and female flowers are found on the same plaut, but
in separate parts. Next to the grama grass it is, perhaps, the most
valuable plant in the support of the cattle of the plains. (Plate 66.)

TRIODIA.

Spikelets several to many-flowered in a strict spike-like or an open, spreading pan-
icle, some of the upper flowers male or imperfect; outer glumes keeled, acute or
acutisb, awuless; flowering glumes imbricated, rounded on the back, at least below,
hairy or smooth, three-nerved, either lnucronate, three-toothed, or thrce-lobed at the
apex, or obscurely erose, often hardened, and nerveless in fruit; palct broad, promi-
nently two-keeled.

Triodia seslerioides (Tall Redtop).

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

The panicle is large and loose, at first erect, but finally spreading widely. The
branches are single or in twos or threes below, and frequently G inches long, divided
and flower-bearing above the middle. The spikelets are on short pedicels, 3 to 4
lines long and five or six-flowered. The outer glumes are shorter than the flowers,
unequal and pointed; the flowering glumes are hairy towards the base, having
three strong nerves, which are extended into short teeth at the summit. It is a large
and showy grass when fully matured, the panicles being large, spreading, and of a
purplish color.

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

The genus Triodia has its chief distribution in Texas and the adja-
cent region, where there are several species which seem to have some
importance in the grass supply of these arid districts. Among these
are Triodia trinerviglumis. Triodia striata, Triodia Tc.rana, and Triodia
acuminata.

These deserve further investigation. (Plate 67.)

ARTJNDO.

Tall grasses with an ample panicle, spikelets two to many-flowered, the flowers
rather distant, silky-hairy at the base, and with a conspicuous silky-bearded rhat his.
all perfect ; outer glumes narrow, unequal, glabrous, lanceolate, keeled, acute: flow-
wing glumes membranaceous, slender, awl-pointed ; palets much shorter tban the
glumes, two-keeled, pubescent on the keels.

Arundo Donax (Giant Kccd Grass).

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

PHRAGMITES.

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

Phragmites communis (Reed Grass).

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

KCBLERIA.

Kceleria cristata.

This grass has a very wide diffusion, both in this country and in
Europe and Asia. It favors dry hills or sandy prairies, and on the
Great Plains is one of the commonest species. It occurs throughout
California and extends into Oregon. It varies much in appearance,
according to the location in which it grows, these varieties being so
striking that they have been considered different species ; and perhaps
two species ought to be admitted. It is perennial, with erect culms
usually from 1 to 2 feet high, and a spike-like panicle varying from
3 to G inches in length, and more or less interrupted or lobed at
the lower part. When grown in very arid places the culms may be
only a foot high, the radical leaves short, and the panicle only 2 |
inches long. When grown in more favored situations the radical leaves
are sometimes 18 inches long, the stem 3 feet, and the panicle G inches.
The branches of the panicle are, in short, nearly sessile clusters, crowded
above, looser and interrupted below. The spikelets are from- two to
four- flowered. On the prairies west of the Mississippi it is one of the
commonest and most useful of the grasses. In Montana it is sometimes
called June grass. It is an early grass, ripening about the first of J
July. (Plate GO.)

<;i

ERAGROSTIS.

Spikelets several; nsnally many-flowered, pedicellate or sessile, in a loose and
Spreading, or narrow and clustered panicle j the rhachia of the spikelets nsnally gla-
brous ;iikI articulate under the flowering glumes, but often tardily .so, and sometimes
particulate. Outer empty glumes unequal, and rather shorter than the flowering
foes, keeled, one-nerved; flowering glumes obtuse or acute, anawned, three-nerved,
the keel prominent, the lateral nerves sometimes very faint ; palet shorter than the
glume, with two prominent nerves or keels, often persisting after the glume and
t^rain have fallen away.

Eragrostis major.

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

Eragrostis Abyssinica.

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

The native Abyssinian name of this grass is " teff" and from the
seeds the Abyssinians make their bread. It may be cultivated with
jase at a height of 6,000 or 7,000 feet above the sea-level, where maize
pn hardly thrive. It comes to maturity in four months, yields forty
iimes its volume of seed, and, in the best variety, is said to make a
tfhite, delicious bread. The traveler Bruce mentions teff with ap-
proval, and there is some account of it in other books. The Royal
hardens of Kew obtained a quantity of seed, of which they sent a pot-
ion to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and by the Department
t has been distributed to the agricultural stations for trial. There
ire many other species, but none of much agricultural importance.

DISTICHLIS.

pistichlls maritima (Salt Grass; Akaliue Grass).

It has strong, creeping root stocks covered with imbricated leaf-sheaths, Bending
ip culms from 6 to 18 inches high, which arc clothed nearly to the top with the

uuncrons, sometimes crowded, two-ranked leaves. The leaves are generally rigid

and involute, sharp-pointed, varying greatly in length on different specimens. The
plants are dioecious, some being entirely male and some female. The panicle is
generally short and spike-like, sometimes, especially in the males, rather loose, with
longer, erect branches, and sometimes reduced to a few spikelets. The spikelets are
from 4 to G inches long and live to ten-flowered, the ilowers being usually much
compressed. The outer glumes are smooth, narrow, and keeled ; the flowering ones
are broader, keeled, acute, rather rigid, and faintly many-nerved. The palets have
an infolded margin, the keels prominent or narrowly winged. Tho pistillate spike-
lets are more condensed and more rigid than the staminate.

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

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

71.) " *

DACTYLIS.

Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass).

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

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

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says:

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

It is more highly esteemed and commended than any other grass, by a large num-
ber of farmers in most countries, a most decided proof of its great value aud wonder-
ful adaption to many soils, climates, and treatments. Yet, strange to say, though
growing in England for many centuries, it was not appreciated in that country till
carried there from Virginia in 17C4. But, as in the case of Timothy grass, soon after
its introduction from America, it came into high favor among far.rers, and still re-
tains its hold on their estimation as a grazing and hay crop. It will grow well on
any soil containing sufficient clay and not holding too much water. If tho land be
too tenacious, drainage will remedy the soil; if worn out, atop dressing of stable
manure will give it a good send-off, and it will furnish several mowings tho first year.
It grows well between 29 degrees and 48 degrees latitude. It may be mowed from
two to four times a year, according to latitude, season, and treatment, yielding from
1 to :} tons of excellent hay per acre on poor to medium land. It is easily cured
and handled. It is readily seeded and catches with certainty. It grows well in open
lands and in forests of large trees, the underbrush being all cleared off. I know but
one objection to it. Like tall oat grass it is disposed to grow in clumps and leave

.63

much of the ground uncovered. This may be obviated by thick seeding, using
2h or, better, 3 bushels of seed per acre. The gaps may be prevented by vowing
with it a few pounds of red top seed. But as the latter multiplies annually from

seeds dropping, it would in a lew years root out the orchard grass. In common with
many others I prefer red clover with orchard grass. It tills the gaps and matures at
the same time with the orchard grass ; the mixture makes good pasture arid good hay;
but if mowed more than twice a year, or grazed too soon after the second mowing,
the clover will rapidly fail. One peck of red clover seed and 6 pecks of orchard
grass seed is good proportion per acre.

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

Mr. J. S. Gould, of New York, says :

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

From Col man's Rural World :

Orchard grass makes good winter pasturage, equally as good as blue grass, and far
better pasturage iu seasons of drought than blue grass, as it is a deeper and larger-
rooted plant and resists drought better. When once established it can be fed as
3losely as any other grass, and is no harder on land than any other. Indeed, land
pastured in orchard grass will continue to improve in fertility. If half of each of
aur farms were well seeded to orchard grass it would be a great advantage to them.

From the Farmer's Home Journal :

This is one of the most valuable of all the grasses, aud is better adapted to the
South than any other with which wo are acquainted. Its rapidity of growth and
;he luxuriance of its aftermath, its power of enduring drought and the cropping of
jattle, commended it highly to the farmer, especially as a pasture grass, and it is
•apidly growing in favor. It starts earlier in the spring, and continues growing
ater in the fall, and starts again more quickly after being cut, than any other grass,
hus furnishing both the earliest and latest grazing. Orchard grass is less exhaust-
ug to the soil than Timothy. It will endure considerable shade. In a porous sub-
oil its fibrous roots extend to a great depth. It does well on any soil of even mod-
•rate fertility which is not too wet for grass, and will grow aud thrive where no other

grass will. It does best on a sandy loam with a porous subsoil, but will grow on a
sand-bank if made ricb enough. When sown alone, wo would sow 2 bushels to
the acre. From the nature of its growth thick seeding is necessary to secure the best
results, and we think the farmer will never regret the extra first cost of sowing two
bushels per acre.

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

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

(Plate 72.)

POA.

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

Poa arachnifera (Texas Blue Grass).

This species was first described by Dr. John Torrey in the report of
Captain Marcy's exploration of the Red Eiver of Louisiana, as having
been found on the headwaters of the Trinity, and named Poa arach-
nifera from the profuse webby hairs growing about the flowers, although
it is found that this character is very variable, probably depending
somewhat on the amount of shade or exposure to which the grass is sub-
jected.

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

I find it spreading rapidly over the country, aud I claim for it all and more in Texas
than is awarded to the Poa pralenfiis. It seems to be indigenous to all the prairie
country between the Trinity River and the Brazos in our State. It blooms here about
the last of March, and ripens its seeds by the 15th of April. Stock of all kinds and
even poultry seem to prefer it to wheat, rye, or anything else grown in winter. It
seems to have all the characteristics of Poa pratensis, only it is much larger, and
therefore affords more grazing. I have known it to grow 10 inches in ten days dur-
ing the winter. The coldest winters do not even nip it, and although it seems to die
down during summer, it springs up as soon as the first rains fall in September,
and grows all winter. I have known it in cultivation some, five years, and have never
been able to find ;i fault in it. It will be ready for pasture in three or four week!
after the first rains in (he latter part of August or 1st of September. I have never
cuf it for hay. Why should a mail \\;nil hay when he ca.n have green grass to feed
bis stock on .'

Mr. James E. Webb, of Greensborough, Hale County, Ala., writing
to the Department December 26, l.sss, says:

Recent experiments show that the Texas blue grass (Ton arachnifera) flonrishea
and grows hero in west Alabama as finely as could be wished, and ia likely ere long

to furnish us what we so much need, a line winter grass. With Texas blue glass,
Melilotus and Bermuda grass, Alabama is a line stock country.

Mr. S. 0. Tally, of Ellis County, Texas, bas sent specimens of this
grass. He says it is abundant there, bears heavy pasturing, and makes
a beautiful yard or lawn grass.

Similar favorable accounts have been received from others. It is
likely to prove one of the most valuable grasses for the South and
Southwest. By means of its strong stolons or offshoots it multiplies
rapidly and makes a dense, permanent sod. It produces an abundance
of radical leaves which often become 2 feet in length, and those of the
culms are smooth and of good width, about 4 to 8 inches long
and 2 lines wide. The culms are 2 to 3 feet high, each with two or
three leaves, with long sheaths and blade, the upper leaf sometimes
reaching nearly to the top of the panicle. The ligule is round and
short, or lacerated when old. The panicle is from 3 to 8 inches in length,
rather narrow, and with short, erect branches of equal length, in clus-
ters of from three to five, the longest seldom 2 inches, most of them
short, some nearly sessile and profusely flowering to the base. The
spikelets usually contain about five flowers.

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

Poa compreaaa (English Blue Grass; Wire Grass).

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

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

It is certain that cows that feed upon it both in pasture and in hay give more milk
and keep in better condition than when fed on any other grass. Horses fed on this
hay will do as well as when fed on Timothy hay and oats combined.

These discrepant opinions may be due in part to having mistaken
the Poa pratensis for this grass. It is probably a nutritious grass, but
from its spare yield can hardly obtain much favor for a hay crop.

(Plate 74.)

3594 GR 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

sided leaves to each plant, and radical leaves often numbering thirty to a stalk. The
root is perennial and throws off numerous and Long-creeping root-stocks, enabling it
to ion a a dense mat ted t nt't. The cii id' repntal ion of this grass is as a pasture gi
the sod i.s easily obtained and very .enduring, there being no such thing known as
its running out on good land. Pastures sixty years unbroken afford their owners an
annual profit of at least $10 an acre. It starts very early in the Spring, and grows
rapidly after being grazed off. It will furnish more late feed than most grasses, and
no amount of pasturing is sufficient to utterly destroy it. It endures tin- fro
winter better than any other grass on the continent, and therefore pushes its way
northward into the Arctic Circle. Severe droughts injure blue grass, yet it grows as
far south as the hilly parts of Georgia and Alabama, and in Arkansas, not, however,
as vigorously as farther north. Although in a drought it often becomes dry enough
to burn, it is greedily eaten by stock; it dries full of nourishing properties, and cattle
will fatten upon it unless it has been drenched with rains. Blue grass can not be re-
commended for the meadow, as it is hard to cut and difficult to cure ; the foliage is
too short and too light after being dried.

It is an excellent grass for lawns, as it makes a dense, uniform mat of verdure,
and sends up but one flowering stem a year; for this purpose it is thickly seeded and
and kept closely mown.

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

The seed should be sown from 1| to 2-J bushels per acre, and lightly brushed in on
a well-prepared surface. The seed may be sown on a grain field without any prepa ra-
tion. Some prefer to sow on small grain in February or March, on the snow. One
advantage in this is the evenness with which the seed maybe sown. If the sowing
is done later it would be advisable to harrow the field before sowing it, and roll it
afterward. A very loose or open surface is fatal to blue grass in the young state if
the weather be the least dry. No stock should bo permitted on the grass the first
year. Blue grass is sometimes destroyed in sandy soils by cattle, which in grazing
pull it up. In stiff, clay. this is not so likely to happen.

(Plate 75.)

Poa serotina ("Fowl Meadow Grass).

Culms erect, 2 or 3 feet high, without running rootstocks. The leaves are nar-
rowly linear, 3 to 6 inches long, and 2 to 3 lines wide, the sheaths long, smooth, and
striate, the ligules long. The panicle varies with the size of the plant, from 5 to ID
or 12 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide and lax; the branches mostly in fives or
more numerous, nearly erect, from 1 to 4 inches long, the longer ones subdivided and
flowering above the middle. There are some mountain forms or varieties in which
the culms are 1 foot or less in height and the panicle greatly reduced. The spike-
lets are 1 to 2 lines long, two to five-flowered, on short pedicels. The outer glumes
are about 1 lino long and sharp-pointed. The flowering glume is rather obtuse, the
lateral nerves not prominent, slightly pubescent on the margins below, and somewhat
webby at the base.

This species is most common in the Northern States, particularly in
New England, New York, and westward to Wisconsin, and also in re-
duced forms in all mouutainous districts.

Professor Beal says :

The name fowl meadow grass is said to have been applied to this grass because
ducks and other wild water-birds were supposed to have introduced the grass into a
poor, low meadow in Dedham, Mass.

68
Mr. J. S. Gould, ot New York, says :

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

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says:

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

Mr. Charles L. Flint says :

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

(Plate 76.)

Poa tenuifolia.

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

Poa trivialis (Rough-stalked Meadow Grass).

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

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

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says :

It is especially adapted to wood pastures, as it delights in shade, banks of streams,
and moist ground generally. It bears tramping, and is an excellent pasture grass.
It makes a good mixture with redtop and tall oat grass, and with other pasture
grasses.

Poa trivialis var. occidentalis :

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

Poa andina.

This is a smooth, rigid, perennial grass, growing on the great west-
ern plains in arid situations. It varies in height from 1 to 2 feet, with
short, rigid, pointed root-leaves, and with usually one or two stem-
leaves, the upper one with a very short blade, or almost none. The
panicle is close and rather dense, 2 to 3 inches long, the spikelets about
three flowered, the empty glumes rather large and broad, and the
flowering glumes pubescent on the nerves below.

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

GLYCERIA.

Spikelets terete or flattisb, several to many -flowered, in a narrow or diffuse panicle,
the rhachis smooth, and readily disarticulating between the flowers; outer glumes
shorter than the flowers, unequal, membranaceous, one to three-nerved, unawned;
flowering glume membranaceous to subcoriaceous, obtuse, awnless, more or less hya-
line and denticulate at the apex, rounded (never keeled) on the back, five to nine-
nerved, the nerves separate, and all vanishing before reaching the apex; palet about
an long as its glume, two-keeled, entire or bifid at the apex.

The species of this genus are seldom employed in cultivation. They
mostly grow in wet or swampy ground, and where found in abundance
can be utilized for pasturage or hay-making.

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

This species is widely diffused in the northern portions of tlie United
States and Canada, and in the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Mon-
tana. It lias a stout, erect, leafy culm, 3 to 4 feet high. The leaves
are a foot or two long, a quarter to half an inch wide, flat, and some-
what rough on the edges. The panicle is large, 9 to 15 inches long, and
much branched. (Plate 79.)

Glyceria Canadensis (Rattlesnake Grass ; Tall Quaking Grass).

The culms stout, about 3 feet high, smooth and leafy. The leaves linear-lanceo-
late, 6 to 9 inches long, or the lower ones much longer, about 1 lines broad and rather
rigid. The panicle large and effuse, 0 to 9 inches long, oblong, pyramidal, and at
length drooping. The whorls an inch or more distant, the branches semi-verticillate,
mostly in threes, the largest 3 to 4 inches long, and subdivided from near the l>ase.

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

Glyceria fluitans (Floating Manna Grass),

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

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

This grass is found growing in shallow water, overflowed meadows, and wet woods,
hut will hear cultivation on moderately dry grounds. Schreber says that it is culti-
vated in several parts of Germany, for the sake of the seeds, which form the manna
crop of the shops, and are considered a great delicacy in soups and gruels. When
ground into meal they make bread, very little inferior to that made from wheat. In
Poland large quantities of the seed are obtained for culinary purposes. All grauivor-
ous birds are exceedingly fond of these seeds. Trout, and indeed most fish, are very
fond of them; wherever it grows over the banks of streams the trout are always
found in great numbers waiting to catch every seed that falls.

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

Glyceria nervata (Nerved Meadow Grass ) .

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

FESTUCA.

fepikelets tliree fco many flowered, variously panicled, pedicellate, rhachis of tbe
spikelets not hairy ; outer glumes unequal, shorter than the flowers, the Lower one-

nerved, and the upper three-nerved, narrow, keeled, acute; flowering glume mem-
branaceous, ohartaceous, or subcoriaceous, narrow, rounded on the back (not
keeled), more or less distinctly three to five-nerved, acnto or tapering into a straight
awn, rarely obtusish ; palet narrow, Hat, prominently two-nerved or two -keeled.

Festuca elatior (Meadow Fescue, (irass ; Tall Fescue; Randall Grass).

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. James Taylor, writing from North Carolina, says :

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

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says:

It grows well in nearly all situations, wet or dry, on hill or bottom land, e\ en
though subject to overflow, and matures au extraordinary quantity of seed. The
seeds germinate readily, and it is easy to set a piece of land with this grass. Seeded
alone, 28 pounds, or about 2 bushels of seed, should be sown broadcast in August.
September, October, or from the middle of February to the 1st of April. From re-
maining green through the winter it is sometimes called "evergreen grass." Mowed
and dried it makes a good hay, much relished by stock.

(Plate 81.)

Festuca ovina (Shearps' Fescue).

A densely tufted, perennial grass, with an abundance of rather narrow, sometimes
involute, short, radical leaves, and slender culms, 1 to l-£ feet high. The panicle is

2 to 4 inches long, narrow, the branches mostly single and alternate, erect and few-
flowered ; the spikelets are mostly three to five-flowered, and about 3 lines long;
the outer glumes are acute and narrow. The flowering glumes are lanceolate, two
lines long, roughish, and with a short, rough awn about half a line long.

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

As found in cultivation it has been derived from Europe.

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

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

(Plate 82.)

Festuca scabrella (Bunch Grass).

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

3 to 5 inches long.

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

In Montana it is called the great bunch grass and is one of the prin-
cipal grasses of that country. It is the prevailing species on the foot-
hills and mountain slopes at from 0,000 tp 7,000 feet altitude. " It is
rather too hard a grass for sheep, but there is no grass more valued on
the ' summer ranges' for cattle and horses. It makes excellent hay
for horses and is cut in large quantities for this purpose. It grows in
large tussocks, making it rather a difficult grass to mow with a ma-
chine." It is one of the most important grasses of eastern Oregon and
Washington. (Plate 83.)

BROMUS.

(Brome Grass.)

Spikelets five to many-flowered, in a <lcii.sc, or Lax, or diffuse panicle ; the rhachii
between the flowers glabrous; outer glumes more or Less unequal, shorter than the
lowest flower, membranaceous, acute, awnless, or sliort mncronate, one to nine-
nerved; flowering glume from membranaceous to rigid, and sabcoriaceous, rounded
on the back or compressed and keeled, five to nine-nerved, acute, and awned from
below the mostly two-cleft apex ; palet rather shorter than the glumes, two-keeled,
the keels rigid and ciliatc; grain adhering to the palet.

Bromus secalinus (Chess; Cheat).

It is an old tradition which some farmers still cling to that chess is a
degenerated wheat; that the action of frost and other causes occasion
the deterioration, whereas the truth undoubtedly is that chess seed was
either in the land or in the seed sown, and, being more hardy than
wheat, it survived the frost and took possession of the ground. Some
years ago this grass had a temporary popularity under the name of
WillarcVs brome grass, but it was soon abandoned when brought into
competition with better grasses.

In the South it would perhaps be a good winter grass, like its relative
Bromus tinioloides, but it is not as vigorous a grass as that species,
and does not produce such an abundance of foliage. (Plate 84.)

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

In its early growth it spreads and produces a large amount of leaves; early in the
spring it sends up its flower stalks, which grow about 3 feet high, with a large, open,
spreading panicle, the ends of the branchlets bearing the large, flattened spike-
lets, which, when mature, hang gracefully upon their stems, giving them quite an
ornamental appearance. These spikelets are from 1 inch to 1| inches in length, and
composed of two acute, lanceolate glumes at the base, and from seveu to ten flowers,
arranged in two rows alternate on each side of the axis. The flowers are lanceolate,
or ovate-lanceolate, the flowering glume extending into a line poiut or short awn.

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

During several years past this grass has been sent to the Depart-
ment, chiefly from Louisiana and Texas, and has been much com-
mended. Many years since the same grass was distributed and experi-
mented with under the name of Australian oats, or Bromiis 8cKraderi,
It is not adapted to use in a country with severe winters, and hence
did not give satisfaction in all places.

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

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

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

74
Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says :

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

(Plate 85.)

Bromus ciliatus.

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

LOLIUM.

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

Lolmm perenne (Italian Rye Grass).

A perennial grass, introduced from Europe. The culms are 2 to 3 feet high, very
leafy, and terminating iu a loose, spike-like panicle; 6 inches or more in length.
The spikelets are arranged alternately on the axis, placed edgewise ; that is, with one
edge of the flat spikelet applied to the main stem at short distances, so that there
may be twenty or more in the panicle. The spikelets are one-half to three-fourths
of an inch long; generally seven to eleven-flowered. The inner empty glume is gen-
erally wanting, so that, except on the terminal spikelets, only one glume is apparent,
which is half or more than half the length of the spikelet, narrowly lanceolate, and
acute. The general appearance of the panicle is like that of couch grass (Agropyrum
repens). The flowering glumes are thickish, obscurely nerved, rather hispid, acutely
pointed, or, in the variety Italicum, with a rather long awn. The proper palets are
similar to the flowering glumes, and of nearly equal length.

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

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

Professor Phares says:

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

to rot suddenly, destroying ovon the roots. This I have never been or heard men-
tioned by any oilier person, but it occurred on my own farm one season, where I was
reserving a lot lor seed.

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

This species is frequently found in grain fields. The seeds have
long enjoyed a reputation of being poisonous to stock, and also to man-
kind when mixed in large quantity with the wheat or rye used in
the making of bread. The question seems hardly yet decided, but it is
best to exterminate the grass as a weed and a pest.

AGROPYRUM.

Spikelets several-flowered (three to nine, or more), compressed, alternately sessile
on the continuous or slightly-notched rhachis of the simple spike, and with the side,
against the rhachis; outer glumes nearly equal and opposite, membranaceous or
herbaceous, one to three-nerved, scarcely keeled, tapering to a point or awncd ; the
flowering similar to the outer ones, rounded on the hack ; three to seven-nerved,
pointed or awned from the apex ; palet nearly as long as its glume, the two prominent
nerves almost marginal, scabrous ciliate.

Agropyrum glaucum (Blue Stem ; Bluejoint).

This species, which has been considered a variety of the next, pre-
vails on the Western plains from Texas to Montana, and is well
known to stockmen. It differs from Agropyrum repens in having a
stiffer, more erect and rigid stem and leaves, the leaves often becoming
involute. It is generally of a light, bluish-green color. The spike is
generally shorter, denser, and with larger spikelets.

Pro/essor Scribner, writing of this grass in Montana, says :

It is the most highly praised of the native grasses for hay. Wherever it occupies
exclusively any large area of ground, as it does frequently in the lower districts,
especialy near Fort Benton, it is cut for hay. Naturally it does not yield a great
bulk, but its quality is unsurpassed. After two or three cuttings the yield of hay
diminishes so much that it is scarcely worth the harvesting. It is then customary to
drag a short-toothed harrow over the sod, which breaks up the creeping roots or
underground stems, and each fragment then makes a new plant.

The same valuable opinion of this grass is entertained by stockmen
in Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico. It occurs nearly everywhere,
but sparsely, on the plains, and extending quite up into the mountains.
In the valleys and along streams it frequently forms large patches and
grows closer and more abundant, when it is commonly cut for winter
use. (Plate 87.)

.Agropyrum repens (Couch Grass; Quack Grass).

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

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

Hon. J. S. Gould says :

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

(Plate 88.)

Agropyrum tenerum.

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

HORDEUM.

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

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

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

Hordeum murinum.

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

Hordeum pratense.

An annual or biennial grass growing principally in alkaline soil in
the Western States and Territories. It is eaten by eattle when in a
young state, but when mature it is worthless and pestiferous on aecount
of its barbed awns.

ELYMUS.

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

Elymus Canadensis (Wild Eye ; Rye Grass ; Lyme Grass).

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

Elymus condensatus (Giant Rye Grass.)

This is a perennial grass, ranging from San Diego throughout Cali-
fornia, and into Oregon and Washington Territory, also in the Rocky
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. Bo-
lander 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 aud 1£ inches thick. As ic
usually occurs in arid grounds, it is from 3 to 6 feet high, the leaves
about 1 foot long and half an inch wide, and the spike-like panicle 4 to
8 inches. In the large form the branches of the panicle are subdivided
and 1 or 2 inches long.

Mr. W. O. Ousick, of Oregon, says :

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

(Plate 90.)

Elymus triticoides.

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

Elymus Virginicus (Wild Rye Grass; Terrell Grass).

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

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

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

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

Professor P hares, of Mississippi, says:

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

(Plate 91.)

ARUNDINARIA.

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

Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says of this grass :

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

The small cane is found sparingly as far north as Baltimore, Md«
The large cane is probably confined to the Gulf States, but this is un-
certain.

CULTIVATED FORAGE PLANTS OTHER THAN GRASSES.

Order LEGtJMLNOSzE.
The Clover Family.

This order is characterized by having alternate, usually compouud, leaves, with
stipules ; flowers polypetalous, the calyx mostly five-lobed, the corolla generally with
five irregular petals, usually ten stamens, sometimes five, or many, usually united by
the filaments, or nine united and one free, or sometimes all distinct ; the ovary a one-
celled carpel, becoming a legumo or pod with few or many seeds, the pod sometimes
marked into joints called loments.

The order embraces an immense number of plants of varying char-
acter, some small and insignificant, some trees of large size. Many
of the most useful vegetable products are obtained from it.

TRIFOLIUM.
(The Clovers.)

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

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

Trifolium pratense (Red Clover; Common Clover).

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

A writer in the Country Gentleman says :

No matter how mismanaged, clover is a benefit, and whatever eke he may do, the
farmer who grows clover is making his farm better. It does not need cultivating : the
long deep-reaching roots mellow and pulverize the soil as nothing else can. If it
grows thriftily the top acts as a mulch, seeding the ground and keeping it moist. A
crop of 2 tons or more of clover plowed under or cut for hay can hardly fail to
leave the ground better than it was before. It should bo the farmer's aim to grow
the largest possible crop of clover.

80
The Rural New Yorker says :

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

A Wisconsin farmer says :

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

Professor Beal says :

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

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

Trifolium medium (Mammoth Clover).

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

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

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

Prof. Samuel Johnson, Agricultural College, Michigan:

It grows too rank and coarse to make good hay. For pasture or for manurial
purposes it might prove better than the smaller sort. When grown for seed it is
usually pastured until the 1st of June, and then allowed to grow up and mature
the crops.

M. 0. Alger, Augusta, Michigan:

Pasturing until the first of June insures a larger yield of seed, as it is cooler while
filling, but many do not pasture. I do not think it can be cut more years than the
smaller kind. It is said to stand drought better, but I doubt that. It will give
three times the amount of pasture daring the season that is given by the smaller
kind if kept down pretty close, but during the fall the amount of pasture produced is
less. It is said to smother out in winter if a large amount is left on the ground.
Another objection is that it requires cutting just at harvest-time.

C. M. Alger, Newaygo, Michigan :

I have raised tho mammoth clover, but <1<> not like it for my heavy land, as it grows
too large. For every acre that I raise I have to buy or borrow two more of my neighbor's
to cure it on. It is, however, excellent for pasture, as it stays oo the ground Longer
than tho medium variety. It is good for raising seed, as it nearly always fills lull. I
have seeu 8 bushels per acre. Tho seed is always grown on the first crop, as the
second never blossoms. It grows here from 4 to 5 feet high and is good for plow-
ing under for manure.

Austin Potts, Galesburgb, Michigan :

Perhaps not over 20 per cent, of tho clover grown hero is of the mammoth variety.
It does not seed as well as the common clover.

L. H. Bursley, Jeuisonville, Michigan:

I do not find it as good for hay as the common red clover ; the stalks are so large
that stock will not eat them at all. For pastuie it is better than the small variety.
It does not require pasturing in spring in order to produce a crop of seed.

James Hendricks, Albany, N. Y. :

About twenty years ago there was treble the quantity sown in this part of Albany
County that there is at present; now nearly all our farmers sow the medium clover
with Timothy.

Prof. F. A. Gully, Agricultural College, Mississippi :

On good laud with us it grows rauk, and the long stems fall down and mat on tho
ground, and if we happen to have wet weather the lower leaves and parts of the
stalk will begin to decay before the plant is in full bloom.

The second crop ripens seed, but to what extent I can not say ; I consider the
common red clover more desirable here, although it may not yield as well.

Trifolium hybridum (Alsike Clover).

This differs from common red clover in being later, taller, more ten-
der and succulent. The flower-heads are upon long peduncles, and are
intermediate in size and color between those of white and red clover.
The botanical name was so given from its being supposed by Linmeus
to be a hybrid between those clovers, but it is now known to be a dis-
tinct species. It is found native over a large part of Europe, and was
first cultivated in Sweden, deriving its common name from the village
of Syke in that country. In 1834 it was taken to England, and in L85 I
to Germany, where it is largely grown, not only for its excellent forage
but also for its seed, which commands a high price. In France it is
little grown as yet, and is frequently confounded with the less produc-
tive Trifolium elegans.

The following is condensed from "Les Prairies Artificielles." by Ed.
Vianno, of Paris :

Alsike does not attain its full development under two or three years,
and should therefore be mixed with some other plant for permanent
meadows. It is best adapted to cool, damp, calcareous soil, ami gives
good results upon reclaimed marshes. It is adapted neither to very dry
soils, nor to those where there is stagnant water. Being of slender
growth, rye grass, rye, or oats are often sown with it when it is to be
3594 GR- — 0

mowed. In fertile ground weeds are apt to diminish the yield after a
few years, so that it requires to be broken up. It is generally sown in
May, at the rate of G or 7 pounds of the clean seed per acre. Some-
times it is sown in the pods at the rate of 50 to 100 pounds per acre,
either in spring or in autumn after the cereals are harvested.

Alsike sprouts but little after cuttiug, and therefore produces but one
crop and one pasturage The yield of seed is usually 130 to 170 pounds
per acre. The seed separates more easily from the pods than that of
ordinary clover, and as the heads easily break off when dry, care is
required in harvesting.

It does not endure drought as well as the common red clover, but
will grow on more damp and heavy soils, and it is said that it can grow
on land which, through long cultivation of the common clover, has be-
come •' clover sick." (Plate 02.)

Trifoliuni incarnatum (French Clover).

This annual clover is a native of Europe. It grows to the height o
about 2 feet. The heads are about 2 inches long, very densely flowered,
with the petals ranging from a pinkish to a crimson color.

It has been introduced and tried to some extent for cultivation in
this country, but has not met with much favor. It deserves trial, how-
ever, in the dry climates of the West. (Plate 93.)

Trifolium repens (White Clover ; Dutch Clover).

This is a small perennial species, with prostrate stems which take root
strongly at the joints. It is said to be the shamrock of Ireland. It is
a native of Europe and Northern Asia, and has been introduced into,
and naturalized in, many other countries. It is said that, although in.
digenous in England, it only began to be cultivated at the beginning
of the eighteenth century. On account of its creeping habit, when once
established, it soon covers the ground and spreads extensively. Mr.
Sutton, an English writer, says :

It prospers on mellow land containing lime, and on all soils rich in humus, from
marl to gravelly clay. It does better in poor land than red clover. In early spring
it produces very little food, and the plant is so dwarfed that it is practically useless
for cutting for a crop of hay. Still, perennial white clover forms an essential con-
stituent of every good pasture. All cattle eat it with relish, but it is of less use for
the production of milk than of flesh, and is of special service in fattening sheep. It
is not suitable for culture by itself, and its herbage is better for cattle when mingled
with other grasses, especially with perennial rye grass.

A correspondent of Farm and Home says:

Every pasture should contain some white clover. It will afford more feed at certain
times of the year than grass or any other kind of clover. It will not flourish in damp
soils, or those that are very poor. It will do well iu a partial shade, as a grove or
orchard, but to make the highest excellence it should have the advantage of full sun-
light. It is easy to secure patches of white clover in a pasture by scattering seed iD
early spring on bare places and brushing it in. One pound of seed is enough to start
white clover in a hundred places. The disposition of this clover is to spread by meant
of the branches that run along the ground and take root.

Prof. W. J. Heal, of Michigan Agricultural College, says:

White clover is a lickle plant, coming and going with the vary ii me. [t often

burns out in hot weather. An old, hard road, once abandoned, is likely to send up
white clover in advance of the grasses. II is a well-known and highly prized bee-
plant. It is often sown with some of the liner grasses for lawns.

Trifolium stoloniferum (Running Buffalo Clover).

This is a oative perennial speoies, growing about a toot high; long runners are sent
out from the base, which are procumbent at first, becoming erect. The leaves are all
at the base, except one pair at the upper part of the stem. The root-leaves are long-
stalked, and have three thinnish obovate leaflets, which are minutely toothed. The
pair of leaves on the stem have the stalk about as long as the Leaflets, pointed and
entire on the margins, the lower ones nearly an inch long, the npycr oues about half
as long. There are but one or two heads on each stem at the summit, each on a pedi-
cel Longer than the leaves. The heads are about an inch in diameter, rather loos< ly
flowered, each flower being on a short, slender pedicel, or stem, which bends back-
ward at maturity. Each tlowrer has a long-toothed calyx about half as loug as the
corolla, which is white, tinged with purple.

This species is found in rich open woodlands, and in prairies in Ohio,
Illinois, Kentucky, and westward. It is of a very vigorous growth, but
somewhat smaller in size than the common red clover. It should re-
ceive the attention of farmers and its value be ascertained by cultiva-
tion and experiment. (Plate 04.)

ONOBRYCHIS.

Onobrychis sativa (Sainfoin).

A perennial, having somewhat the appearance of Lucerne, but of smaller size and
different habit. It seldom exceeds 1| feet in height, with a weak stem, rather long,
pinnule leaves, and flowers of a pink color in a loose spike, 2 to 4 inches in length,
raised on a long, naked peduncle or stalk. The (lowers are succeeded by short, single-
seeded pods, which are strongly reticulated or marked by raised lines and depressed
pits.

This leguminous forage plant has recently been introduced into this
country under the name of "aspercet." Esparsette is the German
name; sainfoin is the name used in France and England.

It is a native of Central and Southern Europe and Western Asia, and
in Europe has long been in cultivation. From experiments made by
the Duke of Bedford, in England, we learn that it was first introduced
to English farmers as a plant for cultivation from Flanders and France,
where it has been long cultivated. It was found to be less productive
than tiie broad-leaved clovers, but on chalky and gravelly soils there
was abundant proof of the superiority of sainfoin. It produces but
little herbage the first year, but improves in quantity for several years.
Mr. Martin J. Sutton, in a recent work on "Permanent and Tempo-
rary Pastures." says that it has been cultivated in England for over
two hundred years. He says that it is essentially a food for sheep, and
in pasturing the sheep do it no injury. It is also useful for horses, but
produces nothing like the quantity of green fodder that can be obtained

from the Lucerne patch. When sown alone Mr. Sutton says that sain-
foin is liable to decrease and become overrun with weeds. He recom-
mends its use as a predominant constituent in a mixture of grasses and
clovers. He says that combined with strong growing grasses there is
less risk, and the grasses keep down the weeds which otherwise are apt
to overrun the sainfoin. In a green state it is quite free from the
danger of blowing cattle (hoven), and when made into hay is an ad-
mirable and nutritious food. But it requires great care in drying when
made into hay.

Mr. Sinclair states that the produce of sainfoin on a clayey loam with
a sandy subsoil is greater than on a sandy or gravelly soil resting upon
clay.

A French writer says that sainfoin can not accommodate itself to
damp soil, which, although dry, rests upon a wet subsoil. It delights in
dry soil, somewhat gravelly, and, above all, calcareous. It flourishes
upon the declivities of hills where water can not remain, and in light soil I
where its powerful roots can readily penetrate. But although surviving j
in the poorest calcareous soil, like clover and lucerne, its productive-
ness is always relative to the permeability and fertility of the land. It
prefers open, sunny places, with a southern or eastern exposure.

Sainfoin has received several trials in this country, but without much
success, probably from the experiments having been made upon un- ]
suitable soil. We can not expect that it will be preferred in places
where clover succeeds, but in light soils and in regions with a light
rainfall it should receive a thorough trial. A recent bulletin of the I
Iowa Agricultural College gives the result of some experiments with I
this plant which are very satisfactory. Observations there made indi- I
cate that it stands early freezing quite as well as Kentucky blue grass. I
It produces at the rate of 3 tons of dry hay per acre. It deserves trial I
in Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado, (Plate 95.)

MBDICAGO.

Medicago sativa (Alfalfa).

This plant is called Lucerne, medick, Spanish trefoil, French clover, jj
Brazilian clover, and Chilian clover. It is not a true clover, though be-
longing 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 introduced into culti-
vation in California from South America under the name of alfalfa, or
Brazilian clover. The plant had previously been introduced into the
Eastern and Southern States, but attracted little attention until its
remarkable success in California. In Europe it is generally known as
Lucerne, probably from the canton of Lucerne, in Switzerland, where
it was largely cultivated at an early day. It has been known in cultiva-
tion from very ancient times, and was introduced from Western Asia into
Greece about 500 B. C. It is now largely grown in southern France, fl

ami to a considerable extent in oilier parte of Europe. It 1ms been in-
troduced into several of the countries of South America, and on the
pampas of Buenos Ayres it 1ms escaped from cultivation and grows ex-
tensively in a wild state. Though known lor a long time in the United
states, alfalfa is not yet cultivated to the extent tlmt it should be.

In the Southern States east of the Mississippi it is especially desiro
able that its merits should be better known. The climate of that sec-
tion is nearly as favorable to its growth as that of southern California,
but much of its soil less suitable, hence reports from different localities
vary somewhat as to its value.

Climate. — Alfalfa is less hardy than red clover, and is adapted to a
milder climate ; still, it has stood the winter safely as far north as Ver-
mont, New York, and Michigan, though farther west, where less pro-
tected by snow, it winterkills more or less even as far south as Texas.
Ihe young plants are very susceptible to frosts, and the mature plants,
if not killed by the cold winters of the Northern States, are so weakened
that they endure there for a much shorter period than in milder cli-
mates. A cold of 25 degrees is said to kill the tops, but in the Southern
States the plant quickly recovers from the effect of frost and grows most
of the winter. In the Northern States, even where it endured the win-
ter, the yield is so much less than at the South that it has little or no
advantage over the common red clover. Farther south, however, even
where both may be grown, alfalfa is often preferred, not only for its
larger yield, but also for its perennial character. Alfalfa is especially
adapted to dry climates, and withstands drought much better than or-
dinary clovers.

Soil. — Although alfalfa improves the fertility of the soil, it must have
a rich soil to start with, and it therefore is of little value as a renovater
of worn-out lands. It prefers sandy soils, if fertile. The failure on
sandy soils in the East and the South has been mainly due to the lack
of fertility to give the young plants a good start and enable them to
become deeply rooted before the advent of drought. On this account it
usually thrives best on rich bottom-lauds. Lands that are tenacious
and hold water are not adapted to its culture unless well drained. Most
of the lauds in the West upon which it is grown successfully have a
permeable subsoil. When the soil permits, its roots penetrate to a great
depth. Cases have frequently been observed of their reaching a depth
of 12 or 15 feet, and depths of more than 20 feet have been reported.
Hence, after the plant is established, the character of the subsoil is of
more importance than that of the surface.

Culture. — Sow at any time that the ground is in suitable condition,
and when there will be time for the plants to become well established
before they are subjected either to drought or extreme cold. In the
Northern States the month of May will be about the right time. E ar-
ther south, in the latitude of northern Mississippi, September is prob-
ably the best mouth, and in the extreme South, or iu the warm valleys

of California, any time will answer from fall until spring. The soil
should be thoroughly prepared, and the seed sown at the rate of 15
to 20 pounds to the acre. If sown broadcast, about the latter quan-
tity will be required; if in drills, the former amount will be sufficient.
If the raising of seed is the main object, 12 or 14 pounds to the acre
will give the best results, as the plants will be more vigorous and yield
more seed, though they will be coarser and less desirable for feed.

Drill-culture gives the best results, especially if the soil be dry or
weedy. The drills may be 12 to 18 inches apart according to the tool
to be employed in cultivation. The seed, if sown broadcast, may be sown
alone or with grain, but it generally gives the best results when sown
alone. It is often sown with oats with good results, but in a wet season
it is liable to be smothered out unless the grain is sown quite thin.
After the first year the harrow may be employed to advantage, and
even a narrow plow, of such form as will not cut the roots too severely,
is sometimes iised with good effect, especially where the planting is in
rows. In all cases where weeds are inclined to appear it is desirable to
give some kind of cultivation every year. This is not so important where
the plant is irrigated as elsewhere. In much of the country reaching
from Texas to thePacific, irrigation is only essential the first year, or un-
til the roots have penetrated deeply into the soil, though the crop is
greatly increased by an abundant supply of moisture at all times. In
parts of California and adjoining States alfalfa is grown only by irriga-
tion, and this must sometimes be resorted to, even when not essen-
tial for the growth of the crop, in order to kill the gophers, which are
liable to destroy the plants by eating off the roots a few inches below
the surface. Immediate irrigation will also prevent many of the plants
so eaten off from dying.

Alfalfa should be neither mowed nor pastured until it has made a
considerable growth and becomes well established.

Harvesting, Feeding, etc. — Alfalfa is perhaps best known in most lo-
calities as a soiling plant. For this purpose it has scarcely a superior.
It may be cut repeatedly during the season, furnishing a large amount
of nutritious forage, which is relished by all kinds of stock. It is said
to be less liable than clover to cause slobbers in horses. There is some
danger, however, especially to cattle, in feeding it while wet or very suc-
culent, of its causing bloat or hoven. On this account it is a good plan
to feed it in the green state in connection with straw or hay, or to let it
lie several hours to become partially wilted before being fed.

It is when used as pasture that the greatest danger occurs in the
use of alfalfa. Many have used it for years, both for soiling and as
.Kisture, without any injurious results, but numerous instances have
been reported where cattle have bloated and died from eating too freely
of it wiien succulent or wet. In some instances cattle have been kept
upon it from the time it started in spring until June or July, with no
evil results, and then, when the growth has become very rank or been

wet with dew or rain, tlioy have been taken with bloat. The danger is
greater, as ia well known, when cattle arc suddenly turned into a rank
growth and allowed to eat all they will. It cattle are hungry or have
not been accustomed to green food they should not be allowed in Buch
a pasture more than half or three-quarters of an hour. In the dry re-
gions of the West there is less danger in the use of alfalfa for pasture
than elsewhere, and it is largely used there for that purpose, especially
in the fall after a crop or two of hay has been cut. There is consid-
erable danger, however, of the plant becoming killed out by close or
continued pasturing, as it does not stand grazing as well as the ordi-
nary grasses and clovers. For hay, the cutting should be done as soon
as the blossoms appear, otherwise it becomes hard and woody. Con-
siderable care is required to cure it properly and prevent the loss of the
leaves in drying. The yield is so large and the plant so succulent at
the time that it must be cut, that uuless there is good weather it is dif-
ficult to cure ; on this account it is used less for hay, except in dry cli-
mates, than it otherwise would be. The increase in the cultivation of
alfalfa has created a good demand for the seed, which has thus become
one of the most important items of profit in its cultivation. For clean-
ing the seeds, F. 0. Clark, of Alila, Tulare County, Cal., says :

In this part of the State the ordinary grain-thrasher is used. Some extra screens
are used 4111 d a few changes made in the arrangement of the cylinder and concave
teeth. It is the opinion of some of the experienced alfalfa thrashers that a machine
combining the hulling process and some of tho machinery of the ordinary thrasher
would do better work.

The seed is usually taken from the second crop, and the yield is greater than that
from red clover, frequently amounting to 10 or more bushels per acre.

The following reports are giveu from persons who have grown al-
falfa in various parts of the country :
J. R. Page, professor of agriculture, etc., University of Virginia:

I have cultivated alfalfa for forty years, both in the tide-water and Piedmont
regions of Virginia, and I regard it as the most valuable forage plant the farmer can
cultivate for soiling. It is ready to be mowed by the 1st of May and may be cut
three or four times during the season. Grazing kills it out. It should be top-dressed
with manure every fall and plastered in the spring and after every mowing.

Thomas S. Stadden, Clarke County, Va. :

Alfalfa is grown here to a limited extent. It does well in favorable localities, but
is hard to get set. It lasts four to six years.

II. C. Parrot, Kinston, N. C:

Alfalfa is adapted to rich, open soils in all the Southern States. It is excellent
feed either green or cured. It should be sown in drills 18 inches apart and cultivated
the first year. After it is well rooted it will stand drought well and crowd every-
thing else out. It will last from eight to sixteen years, according to soil and location.

J. G. Knapp, United States statistical agent, Limona, southern
Florida :

Many persons in Florida have experimented with this plant, so valuable in other
regions, but nearly all have failed. Sometimes a plant which has come up m the

fall and survived the winter has bloomed, but no roots have lived through the wet,
warm months of summer. I remember that in New Mexico, whenever it was desir-
able to destroy the alfalfa, in order to plow the ground, the surface was covered with
water daily for two weeks during the heat of summer. The United States consul
at Lambayeque, Peru, states (United States Agricultural Report, 1877, p. 544) that
it will not bear water, an abundant irrigation or inundation causing speedy death to
the plant. The result in this country has been the same. Alfalfa has invariably
perished during the rainy months. All the clovers are affected the same way.

Mr. Knapp iucloses a letter from Dr. B. J. Taliaferro, of Maitland,
Orange County, the only person in his knowledge who has been suc-
cessful in growing alfalfa in that region.

Dr. Taliaferro says :

There is no doubt but that alfalfa can be successfully grown in south Florida. My
old patch is now twelve months old, and has been cut five limes. I am so pleased
with it that I have just put in 5 acres more. The great difficulty is getting a
good stand. If the ground is not just right the seed will fail. I have failed several
times by sowing when the sun was too hot or not hot enough, or when the land was
not sufficiently moist. From my short experience I think September is the best month
in which to plant. If we plant early in tbe spring or summer it is almost impossible
to keep the crab grass from taking it. I sow in drills 16 or 18 inches apart, and wait
for a warm, moist day for sowing. The plant is very delicate at first, and must be kept
clean from grass and weeds. I shall try a small piece broadcast this fall, but doubt
whether it will prove a success, as crab grass is its greatest enemy in my portion of
Florida. The piece I have growing is on high, dry, pine land, such as would be suit-
able for orange-growing. Alfalfa, having a very long tap-root, would n$t do on
low laud. It is xery necessary to prepare the land thoroughly. My plan is as fol-
lows: After getting the land clean of all stumps, rubbish, etc., I plow it deeply with
a two-horse turning-plowr, then harrow and hand-rake. Early in spring I put on a
light dressing of cotton-seed meal, and sow down in cow peas broadcast, and when
the vines are in full bearing I turn them under with a three-horse plow, and as soon
thereafter as possible harrow deeply, and broadcast again with some good fertilizer
(I prefer cotton-seed meal, bone meal, and potash), harrowing it in well with a spring-
tooth harrow. It wrould be well to repeat the harrowing as often as possible before
sowing. About the 1st or middle of September hand-rake perfectly smooth, and put
in the seed with a seed-drill, about 6 pounds per acre. Keep clean of weeds and
crab grass, and cut when in bloom. A top-dressing of land plaster after the first
cutting will prove very beneficial. I have experimented with a number of forage
plants, but failed with all except millo maize until I tried alfalfa.

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

I have had it fourteen years in profitable growth from one seeding, and have seen
it in Gordon County, Ga., twenty-five years old, and still in vigorous and profit-
able growth. If used for hay it must be cut before it blossoms, or the stems become
too woody. Like other leguminous plants it requires especial care in curing, to pre-
vent the loss of its leaves. It may be cut from three to five times in one season, ac-
cording to the frequency of rains. It is a mistake to suppose that because of its long
tap-root it is not seriously affected by drought. It thrives well upon all classes of
lands, if fertile and well drained.

Clarke Lewis, Cliftonville. Mass. :

It grows readily in this State on poor, sandy soil, but best on sand loam. It will
bear catting year after year without new seeding, if not too heavily grazed. As a
permanent soiling plant it has no superior. It must be cut early, when first coming
into blossom; if cut later it becomes woody and makes poor hay. Its introduction
has been confined to a few localities.

Prof. James Troop, La Payette, In<l.:

If is naturalized iicre, but little cultivated. It is perfectly hardy on our black,
bandy loam, bat yields no more than Timothy or clover. It will nol las! heremor

than three or four years.

Leonard A. Ileil, of the Texas Live Stock Journal, San Antonio,
Tex. :

Alfalfa has been successfully raised in this locality only by irrigation, which is practi-
cable to but a limited extent. There are those who claim that it can be successfully
growu with only the natural rains, but after careful investigation I seriously doubt
its practicability.

James Perry, Whitesborough, northeastern Texas :

Alfalfa is a fair success in our black, waxy soil, and can be cut twice a year, yield-
ing 1 to 3 tons at a cutting. Broadcast sowing is the usual method, and seems
to be sufficient on clean land. It stands the drought well and the freeze <»i ordinary
winters. Three years ago, however, I had 7 acres badly killed by "spewing up" in
winter, but the scattering plants that remained are doing well.

C. A. Graves, Fiskville, central Texas :

It is cultivated here only to a small extent. It dies out in spots, just as •cotton,
sweet potatoes, and some other vegetables do, and apparently for the same, unknown
reason. In some localities, the spots where it dies out cover one-fourth of the ground.
The uncertainty of moisture on and near the surface for any length of time, owing
to hot suns and drying winds, makes the catch from all seeds that germinate near
the surface uncertain.

Dr. E. P. Stiles, Austin, Tex., says :

Alfalfa is not permanent here. For two or three years it will produce good crops,
and then it begins to die out in circular patches. The spots increase in size until in
a year or two they become confluent. Cottou plants sometimes die in the same way,
and apple-trees put into such soil are subject to a sudden blight. I have never known
alfalfa to be killed by either cold or drought, but its growth is very slight in very
dry soil. In Green County it is grown quite successfully under irrigation, but it dies
in some localities there the same as here.

J. E. Willett, Farmington, northwestern New Mexico:

Alfalfa grows finely here, and yields so enormously that wo want nothing bettor.
We cut it four times during the season, obtaining a ton and a half of hay at each cut-
ting. We raise nothing here except by irrigation. As soon as the crop is taken off,
we turn on the water in many places at once and flood the land for several days, for
Alfalfa requires an abundance of water, notwithstanding the fact that land which
is low and wet will not answer. It flourishes on rock uplands that are very poor, but
must have plenty of water at the right time. The soil is filled with large, long r
reaching as deep as 20 feet.

George H. Jones, Naranjos, northwestern New Mexico :

It grows well without irrigation after the second or third year on any ordinary
soil, and yields very satisfactory results where properly put in. I know one piece
which has stood eight years aud still yields well.

A. L. Siler, Ranch, Utah :

I know Lucerne patches that have stood for twenty-four years, and they are as
productive as when first planted. It does well with irrigation on any porous soil,
yielding 4 to 6 tons per acre. Without irrigation it would produce nothing.

90
William Leaman, Cannonsville, Utah :

Lucerne does very well in this mountain country, where there is very little rain,
and produces from 2 to 21 tons per acre, and makes from three to four crops per year,
hnt I am well satisfied that it will not stand much wet weather, as excessive water-
ing kills it here, and water running over it in the winter and forming ice over it

kills it.

Prof. A. E. Blount, Fort Collins, Colo. :

Our soil is mostly sandy loam and clay loam, gray, and to all appearances very
poor. It is dry, hard, and destitute of black soil, except in low, marshy places and
on the streams. On this soil, which has never been leached or deprived of its fertil-
ity by moisture, we sow alfalfa at the rate of 20 pounds to the acre. If kept well
irrigated, two crops can be taken the same season that the seed is sown, yielding as
high as 3 or 4 tons per acre. The second season, if a good stand was secured, three
cuttings are made, yielding as high in some localities as 7 tons. Our largest yields
come from those farms where water is applied immediately after each cutting.
Among the best farmers 4 tons to the acre is a very small average. I have known 9
tons to be taken from an acre where the most careful attention was given. When
once rooted it is next to impossible to eradicate or kill the plant. One man plowed
up a piece and sowed it to oats, and after having thrashed out 42 bushels of oats per
acre he cut 3 tons of alfalfa hay per acre from the same land. Some have raised
wheat, corn, and potatoes with excellent success, after turning under a crop of alfalfa,
without in any way interfering with the stand of the latter the next year.

F. W. Sweetser, Winnemucca, Nev.:

Alfalfa is cultivated quite extensively in several parts of the State. It does best
in a dark loam. It is hardy and yields, with irrigation, about 5" tons per acre. One
season without irrigation will kill it.

O. F. Wright, Temescal, San Bernardino County, Cal.:

Alfalfa is cut from one to six times per year. The yield when good is as follows :
First cutting, 2 tons of not very good hay ; second cutting, 3 tons of good hay ; third
cutting, 2^ tons of good hay; fourth cutting, 2£ tons of good hay ; fifth cutting, 1 ton
of good hay. If the land is v.ry dry there may be but one cutting, the roots liviug,
but the tops apparently dead. If it is very dry the roots die also.

Pasturing in the latter part of summer does not injure it much, but in winter and
spring, when annual plants are growing, it soon kills it. A good stand can not be
obtained without mowing, for worthless weeds would otherwise choke it out. The
plants increase in strength for three years.

E. G. Judson, Lugonia, San Bernardino County, Cal.:

Alfalfa is fairly hardy, but it can not stand extreme cold. On dry lands it can not
h<> grown without irrigation. It can be subdued by repeated plowings or keeping
away water.

William Schulz, Anaheim, Los Angeles County, Cal.:

Alfalfa fails without irrigation on account of the gophers, which eat off the roots a
few inches below the surface. It is one of the best forage plants we have.

William C. Cusick, Union, Oregon :

Alfalfa is not extensively grown in this locality. It is hardy only at the lowest al-
titudes, or where snow falls deeply. It prefers dry, sandy soils that can be irrigated,
on such lands yielding 3 to 4 tons per acre. Without irrigation it is hardly worth
cutting. This applies to a portion of the State east of the Cascade Mountains.

A few extracts from various a grienlfnral papers and other publications
are here inserted.
Southern Live Slock Journal :

The value of alfalfa in California is inestimable. The plant is eminently adapted
to tin' soil and climate of that State. It is wonderfully productive. It is grown with
success in Colorado and some of the Territories, and now and then an isolated report
comes up from the great State of Texas that it is fulfilling the highesl hopes of those
who have given it their attention. Here and there from the Carol inas, Georgia,
Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana come favorable reports, but these in-
stances are few and far between. The fact is, alfalfa has never yet bad a fair trial
in Southern agriculture. Our people, as a people, have never appreciated its value
as a worthy addition to southern grasses and forage plants.

The failures that have been made with this plant in the South are doubtless due to
the fact that (1) the weeds are allowed to choke it out the first year, or the stock to
graze it too closely and bite off the crowns of the plants before the roots were firmly
established; (2) the laud was not rich enough— it requires very rich land ; (3) that
the land was not suitable to its growth, or that it held too much water and ought to
have been underdrained.

Tulare County (California) Register:

Alfalfa is the foundation of prosperity in Tulare County. It begins to yield the
very year it is sown, and increases its yield many years afterward. It will grow
where nothing else will, and sends its roots deep down into the moist strata which
underlie the top soil all over the country. Alfalfa not only furnishes food for horses,
cattle, aud sheep, but hogs and poultry thrive upon it as upon nothing else until fat-
tening time comes, when a little Egyptian or Indian corn must be fed to make the
flesh solid. In Tulare, alfalfa yields from G to 10 tons of hay per acre each sum-
mer, besides supplying good pasturage the rest of the season; when it goes to seed
it often yields a return of $40 to $60 per acre in seed alone, besides yielding nearly as
valuable a hay crop as when not permitted to go to seed. Upon alfalfa and stock,
Tulare is building a great and assured prosperity.

George Tyng, in Florida Dispatch :

Sow in any month when the ground is moist and at least four to six weeks before
heavy frost or before the season of heat and drought. Less seed will be required if
it is soaked before sowing. Put the seed into any convenient vessel and cover with
water, not boiling but too hot to be comfortable to the hand, and keep in a warm
place for eighteen to twenty-four hours, until the seeds swell enough to partially
rupture their dark hulls. When the seeds are ready for sowing drain off all the
water through a sieve or bag and dry the seeds with cotton-seed meal, land plaster.
or other material, increasing the bulk to a bushel and a half or two bushels for every
20 pounds. If the ground be dry, cultivate just before sowing and sow in the after-
noon. Cover as soon as possible, and guard against covering too deeply. The best
convenient thing for this purpose is a light drag made of the bushy branches of
trees.

Prof. E. W. Hilgard, in the Report of the Department of Agriculture

for 1878, page 490, says :

Undoubtedly the most valuable result of the search, after forage crops adapted to
the California climate is the introduction of the culture of alfalfa, this being the
name commonly applied to the variety of Lucerne that was introduced into Cali-
fornia from Chili early in her history, differing from the European plants merely in
that it has a tendency to taller growth and deeper roots. The latter habit, doubt-
less acquired in the dry climate of Chili, is of course especially valuable in Cali-
fornia, as it enables the plant to stand a drought so protracted as to kill out even

more resistant plants than red clover. As a substitute for the latter it is difficult to
overestimate the importance of alfalfa to California agriculture, which will be more
and more recognized as a regular system of rotation becomes a part of the general
practice. At first alfalfa was used almost exclusively for pasture and green-soiling
purposes, but during the last three or four years alfalfa hay has become a regular
article in the general market, occasional objections to its use being the result of
want of practice in curing. On the irrigated lands of Kern, Fresno, and Tulare
Counties three and even four cuts of forage, aggregating to something like 12 to 14
tons per acre, have frequently been made. As the most available green forage during
the summer, alfalfa has become an invaluable adjunct to all dairy and stock farming
wherever the soil can, during the dry season, supply any moisture within 2 or 3 feet
of the surface.

Peter Henderson, in an article on alfalfa in the Eeport of the De-
partment of Agriculture for 1884, page 567, says :

Mr. William Crozier, of Northport, Long Island, one of the best-known farmers and
stock-breeders in the vicinity of New York, saye he has long considered alfalfa one
of the best forage crops. He used it always to feed his milch cows and breeding
ewes, particularly in preparing them for exhibition at fairs, where he is known to be
a most successful competitor ; and he always takes along sufficient alfalfa, hay to feed
them on while there. Mr. Crozier's system of culture is broadcast, and he uses some
15 or 16 pounds of seed to the acre, but his land is usually clear and in a high state
of cultivation, which enables him to adopt the broadcast plan ; but on an average
land it will be found that the plan of sowing in drills would be the best. Mr. Cro-
zier's crop the second year averages 18 tons, green, to the acre, and about 6 tons
when dried as hay. For this section, the latitude of New York, he finds that the
best date for sowing is the first week in May; a good cutting can then be had in
September. The next season a full crop is obtained when it is cut, if green, three or
four times. If to be used for hay it is cut in the condition of ordinary red clover — in
blossom ; it then makes, after that, two green crops if cut. Sometimes the last one,
instead of being cut, is fed on the ground by sheep and cattle.

(Plate 96.)

Medicago denticulata (Bur Clover).

This is a native of the Mediterranean region, which has become nat-
uralized in most warm countries. It was early introduced into Cali-
fornia and has become widely distributed in that State, where it is con-
sidered of great value.

It is not of first quality either as pastureor hay, but coming at a time
of year when other feed is scarce, and often growing where little else
will, it is eaten by all kinds of stock. The pods, or burs, are especially
sought after in the dry condition, as they remain good until spoiled by
rains. Although this plant does not withstand drought as well as many
others, it is enabled to grow on dry soils in climates having pro-
longed drought from its making its growth during the rainy season.
Sown early in autumn in the sections to winch it is adapted, it grows
during the winter and ripens the following spring or early summer. It
has been introduced from California into the Southern States, where it
is generally highly regarded by those who have tried it, both for graz-
ing and as a renovator of the soil. Being an annual, and ripening
early, other crops may be grown on the same land during the summer

without interfering with the next growth of the clover. The clover is
usually allowed to reseed itself. But little of the seed is sold in the

market, and it is usually sown by farmers without being cleared from
the burs, or pods. One serious objection :o the plant is the liability of
the burs to infest the wool of sheep.

There is another species, called spotted medick [Medicago maculata)i
which is often confused with this, and is probably the more common
east of the Eocky Mountains, but the two are much alike and of about
the same agricultural value.

Only Medicago denticulata is mentioned by Professor Watsou in his
Botany of California as being found in that State.

J. W. Alesworth, Slack Canyon, Monterey County, Cal. :

Ou the coast, where the climate is moist, bur clover makes a rauk growth and is
considered good feed late in the season. My place being 40 miles from the coast
and 1,410 feet in altitude it only grows here to a limited extent, though it is gradually
extending. When I came to this place, in 1870, there was none here. Bur clover is
good, rich feed, but is not sought after by stock until the other clovers and alhlaria
are gone.

Dauiel Griswold, Westminster, Los Angeles County, Cal. :

It is grown in all the lower valleys of California wherever the land is not very
salty, but scarcely any is found in the high valleys. It grows large and falls down
and curls around so that it is very difficult to mow, but all stock eat it on the ground,
green or dry. The seed is never saved, though it is produced abundantly.

O. F. Wright, Temescal, Sau Bernardino County, Cal. :

It grows here abundantly on high lauds, with alfilaria. These are the only plants
on such lands that cattle will eat. They are never killed by cold here, but die when
dry wreather comes. Slock pick on the bur clover while growing (from January to
June), and after it dies they hunt for the burs which are on the ground, and in their
efforts to get them they roll the old dry stems into rolls often as big as windrows of
hay.

S. H. MeGinnes, of Belmont, Tex. :

The California bur clover does well here, making good hay and pasture. It comes
up in October and ripens in May. It takes but very few bunches to produce a bushel
of seeds (burs) and it only has to be planted once. Horses and bogs do well upon the
burs after they ripen and fall off.

Edwin C. Keed, Meridian, Miss. :

Bur clover has been grown here to a limited extent, and a few who have grow.ii it
twelve or fifteen years find it all that could be desired for winter and spring past-
ure. All stock eat it freely when they acquire a taste for it, and sheep and hogs eat
the burs left on the ground. The plant reseedsiisilf, but the ground should be plowed
and harrowed in August to secure an early winter pasture. It matures the 1st of
June, after which peas may be broadcasted on the same land, when it will require no
fall plowing. On rich lauds it sometimes seeds in Bermuda beds, affording both win-
ter and summer grazing. I have grown vines (U feet long, hip high, and as thick as
it' could stand. I prize it above all other winter pastures. It is admirably adapted to
the Eocene formation, where red clover does not succeed, and it is far better if it
did, as bur clover is a winter plaut.

J. S. Newman, Director Experiment Station, Agricultural and Me-
chanical College, Auburn, Ala. :

First introduced into the cotton States, as far as I know, by the late Bishop George
Fierce, from California, about 1867, and planted at his home in Hancock County, Ga.
It has since become quite popular in some localities.

(Plate 97.)

DESMODIUM.

Desmodium is a genus belonging to the same family as the pea and
clover, and like them is rich in nutritious material. There are about
forty species native in the United States, many of them hard and
woody, but several of them furnishing valuable woods-pasture to wild
and domestic animals. These are often called beggar-tick, beggar-lice,
beggar- weed, or tick-weed, from the tendency of the seed-pods to cling-
to the clothing of persons or the hair of animals. The same or similar
names, however, are applied to other plants.

Thd species of perhaps the most importance is Desmodium tortuosum,
which is confined to Florida or the vicinity of the Gulf coast. Seeds
of this species were distributed by the Department of Agriculture in
1879, under the name of Desmodium molle, and a number of favorable
reports have been received from those who have tried it in the southern
portion of the Gulf States. It is valued most as a renovating crop for
lands where clover can not be successfully grown* It is also of con-
siderable value as pasture, and has sometimes been used for hay.

J. G. Knapp, Limona, Fla. :

Few forage plants bear a better reputation here than Desmodium molle (toriuosum),
commonly known as beggar- weed. Horses prefer it to any other growing plant. It
comes as a volunteer in fields planted with other crops. When the stalks are 30
or 40 inches high it may be cut for hay, and as many as 2 tons secured from an
acre. The stnbble will put forth new shoots and mature sufficient seed to restock
the field. It will thrive on the poorest sandy soil, and in a few years, if turned under
when matured, will render them rich and productive.

J. C. Keal, Archer, Fla. :

It is especially valuable to Florida, as it enriches the soil beyond any other crop
and is not in the way of the corn crop, germinating after corn is laid by. Cattle and
horses fatten on this plant rapidly ; in fact, nothing is better to restore health and
vigor to a worn-out beast than a few weeks in a beggar-wred patch. It is of no
value for hay or winter forage.

J. A. Stockford, Caryville, Fla. :

It is at home in middle/ Florida, and is being introduced in western Florida by
some enterprising farmers who had a chance to test its value in middle Florida while
fanning there. Those who have condemned it have usually done so without apparent
reason.

D. S. Denmark, Quitman, Brooks County, Ga. :

Wc have a plant here known as beggar-weed that grows on cultivated lands, and
when once seeded always seeds itself. It is a line summer and fall forage plant; also
fine for hay and for renovating worn-out lands, hut difficult to exterminate. It
grows only in south Georgia and iu Florida.

VV. B. McDaniel, Faceville, Ga. :

Beggar-tick or beggar-lice grows well in the southwestern part of Georgia,
excellent plant for forage, both green and cared, and is splendid as a fertilizer, build-
ing up land very rapidly. From the 1st of July it will entirely cover the ground the
same season.

R. J. Redding, Atlanta, Ga. :

Introduced from Florida and cultivated in southern Georgia for hay and as 8 reno-
vat or of the soil, especially the latter. It is not hardy against cold, and is not grown
in middle and northern Georgia.

Whitfield Moore, Woodland, Red River County, Tex.:

That which 1 cultivated was from seeds from the Department of Agriculture, and ap-
pears somewhat different from the native. It has to be seeded annually. It will not
stand much grazing, but is a good fertilizer, and drought seems uot to affect its growth
in the least. It is best adapted to light, sandy land, and will grow a heavy crop from
4 to (5 feet high on the poorest sandy land we have, and in the driest seasons. The
hay is very sweet and nutritious, and all stock eat it more greedily than anything else
I have ever fed. The only objection to it is the trouble of saving and cleaning the
seed.

LESPEDEZA.

Lespedeza striata (Japan Clover).

This plautwas introduced in someunknown way, over forty years ago,
from China into the South Atlantic States. It was little noticed before
the war, but during- the war it extended north and west and has since
spread rapidly over abandoned fields, along roadsides, and in open
woods, and now furnishes thousands of acres of excellent grazing in
every one of the Gulf States, and is still spreading northward in Ken-
tucky and Virginia, and westward in Texas, Indian Territory, and
Arkansas. It is an annual and furnishes pasture only during summer
and until killed by frost in the fall. The small purplish blossoms are
produced singly in the axils between the leaf and stem, and the seeds
ripen, a few at a time, from about the 1st of August until the close of the
season. It reproduces itself from seed on the same ground year alter
year, and on this account has been erroneously called a perennial. It
will grow on poor soils, either sand or clay, but prefers the latter. It
is better adapted to poor soils than Bermuda grass, both from giving a
more certain and perhaps larger yield, and from being more useful in
restoring their fertility. On poor upland soils it is seldom cut fur hay,
growing only from 6 inches to 1 foot in height, and being inclined to
spread out flat upon the surface. On rich bottom-lands it grows thicker,
taller, and more upright, and is largely cut for hay. It has been sown
artificially only to a limited extent as yet, but seed is now ottered in the
market, and its cultivation is likely to be liberally extended, especially
on lauds too dry or poor for alfalfa and where the true clovers do not
succeed. Japan clover is remarkable for holding its own against other
plants. It will run out broom sedge and other inferior plants, and
even Bermuda in some localities. It does not withstand drought as
well as either Bermuda or Johnson grass, but soon recovers alter a

•

rain. The young plants are easily killed by drought or frost, and for
this reason a good catch is more certain on an unbroken sod than on
well-prepared land. Still, there is believed to be less difficulty in ob-
taining a catch with this than with some other forage plants. A good
method of seeding is to sow in March at the rate of one-half bushel per
acre, on small grain sown the previous autumn or winter.

For hay it should be cut early, before it becomes woody. It is cured
in the same manner as clover, and the hay is apparently relished by
all kinds of stock. There is some complaint that stock do not at first
eat it readily while growing, and that horses and mules are liable to be
salivated if allowed to eat it freely while luxuriant. In both these re-
spects, however, it probably differs little from the ordinary clovers.
No cases have been reported of bloat or hoven being caused by it.

E. L. Allen, Brownsville, Haywood County, Tenn.:

Lespedeza striata (Japan clover) grows luxuriantly, is very hardy, and is the best
pasture we have in summer. It is especially adapted to poor upland, covering the
earth, eradicating weeds and sedge grass, preventing land from washing, aud in-
creasing its fertility. It grows well in the open timber. Our special need has been
a grass to withstand the heats of summer and afford pastures for the early fall. Japan
clover has met this requirement.

B. H. Lovelace, Como, Henry County, Tenn. :

Japan clover made its appearance here three or four years ago, aud now occupies
nearly all lands that have been exhausted aud turned out, growing on land too poor
to grow any other plant. In fact, it will grow in a red gully ; hence it is the best
thing to prevent washing I ever saw, besides all kinds of stock are fond of it; and
grow fat on it.

B. D. Baugh, State statistical agent, Carrollton, Miss. :

Japan clover is the most wide-spread of the natural forage plants of this State. It
grows luxuriantly on any kind of soil except light prairie ash-land. It is easily cured,
makes hay of excellent quality, and furnishes more than half of the long forage of
this State. It grows well on upland, but best on bottom-land and alluvial soil,
where it frequently attains a height of 30 inches. If intended for hay it should be
mowed when the first bloom appears, and be " browsed " or stacked after six or eight
hours' exposure to the sun. It affords good pasture from the 1st of May until killed
by frost, about the middle of November.

George Echols, Longview, Gregg County, northeastern Texas :

It appeared here four years ago, and it now has possession of all the open idle land.
It seeds very abundantly, and grows so densely that it forms a mat. It flourishes
with Bermuda grass, so that the hay mowed is about half and half.

Dr. D. H. Brodnax, statistical correspondent, Brodnax, Morehouse
Parish, La. :

Lespedeza was first noticed here about 1865. It is supposed to have been introduced
in the cavalry hay fed the horses of tbe Federal cavalry, which occupied this parish
for a short time. It has since covered nearly the whole parish. It is not cultivated!
but is rapidly rooting out nearly every other grass in the parish. It kills our bittcr-
weed (dog fennel), Bermuda grass, and everything else. It is a splendid forage crop,
and excellent for grazing until frosts destroy it.

Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Alabama:

Leapedeza striata (Japan clover) is an annual plant, which, during the last twenty
yeans, has spread all over the Gulf States. It blooms and ripens its seeds Ikmh the
early summer months to the close of the season, and grows spontaneously in exposed,
more or less damp, places of a somewhat close, loamy soil. No attempts at its cultiva-
tion have been made. Iu the stronger soil of the lands in the interim this plant,
protected from the browsing of cattle, grows from 1^ to 2 feet in height, and yields
large crops of sweet, nutritious hay, the same plot affording a cut iu August and an-
other in October, yielding, respectively, 1 -J- tons and 1 ton of hay to the acre. The
plant is perfectly hardy, and is not known to have been killed out by a long drought.
It is easily subdued by cultivation, as it does not again make its appearance on land
where it has been plowed in, aud is not found among the weeds the farmer has to con-
tend with in the cultivation of his crop. It is a perfect pasture plant, easily estab-
lished, and standing browsing and tramping by cattle well. Its propagation through
the woods and pastures is effected by cattle, the seeds passing through the animals
with their vitality unimpaired. As a fertilizing plant it is greatly inferior to the
Mexican clover.

J. B. Wade, Edgewood, De Kalb County, Ga. :

It is said by the old residents here that Japan clover was unknown in this part of
the country until " after the war." It now grows spontaneously on most of the land
of middle Georgia that has a red-clay subsoil, and which has been turned out, i. e.,
uot plowed or cultivated for two or three years. It grows sufficiently high to make

hay, but as it springs up in February, or even earlier should there come a warm spell
of weather, it is mostly used for graziug, as it lasts from February to November.

J. B. Barthit, Denver, S. C:

It does not stand drought as well as Bermuda ; both are our best pasture plants.
For cattle we have nothing better than Japan clover ; but it salivates horses and
mules after the 1st of July, especially if very luxuriant.

J. W. Walker, of Franklin, N. C, in a letter to the Blade Farm, says:

Seventeen years ago Japan clover was found here, occupying an ana not exceeding
10 feet square. It now covers thousands of acres, upon which all kinds of stock keep
fat and sleek, while the yield in milk and beef products has increased a hundred-fold.
Our exhausted and tnrned-out lands that have hitherto yielded nothing but that
worse than useless broom sedge {Andropogon scoparins), now have in its stead a
beautiful carpet of most nutritious verdure.

This plant grows anywhere and on any kind of land, rich or poor, wet or dr\ , high
or low. It has been found in luxuriant growth on the summit of the Blue Ridge, at
a height of 4,000 feet. It will catch and grow luxuriantly where none of the clovers
proper will grow at all. Unlike them it never runs out.

J. B. McGeliee gives the following experiences in a letter to the
Southern Live Stock Journal, September, 1880 :

This has proved the worst season for its propagation that 1 have met with. I have
this week examined over 200 acres of my last sitting's sowing, where I sowed one-
half bushel per acre, and I find the most spotted stand I ever saw ; and of the whole
200 acres I will get a crop of hay on not to exceed 50 acres. My first sowing of about
80 acres was commenced about March 22, and finished about the 1st of April. This
Wae coming up thickly when the freeze of the 9th of April came, and I am convinced
that all seeds then sprouting were frozen out and killed. The sowings during April
did better, but anything like a reasonable stand is found only on moist places. The
reason for this is the fact that not a drop of rain fell from April 26 to June 6. My
worst catch was on comparatively clean land, an oat field, in which the oats hail

3594: GR -7

been mostly killed by the winter. My best catch was on a grass sod. I found that
a freeze or a drought catching the plants before the roofs have penetrated the soil
are equally disastrous. On some meadows of previous sowings I am now cutting a
heavy crop of almost pure Lespedeza. The reverses of this year will not loosen the
hold of the grass on my estimation in the least.

(Plate 98.)

MISCELLANEOUS PLANTS.

OPUNTIA.
Opuntia Engelmanni (Nopal; Prickly Pear).

One of the principal characteristics of the vegetation of arid districts
is the prevalence of different species of Cactacecc or cactus-like plants.
These are exceedingly variable in form and size, and are divided into
several genera. Of these the Opuntias are extremely common. There
are two kinds of these — one Avith broad, flat joints, and one with cylin-
drical or club-shaped joints.

Of the flat, broad-jointed kind there are many species. The Opuntia
vulgaris is common in sandy ground in the Eastern Atlantic States. In
western Texas and other parts of the arid regions reaching to Califor-
nia there is a much larger kind, of the same general appearance, which
is called Opuntia Engelmanni. This is a stout, coarse-looking plant,
growing from 4 to G feet high, and much branched. . The joints are,
in large specimens, a foot long and 9 or 10 inches broad, with groups
of stout spines from J to 1£ inches long. They are apparently leaf-
less, but in young specimens minute, fleshy leaves may be detected.
Springing from the side of these joints at the proper season are hand-
some flowers 2 or 3 inches in diameter, which are succeeded by a round-
ish fruit, nearly 2 inches long, tilled with a purplish pulp, generally of
an insipid taste, while imbedded in the pulp are numbers of small, hard
seeds. The common name of this Opuntia '<\n\oug the Mexicans is u nopal,"
and some of the species have fruit which is edible and highly esteemed.
The use of the above species of prickly pear, or cactus, for forage in the
dry regions of Texas and westward is a matter of considerable impor-
tance. An extended account of its use is given in Bulletin 3, of this
Division. The usual method of preparing the plant for feeding is to
singe the prickles over a brisk blaze. To some extent, especially by
sheep, the plant is eaten in the natural state, but serious consequences
frequently result in such cases. Its chief use is 'jts a substitute for fod-
der in times of scarcity, but when properly prepared and fed with hay
and grain it forms a valuable article of food for cattle.

J. A. A vent, Sr., Bexar County, southern Texas:

I have heen feeding prickly pear for thirty yearn. It is an excellent feed for cattle
if fed with fodder or hay of any kind ; when not too full of sap it may he fed alone.
II cut in January it can he fed until March 20, hut if left standing it is not good feed
after the 20th of February. There is nothing that cattle like better than prickly
pear when accustomed to it. We feed it only in dry years when grass is scarce. We
"begin feeding about the 1st of November and continue until the 20th of February.

Tim old stumps with ;t little corn will fatten cattle very fast. We bum oft' the tboi
in feeding it, but most stock-raisers <i»> uot. The apples ripen about the Isi of July
and are eaten by almost everything. Hogs gel fat enough upon them to render into
lard when the crop is good, and it seldom fails.

A. J. Spencer, Uvalde, Tex. :

It is eaten by cattle, slice]), goats, and hogs. They cat it mainly as found on the
range, though sometimes the thorns arc scorched off. It is considered one of the best
native forage plants, especially to carry these stock through the long droughts that
occur occasionally in western Texas. It is a partial substitute for water for all stock
that eat it. The only injury I have known to result from eating it has been to sheep,
and then only when eaten while frozen.

S. S. Jamison, Burnet, Tex. :

It is used extensively in tlie southwestern part of the State, especially by Mexicans,
for wintering work-oxen, cows, and other cattle upon. The thorns are scorched off
before feeding, and no harm results from its use unless it be too great' a laxness at
times. Only one kind is used as far as I know, but it varies in height in different
localities. In this country it grows from G inches to 2 feet. Farther south it grows
taller.

Prof. George W. Curtis, College Station, Tex.:

It is used quite extensively for cattle and sheep. The prickles are singed off, or the
whole plant is boiled and fed, mixed with bran. Only the Opuntia vulgaris, and per-
haps a variety of the same, are used, so far as I know. I have no positive knowledge
of any injury to stock from feeding upon it, but from its purgative nature 1 should
be afraid that it might cause abortion in pregnant cows.

Has your attention been called to the use of the prickly-pear cactus as a lubricant ?

Certain of the Western railroads have used it with excellent results. It is gathered
in Texas, shipped to St. Louis, ground up coarsely, and pine tar added to keep the
albuminoids from decomposition (I do not know whether anything else is added or
not), after which it is barreled and returned. The total cost is 2^ cents per pound,
and it is said to do the work of G or 8 cents' worth of grease and rags formerly used.
It is especially useful in preventiug and cooling hot boxes. If this comes into gen-
eral use it will open a new field of production.

Leonard A. Heil, San Antonio, Tex. :

The cactus, or prickly pear, grows abundantly in nearly every section of south-
west Texas, often reaching a height of 10 or 12 feet. Ever since the settlement of
the country by the English, and probably years before, it has been used to supplement
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 tins leaves. The herder goes along with a short sword and blips the
points of the great leaves, so that the sheep can insert its nose, when it readily eats
them entire.

Dr. A. E. Carothers, an extensive ranchman of Cotulla, La Salle
County, Tex., began feeding prickly pear and cotton-seed meal to four
hundred head of steers for the purpose of fattening for the market, and
at the last account was highly pleased with the result and confident of
financial success. He singes off the thorns with a flame, and cuts up
the pear and feeds it mixed, in troughs, with the cotton-seed meal in
the proportion of about 5 pounds of meal to 70 pounds of pear. The
steers eat this food with great relish and take the food rapidly. They
have about a ~, 500 acre held to run in. If this method of feeding proves

100

a success, it may work a revolution in tbis section, as thousands of tons
of cotton-seed are exported annually to England, and the supply of the
pear is simply inexhaustible. The feeding of the pear need iu no way
diminish the supply, as whenever a piece of leaf is kept on the ground
it takes root and makes another plaut, growing rapidly. Corn is always
high, and can never be transported here for stock-feed and the stock-
be shipped back again over the same road with a certainty of success.
The utilizing of prickly pear and cotton-seed meal will make beef-rais-
ing, as well as breeding, profitable in this portion of the country, and
make the ranchmeu entirely independent of all other sections.

Dr. Carothers, above mentioned, writes, March, 1887 :

In pursuance of a correspondence had with your Department last summer, begun
by Mr. A. J. Dull, of Harrisburg, Pa., who has cattle interests in this State, I have
fed four hundred beeves, and am now feeding eight hundred more, on this food. From
the analysis furnished by Mr. Richardson of your Department, I found that the cac-
tus was deficient in albuminoids, and from the well-known richness of the cotton-
seed oil cakes in these elements, I selected it to supply the deficiency, which it did
very well. At first I burned the thorns off the cactus, then cut it up by a machine
which I devised, and spread it in large troughs, scattering the cotton-seed meal over
it, when the cattle ate it with great avidity. I soon found, however, that the burn-
ing was injurious, as it was impossible to conduct it without cooking the cactus to a
greater or less extent, which caused purging in the animals. To remedy this, i. e.,
to destroy the thorn without scorching, I took advantage of the botanical fact that
the thorns of Ojmntia Engelmanni, the only one I use, are set at an angle of about 60
degrees backward to the plane of the leaf, and that a cut of half an inch would strike
every one of them. I therefore set the knives of my machine to a half-inch cut, and
find that when cut in this manner cattle eat it fully as well as when scorched, with
none of the unpleasant results referred to. I feed per head about CO pounds of the
cactus and an average of about C pounds of the meal per day for ninety days. A
train-load of three hundred and thirty head of these cattle sold last week in Chicago
at 4| cents per pound. The meat is singularly juicy and tender, the fat well distrib-
uted among the muscles. I have sold it at 1 cent per pound gross over grass cattle in
San Antonio.

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

The x>rickly 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 well on it. It 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 oil
prickly pear that are doing well and will come to grass in good shape that would
otherwise have died, or at least the larger part of them.

The pear should be cut and hauled to the feed-lots while the sap is in the roots, or
before the warm days come, for if it is fed when the sap is in the tops it is liable to
cause laxness and weaken the animals. We prepare it for feeding by holding it for a
moment over a blaze. I believe that in the southern part of the State they have a
burner with which they burn off the prickles without cutting the plants from the
ground, and then let the cattle eat them as they please, but we prefer to cut and feed
as above stated. One, good man can prepare the cactus and feed about a hundred
head of cattle in this way. A poor or half-starved animal should be fed only a small
quantity of it at first, which may be gradually increased until the animal is allowed
to eat all it wants. When fed in this manner to range-cattle we have never known
any injurious results. Bat if it is fed to steers, and they are worked immediately af-
terwards, even if the feed is small and they are accustomed to it, they are liable to

101

Swell up. We have had them do bo when we thought there was danger of its proving
fatal. They can be given .1 feed at night, however, and then worked the following
morning without danger of any injurious results.

H. J. Hunter, M. D., Palestine, Tex. :

West of the Colorado River, in this State, the cactus grows in vast forests. I have
seen cattle and sheep feed on it as it grows wild. Stockmen cut it on the ground,
singe off the prickles, and cut in small bits for their stock.

Mr. Alonzo Millett, of Kansas City, Mo. :

I confine the treatment of my stock in La Salle County, Tex., for their first six
weeks or two months, in that locality, almost exclusively to the feeding of prickly
pear, which simple measure has proved highly successful, and is worthy of more gen-
eral trial as a preventive of Texas fever. There is a cactus, called by the Mexicans
Nopal de Castilliano, which is cultivated in this State for its fruit. This plant grows
very largo and yields enormous crops of fruit, which is sold on the street for food and
to make beer. The young growth of the cactus is used in early spring by the Mexi-
cans of western Texas as food. It is cut in small pieces, mixed with flour in a batter,
and fried. It is said to be as palatable as egg-plant.

Otanes F. Wright, Temescal, San Bernardino County, Cal. :

Many kinds of cactus grow here. The flat kind, or prickly pear, is abundant in
places. Cattle, goats, and sheep eat it sometimes without any preparation when very
hungry, but it looks as though needles and pins would be a pleasanter and safer diet.
I have never known, however, any bad results to come from eating it. After boiling
to soften the thorns it makes good food for milch cows, and is much relished. The
trouble of boiling prevents its extensive use.

(Plate 99.)

EUROTIA.

Eurotia lanata (White Sage).

It is a perennial, half shrubby plant, growing a foot or two high, with slender,
woolly twigs, which are abundantly covered with linear sessile leaves an inch and a
half long, with a velvety surface of a grayish color and with the margin rolled back.
They are mostly in small fascicles or clusters. The flowers are minute and 11 small
clusters in the axils of the leaves, chiefly on the upper part of the stem. The flowers
are of two kinds, male and female, on separate parts ot the steins, or sometimes on
separate plants. The small fruit is covered with long and close whitish hairs. The
plant belongs to the order Cheno±)odiacea\ or the same order as the common pig-weed.

The plant known as " white sage," or " winter fat," is abundant in
places through the Kooky Mountain region from Mexico to British
America. Prof. S. M. Tracy, who visited portions of Nevada, Arizona,
and adjoining- territory, in 1SS7, investigating the native forage plants,
under the direction of the Commissioner of Agriculture, states that in
the more arid districts of Arizona. Nevada, and Utah, this plant, with
grease-wood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) , are the most highly valued plants
for winter forage. An important fact in regard (o the plant is its
ability to thrive in somewhat alkaline soils. It is employed as a remedy
for intermittent fevers. (Plate 100.)

102

ERODIUM.

Erodium cioutarium (Alfilaria).

This annual, supposed to have been introduced from Europe, does not
seem to be mentioned in any work on forage plants. It occurs abun-
dantly and is of much value for pasture over a large extent of territory iu
northern California and adjoining regions; elsewhere in the United
States it is sparingly introduced and usually regarded only as a weed,
though it is not very troublesome. Besides the above name it is known
as storksbill, pin clover, pin grass, and filaree ; it is neither a grass
nor a clover, but belongs to the geranium family; it starts very early,
grows rapidly, furnishing good early pasture, and ripens seed before the
hottest weather.; it is of little value as hay, and is not worth introducing
where the ordinary forage plants can be grown. The seed is seldom
sown, but the plant comes spontaneously each year from self-sown seed.
A few have beguu its artificial propagation, and it is undoubtedly worthy
of introduction into other regions iu the South and West having pro-
longed droughts ; it is hardy at the North, but makes a much smaller
growth there.

Brewer and Watson, in u The Botany of California " say in regard
to it:

Very common throughout the State, extending to British Columbia, New Mexico,
and Mexico; also widely distributed in South America aud ihe Eastern Continent.
It has generally been considered an introduced species, but it is more decidedly
and widely at home throughout the interior than any other introduced plant, and
according to much testimony it was as common throughout California early in the
present century as now. It is popularly known as alfilaria, or less commonly as
pin clover and pin grass, and is a valuable and nutritious forage plant, reputed to
impart an excellent flavor to milk and butter.

Prof. E. W. Hilgard, in an article on the Agriculture and Soils of
California, in the Report of the Department of Agriculture for 1878,
page 488, says:

Two species of crane's-bill {Erodium cioutarium and moschatum) are even more com-
mon here than in Southern Europe, and the first-named is esteemed as one of till
most important natural pasture plants, being abont the only green thing available)
to stock throughout the dry season, and eagerly cropped by them at all times. Its
Spanish name of* alfilerilla (signifying a pin, and now frequently translated into
"pin weed") shows that it is an old citizen, even if possibly a naturalized one. .

Otanes F. Wright, Temescal, San Bernardino County, Cal. :

Alfilaria grows plentifully and is native here. It is the best grass that we have
during the wet season while green, but does not amount to much when dry, for it
shrinks much in-drying, and when dry breaks easily into very fine bits, almost to
• lust.

Alfilaria and bur clover nearly always grow together on the same land; coldl
weather never kills either of them. Stock pick for the alfilaria while growing
(from January to June), bnt after it dies they hunt for the clover-burs which are <»n
the ground, and in their efforts to ^'i the burs thej roll the old dry stems into rolls,
sometimes as Ing as windrows of hay.

103

Bur clover and filaria (alfllaria) grow on high land, and (lie when dry weather
comes. I do not know but they might be kept green all the year if kepi wet.

They are about the only plants which grow on the high land .-ill the year as alfalfa
does on the low lands. As nine-tenths of our land is dry land, you can Bee the extent
of our needs.

Daniel Griswold, Westminster, Los Angeles, (Jul.:

I think alfllaria would he a good thing to raise in the Southern States, but it will
be a rather hard seed to gather, though not so hard as Bermuda grass. It produces
a small-jointed seed, with a heard or curl attached. Butte or Colusa County would,
be the best place to obtain the seed, The plant is native here. It is never cultivated
but conies up of itself whenever there is rain enough. It grows every when; (ex-
cept in swamps) in damp land, on the driest laud, and on the tops of hills up to the
snow-line. It has a root that runs slightly downward, and it has to be very dry to
prevent it making seed. On damp, rich land it grows large enough to make a good
swath of hay. On poor or dry land it is small and dries up. but even in its dry state
stock eat it clean and are very foud of it.

0. R. Orciitt, San Diego, Cal. :

Erodium clcutariun and Erodium moschatum (about equally used) grow abundantly
in southern California and through northern lower California, sometimes attaining
a height of 2 feet or more. They grow on dry lands, but ouly in wet years or where
there is abundant rain-fall do they attain any size.

O. F. Thorton, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Ariz. :

It is not cultivated, but is rapidly spreading on the dry ranges (i. e., valleys and
mountain sides), and is one of the very best wild grasses, either green or dry.

(Plate 101.)

RICHARDSONIA.

Richardsonia scabra (Mexican Clover; Spanish Clover ; Florida Clover; Water
Parsley; Bell-fountain; Poor Toe ; Pigeon- Weed, etc.).

This is an annual plant of the family Rubiacece which contains the
coffee, cinchona, and madder. It is therefore not a true clover, that
name having perhaps been given from the general appearance of the
plant and the fact that the flowers are mostly borne in terminal heads.
The stem is spreading, branching, and somewhat hairy, and the leaves,
unlike the clovers, are composed of a single piece. The plant is a native
of Mexico and South America, which has become naturalized in the
United States, especially along the Gulf coast, where its chief value
Beems to be as a renovator of poor, sandy soils. In more dry, exposed
regions it seems to require rich, cultivated soils in order to do well. It
has been but little cultivated, and it is not known how far north it may
be grown successfully, but it would probably have little value where
clover can be readily grown. The statements in regard to its value for
pasture and hay are very conflicting. It is usually quite succulent and
not readily cured in the climate where it is most largely grown. As it
grows chiefly in cultivated grounds, it is often looked upon only as a
weed.

104

B. E. Van Buren, Lakeside, Fla. :

I have disseminated the Spanish clover all over my place, as 1 consider it a val-
uable plant for improving the land. It is also a very good forage plant, and will
grow on the poorest soil without manure.

J. C. Neal, M. D., Archer, Fla.:

Grows rapidly, seeds itself, and makes a fair looking lawn or field, but I have not
found a cow or horse that would touch it green or dry.

J. G. Kiiajpp, Hillsborough County, southern Florida:

Found in moist fields in this county and considered a valueless weed. It is not
eaten green by either cattle or horses, and grows flat on the ground, so that it can not
be cut for hay. On account of the large number of seeds it perfects it is difficult to
eradicate. It is spoken of in some sections as a fertilizing plant. In my opinion it
has no other value, and I estimate it low for that purpose.

B. C. Smith, Cold Water, Ga. :

Thrives only on highly fertilized soils, in the best of tilth, where it gives a large
yield. Mexican clover, being very similar to purslane, isvery hard to cure, and is not
well relished by cattle or horses.

C Menelas, Savannah, Ga. :

I have seen it only on the Gulf coast, where it flourishes luxuriantly without cul-
tivation, and is dreaded by nearly every one as a weed. Stock appear to be very
fond of it, and the yield per acre must be very heavy.

Br. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. :

Introduced from the neighboring tropics and perfectly naturalized. It is never
cultivated, but takes possession of the fields, and arrives at the period of its fullest
growth after the crops of vegetables, Irish potatoes, corn, and oats, are laid by or
have been removed, yielding spontaneous crops of hay and affording fully two cut-
tings during the season of from 1 to 2 tons per acre, according to the fertility of the
field.

In 1874 the same gentleman sent a sample of hay of this plant to the
Department, which was found to be nearly as rich in food elements as
clover hay. In his letter he then said :

It forms a large and important part of the pine-woods pasture in this county. It
is much relished by horses and mules, which seem to thrive Avell upon it, and slice])
feed upon it with great avidity. The plant is known here by the name of " Mexican
clover," "poor toes," or "pigeon- weed." Seventeen years ago it was but sparse;
now it occurs in all our cultivated grounds, covering them with a luxuriant vegeta-
tion after the crops of the summer have been removed.

Thomas J. Key, editor Southern Agriculturist, Montgomery, Ala.:

It grows luxuriantly on cultivated, sandy lands in the southern part of the State,
makes excellent nay, and matures after coin lias been laid by.

.lames I). Siger, ETandsbo rough, southern Mississippi:

Of late years Mexican clover lias been introduced and grown among the crab grass.
It is spreading rapidly. Its habits and manner of cult i vat ion are the same as crab
grass. Cattle will pick it out from any other hay and cat it in preference to any.

Edward C. Reid, Meridian, Miss. :

It is hardy, and grows on the poorest- sandy land from the coast up to the Cretace-
ous formation. It stands drought and is hard to exterminate. It comes up after
corn is laid by, and on cotton-land covers the cotton. It, is not especially valuable
as a pasture plant, as it comes up late and pasturing kills it out. In cultivated
lands it reseeds itself, and comes up year alter year.

105

Clarke Lewis, Oliftonville, Noxubee County, Miss.:

It ; rows ill tbo Gulf Stairs, on sandy land, and furnishes abundant forage of lair
quality on poor soil. There is none in this section.

W. E". Nevill, Binnsvillc, Miss. :

Docs well in the southern half of the Gulf States.

J. IT. M unlock, Bryan, Brazos County, central Texas :

It is grown here and stands drought very well on our light, sandy soils, and makes
good pastures in its season.

Mr. Matt. Coleman, Leesburgh, Sumter County, Fla., in 1878, wrote
to the Department :

The tradition is, that when the Spanish evacuated Pensacola this plant was dis-
covered there by tho cavalry horses feeding upon it eagerly. Five years ago I pro*
cun d some of the seed and have since grown it in my orange groves as a forage plant
and fertilize1!'. It grows on thin pine land 4 to 0 feet in length, branching, and form-
ing a thick mat, which affords all the mulch my trees require. It requires two days'
sun to dry it, and its sweet hay is relished by horses and cattle. The white bloom
opens in the morning and closes at evening, and is visited by bees and butterflies.

(Plate 102.)

ADDENDUM.

So much interest is now felt in the matter of new varieties of grasses,
especially by the Western experiment stations, that it is thought best
to add descriptions and figures of some additional species which have
been recommended for trial.

The Colorado experiment station, aided by this Department, gave
especial attention last summer to the collection of seeds of the native
grasses of that region, and some fifty kinds were selected, and will be
subjected to cultivation on the arid land of that section.

Other western stations will take up the same line of work in the
future. The illustrations given are especially valuable for the identifi-
cation of the various species by students or by any persons who are in-
terested in the subject.

Panicum gibbum.

A perennial species, growing in swamps and low, wet ground in the Southern
States from North Carolina to Florida. The stem is decumbent, branching aud root- j
ing at the lower joints. The panicle is 3 to 5 inches long, and narrow, the branches
being appressed. The leaves are smooth or smoothish, half an inch broad, and 6 to 8
inches long. The whole grass is of a deep green color. The flowers drop off soon
after flowering. The grass, if it occurs in abundance, would be of considerable value,
as it furnishes a good deal of nutritious matter.

Mr. J. H. Simpson, of Manatee, Fla., writes as follows :

This most valuable grass seems to have been entirely overlooked as far as its quali-
ties for hay and pasturage are concerned. It is perfectly at home in any situation.
It usually grows in wet places, with culms 2 or \\ feet high. The late J. N. Harris
informed me that he believed that from 3 to 5 tons of most excellent hay could be
cut per acre, and that it was an excellent pasture grass. He had experimented with
it for years.

(Plate 103.)

Muhlenbergia comata.

This species is closely related to M. glomerata. It grows throughout the Rock.^
Mountain region in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and California, usually on tb< I
sandy and alluvial banks of streams. It grows in tufts from (inn, creeping roo
stocks. The culms are erect, 2 to 'A feel high, and leafy below. Tne panicle is 2t<|
4 inches long, narrow and (dose, sometimes interrupted below, generally of a darl
lead-color, and of soft texture. The outer glumes are very narrow and acute, am
the dowering glume is surrounded at the base by a copious tuft of silky hairs. Th
slender awn of the flowering glume is three or four times its length.

(Plate 104.)

Sporobolus heterolepis (Bunch Grass; Wire Grass).

This is called bunch grass and wire grass from the abundant, loii£
wiry leaves and stems. 1 found it a considerable element in the prairie
IOC

107

)f southern Dakota, and it occurs southward to Texas. It was also
jfommon on the prairies of Illinois and Wisconsin before the incoming
)f settlements. West of the 1 00th meridian, however, especially in
jjjftndy soils, this species is replaced by two others of the same gen US,
?\z: Sporobolus cryptandrns and JS. airoides. All these species should
vceive attention.

It grows in dense, firmly rooted tufts, principally west of the Mississippi River,
rom British America to Arkansas. The panicle is from :$ to (5 inches Ions, rather
bose; the branches, two to three together, slender, and with a few rather distant
lowers.

A writer in the Agricultural Report for 1870 says:

'Jhis species may be identified from its Ioiilc, slender loaves, growing abundantly
'rom the base of the plant, gracefully curving; from its tendency to grow in bunches
>r stools, and when in fruit from its small panicle of sharp-pointed spikelets and its
ound seeds. These, when bruised, emit a strong, heavy, and rather disagreeable
xlor. It is sometimes cultivated for hay, and makes an article of line quality.

Sporobolus airoides (Hunch Grass ; Salt Grass").

Culms (arising from strong perennial creeping root-stocks) 2 to 3 feet high, thick'
:ned at the base and clothed with numerous long, rigid, generally involute, long-
)ointed, smooth leaves, which are bearded in the throat of the sheath. The paniele
s f> to 12 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide, thin and spreading ; the branches cap-
llary, and scattered or in whorls below, subdivided above the middle, and rather
parsely flowered.

It is eommon on the arid plains of the West, is sometimes called salt
jrass, and affords persistent pasturage where other grasses are tramped
mt. (Plate 105).

Igrostis exarata, var. Pacifica (Pacific Coast Redtop).

This variety grows chiefly on the Pacific coast, from California to Alaska. It is
iltcn more robust than the common or eastern redtop, growing 2 to I* feet high, with
i stout, firm culm, clothed with three or four broadish leaves 4 to 6 inches long,
['he panicle is 4 to 6 inches long, rather loose, heavier, and closer than tie proper

peeies.

There is reason to believe that this speeies ean be made to supply the
lame valuable place on the Pacific coast that the A. vulgaris docs at
:he East, 'it deserves trial. (Plate 100).

Deschampsia caespitosa (Hair Grass).

' This is an exceedingly varied species, having a wide distribution in
:his and other countries. It is somewhat rare east of the Mississippi,
jut on the elevated plains of the Rocky Mountains and in California
ind Oregon it is one of the common bunch grasses which afford pastur-
age to cattle and horses. At the East it is found in the hilly regions
3f New England and the Alleghanies. It grows in bunches, which are
[irmly rooted. The culms are 2 to 4 feet high. The root-leaves are
my numerous, long, and narrow. The panicle is very handsome, pre-
senting a purple and glossy hue, and a loose, graceful appearance. Its
3ulms are too light for hay-making, but the abundant root leaves may

108

make it valuable for pasturage, especially in the arid districts. (Plate

101.)

Chloris alba.

An annual grass, growing in tufts, 2 to 2£ feet high, smooth, the culms brauching
and bent at the lower joints; the leaves are numerous and rather broad, the uppei
sheaths dilated and at first inclosing the flower spikes, which are in a close cluster,
eight to fifteen in number and 2 to 3 inches long. The flowers are sessile and
crowded in two rows on one side of the spikes. It is a common grass in the arid dis
tricts of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. It furnishes a large amount of foliage
and may prove useful in localities to which it is adapted. (Plate 108.)

Diplachne dubia.

A perennial grass of vigorous growth, growing 3 or 4 feet high, the culms rathe:
stout and erect, with an abundance of foliage, the leaves being quite long and nar
row. The panicle is from 6 to 12 inches long, consisting of from 10 to 20 narrow
spreading spikes, each 4 to 6 inches long, mostly scattered on the axis, or tw<
or three together. The spikelets are three to five-flowered, the empty glumes linear
lanceolate and acute. The flowering glumes are oblong, obtuse, two-lobed, and smootl
except on the margins.

Its principal range is in the Southwest, from Texas to Arizona. I
is a promising grass, and should receive the attention of agriculturists
(Plate 109.)

Melica.

Spikelets two to many-flowered; the flowers usually convolute around each other
the upper one small and imperfect; the empty glumes are membranaceous and awn
less, the lower one three to five-nerved, the upper five to nine-nerved, the lateral nerve
not reaching to the apex. The flowering glumes are of thicker texture, becoinin:
coriaceous, scarious near the apex, mostly rounded on the back, five to nine-nerved
the lateral nerves not reaching the. apex, the central one sometimes ending in a shor
point or even in a long awn; the palets shorter than their glumes, two-keeled and cil
iate on the keels. Of this genus we have ten or twelve species.

Melica diffusa.

A perennial species, growing in rocky woods or ravines throughout the Rocky Mourn
ains in Colorado and New Mexico. It grows in loose tufts, the culms about 2 feet higl
the lower leaves aud sheaths soft hairy, the upper leaves narrow, 3 to 4 inches Ion
and pointed. The panicle is (5 or 8 inches long, open, with rather few (6-8) branches
3 to 4 inches long, rather distant from each other, and somewhat spreading; th
spikelets are large, 4 to 6 lines long, and three to live-flowered, the upper flower in
perfect. The empty glumes are quite unequal and much shorter than the spikeleti
The flowering glumes are many-nerved below, with a broad scarious margin abov<
The palets are narrower and shorten- than the flowering glumes and fringed on tl;
keel.

Tli is grass is relished by cattle, but as its preference is for shade
places it may not be adapted for general culture. (Plate 110.)

Melica bulbosa. __

This species is distinguished by its large bulbous tools, or, more properly, bytl
bulb-like enlargement of the base of the stem. It grows 2 to 3 feet high, the leav<
narrow, scabrous, and becoming involute. The pauicle is narrow, from A to f> inoh<
long, with short a p pressed bra indies. The spikelets are about hall' an inch long, wil
five to seven perfect flowers; the empty glumes are three to four lines long, or near]

109

n long as the dowering glumes, which are oblong-lanceolate, Beveu uerveri, and ol>-
use or notched at 1 he apex,

This species grows in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Mon-
ana, Utah, and Colorado. (Plate ill.)

ffelica imperfecta.

This is one of the commonest grasses throughout California, particularly in the
Btitliern portion. There are several varieties, which differ considerably in size and
oneral appearance. The culms arc from 1 to 3 feet high, rather slender and wiry,
he leaves rather numerous and narrow. The panicle varies from (5 to 12 inches in
ingth, sometimes narrow, but usually spreading, with rather long and distant
tranches, which are whorled about in threes of unequal length and numerously
lowered. The spikelets have one or two perfect flowers, with a short, club-shaped,
niperfect one. The empty glumes are shorter than the flowers and three to five-
lerved, the dowering glume about seven-nerved, usually purplish and acute. It is
tot bulbiferous.

The larger forms of this grass certainly deserve trial for culture in
California. (Plate 112.*

Uniola.

This genus has closely many-flowered spikelets, usually large, very tlat, and two-
iged, one or more of the lower flowers consisting only of an empty glume; the
mpty glumes are closely folded together, keeled, rigid, or coriaceous; the flowering
nes are of similar texture, but larger, many-nerved, usually acute and entire, the
ialet rigid, with the keels narrowly winged.

Jniola latifolia (Broad Leaved Uniola ; Large-flowered Oat Grass).

This is a haudsome grass, growing 2 to 3 feet high, with very broad
eaves and a large spreading panicle. The drooping spikelets are larger
ban those of any other North American grass, being an inch or more
ong and half as wide, consisting of ten or twelve flowers.

It grows from Pennsylvania to Kansas and southward.

Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala., says of this grass:

A tine vernal grass with a rich foliage, blooming early in May ; frequently in damp,
andy loam, forming large tufts. This perennial grass is certainly valuable, affording
m abundant range early iu the season ; if cultivated it would yield large crops ready
or cutting from the 1st of May. It is called by some wild fescue or oat grass. 1 am
lot able to judge of its value as a pasture grass.

(Plate 113.)

3-lyceria Canadensis (Rattlesnake Grass ; Tall Quaking Grass).

Of this genus two species have been already described. This species belongs to the
lorthern portion of the United States, usually found in mountainous districts, in
waiups, and river-borders, growing in large tufts. The culms are stout, about 3
eet high, smooth and leafy. The leaves are 6 to i) inches long, |.be lower ones often
wice as long and quite broad. The panicle is large and diffuse, ti to i» inches Long,
he branches long, slender, and drooping. The branches are more or less whorled,
nostly in threes, the largest 3 to 4 inches long, and often subdivided. The spikelets
ire oblong or ovate, rather turgid, usually six to eight-flowered.

This is quite an ornamental grass. Cattle are fond of it, both green
uul when made into hay. It is well adapted to low meadows and yields
i large quantity of foliage.

110

J Ion. J. S. Gould says:

I*is usually found at high elevations, in swampy land, and by the margin of streams
It is very apt to grow in clumps. It is one of the most beautiful of grasses, and h
exceedingly ornamental in grass boquets. It is abundant on the Catskill and White
Mountains, and on the Kaquette waters of the Adirondack^. Cattle eat it very avcI
in pasture and when made into hay.

(Plate 114.)

ITS' I ) E X

Page.

Agropyrum glaucum 7,75

Agropyruni repens 7, 75

Agropyrum teneram 76

Agrostis alba 46

Agrostis canina 47

Agrostis exarata 47

Agrostis exarata var. Pacifica 107

A grostis stolonifera 46

Agrostis vulgaris 46

Alfalfa 84

A 1 filaria 102

Alkaline grass 61

Alopecurus geniculates 40

Alopocurus geniculatus, var. aristulatus 40

Alopecurus occidentals 41

Alopecurus pratensis 40

Anmiophila arundiuacea 43

Andropogon furcatus 7,35

Andropogon Hallii 35

Andropogon macrour us 35

.1 ndrupogan provincialis 35

Andropogon scoparius 7, 35

Andropogon Virginicns 35

Anthoxanthum odoratuiu 40

Aristida purpurea 41

Arrhenathoruru avenaeeuin 52

Arrow grass 42

Arundo donax 60

Aruudinaria tecta. . 78

Austin grass 25

Avena fatua 52

Barley, wild 76

Barnyard glass 27

Beach grass 48

Bee km an uia erucaefonuis 24

Bell-fountain 103

Kent grass 46

Bent grass, Rhode Island 47

Bermuda grass 54

Blanket grass 23

Blue grass, Kentucky 66

Blue grass, Texas 64

Blue grass, English 65

Blu< joint 48,75

Blue stem 35, 75

Bouteloua oligostachya 7, 57

Bouteloua racemosa 7, 57

'Srizopyrum spicatum 62

Bromus ciliatus 74

Bromus Sehraderi 74

Bromus secalinus 73

Bromus unioioides 73

Bromus Willdenovii 74

Broom corn 37

Page

Broom grass, heavy-topped 35

Broom sedge 35

Buchloe dactyloidca 7 59

Buffalo grass 25, 57,58

Bunch grass 0, 35,42, 72, 107

Bur clover 02

Cactus 08

Calamagrostis Aleutica 7

Calamagrostis Canadensis 7,48

Calamagrostis longifolia 7, 49

Calamagrostis neglecta 7

Calamagrostis sylvatica 7, 4!)

Canary grass, reed 38

Canary grass, southern reed '■'•[)

Canary grass, Stewart's 30

Cane, small 78

Cane, switch 78

Ceratochloa unioioides 71

Cheat 73

Chess 73

Chloris alba 108

Chrysopogon nutans 7,30

China arundinacoa. 47

China pendula 47

Clover, Alsike SL

Clover, Brazilian 81

Clover, bur BJ

Clover, Chilian. 81

Clover, Dutch 82

Clover, Florida 103

Clover, French 82,84

(.'lover. Japan 95

Clover, mammoth 80

Clover, Mexican 1(3

Clover, pin 103

Clover, red 70

Clover, running buffalo 83

Clover, Spanish 103

Clover, white 82

Cord grass 56

Coi n, broom 37

Couch grass 75

Crab mass

Crowfoot 62

Cuba grass 36

Cut grass 34

Cy notion Dactylon 51

Dactylia glom< rata 62

Dactyloctenium .Egy ptiaeum 58

Darnel, poison 75

Deschampsia caespitosa 6, 107

Desmodium molli M

Desraodium tortuosum 04

Devil's knitting needles 42

111

112

Page

Deyeuxia Canadensis 48

Dtyeuxia syloatica „•„ 49

Diplachuu dubia 108

Distichlie maritinia 7,61

Dourra 37

Egypt ian grass 36

Eleusine .Egyptiaca 58

Eleusine Indica 58

Elymus Canadensis 77

Elymus condonsatus 77

Elymus triticoides 77

Elymus Virginicus 77

Eragrostis Abyssinica 61

Eragrostis major 61

Erodium cicutarium 102

Esparsette 83

Euchheua luxurians 30

Eurotia lanata 101

Evergreen grass 52

False rice 34

Fescue, meadow 71

Fescue, sheep's 72

Fescue, tall 71

Festuca clatior 71

Festuca ovina 7, 72

festuca pratensis 71

Festuca scabrella 7, 72

Festuca unioloides 74

Filaree 102

Finetop 46

Fioriu 46

Fowl meadow grass 67

Foxtail, meadow 40

Foxtail, Rooky Mountain 41

Foxtail, water 40

G-ama grass 30

Gietta grass 34

Gilbert's relief grass. 39

Glyceria arundinacea 69

Glyceria Canadensis 109

Glyceria fluitana 70

Glyceria nervata 70

Goose grass 25

Grama, black 34

Grama grass 6, 57

Green Valley grass 36

Guinea grass, Alabama 36

Guinea grass, true 25

Hair grass 107

Herd's grass (of New England and New

York) 44

Herd's grass (of Pennsylvania) 46

Hilaria Jamesii 34

Helens Ian at us 50

Hordeumjubatum 76

Hordenm mnrinum 76

Bordeura pratense 77

Eungarian grass 29

Indian rice 33

Johnson grass 36

June grass 66

Kcelcria cristata 6 60

Leersia hoxandra 34

Leersia oryzoides 34

Lcersia Virginica 34

Page.

Lespedeza striata 95

Lolium perenne

Lolium temulentum 75

Louisiana grass 23

Lucerne 84

Lyme grass 77

Manna grass, floating 70

Marsh grass 56

Meadow grass, fowl 67

Meadow grass, nerved 70

Meadow grass, reed 69

Meadow grass, rough stalked .... 08

Meadow grass, tall . w 69

Meadow oat grass 52

Mean's grass 36

Medicago deuticulata 92

Medicago maculata 93

Medicago sativa. ... 84

Medick 84

Melica bulbosa. 108

Melica diffusa k 108

Melica imperfecta 103

Mesquite 6,57

Milium eftusuin 43

Millet, Arabian evergreen 36

Millet, Australian 36

Millet, cattail. 30

Millet, Egyptian 30

Millet, evergreen 36

Millet, German 29

Millet, Morocco 36

Millet, pearl 30

Millet, Texas ". 25

Millet grass 27

Millo maize 37

Millo maize, red 38

Muhlenbergia eomata 106

Muhlenbergia diffusa 43

Muhlenbergia glome rata --. 43

Muhlenbergia Mexicaua 43

Muhlenbergia, spiked 43

Muhlenbergia s\ lvatiea 41

Muuroa squarrosa ... 7

Nimble Will 43

Oat grass, large (lowered 109

Oat grass, meadow 52

Oat grass, tall 52

Oats, wild 30, 52

Onobrycbis sativa ^3

Opuntia Engelmanni 08

Opuntia vulgaris 98

Orchard grass 6 J

Oryzopsis cuspidata <;. 42

Panic grass, two-odgod 2S

Panic grass, t.i II 21

I'anieuin agio. ! 'ides 28

Panicum anccps 28

Panicum barbinode 26

I'anieuin Crus-galli 27

Panicum gibbum 10|

Panicum jumentorum 28

I'anieuin inaxi in 11111 25

Panicum miliaceum 27

I'anieuin proliferuin, var. geniculatum. 26

Panicum, redtop ....--- 28

113

Pago
PanlODIQ sail' ui mile

l':uiii inn Texanum 25

I *i» 1 1 : «.- • 1 1 1 • virgatum 28

Para grass 2d

Parsley, water 103

Paspalum dilatatum 22

Paspalum distichum 24

Paspalum, hairy-flowered 22

1 'us/ hi htm a rat a in 22

Paspalum platycaulo 23

Penicillaria spicata 30

I'lMiiii.Mcluin spicatum 30

Phalaris aruudinacea 38

1M i a la ris intermedia 39

Phalaris intermedia, var. angusta... 39

Phleuin pratense 1 44

Pigeon grass 30

Pigeon weed 103

Pin clover 102

Pin grass 102

Pragmites communis 00

Poa andina 09

Poa arachnifera 64

Poa compressa 05

Poa pratensis GG

Poa sorotina 0"

Poa tenuifolia 68

Poa trivialis GS

Poa trivialis, var. occid en talis ('.!)

Poor too 103

Porcupine grass. 42

Prickly pear . 98

Quack grass 75

Quaking grans, tall 109

Randall grass 71

Rattlesnake grass 109

■ted millo mai/.e 38

Redtop 4G

Redtop, Pacific coast 1 7

Redtop Panicum 28

peed grass 50

fteori grass, giant GO

Reed grass, small 48

Reed grass, wood 47

Relief grass, Gilbert's. 39

Rescue mass 73

Rice false 34

Bice, Indian 33

Rice, wild 33

Richard son i a scabra 103

River grass 25

Rye giass 77

Rye grass, giant 77

Rye grass, Italian 74

Rye grass, wild 77

Rye, wild 77

Saccatoo 42

Sage, white 101

Sainfoin 83

Salt grass 50, 61, 107

Sand grass 48

Sarcobatus vermiculatus 101

Bchrader's grass 73

Betaria glauca 30

3594 gr 3

Betaria Italics 29

Betaria viridis

Slough grass 21

Sin at grass 15

Soft grass

Sorghum halepense

Sorghum, Bugar 37

Sorghum vulga re 37

Spartina cynosuroides 50

Spartinajuncea 56

Spear grass GG

Sporo bolus airoides 107

Sporobolus cry i) t ami ru s 45

SporoboJus hoterolepis 107

Sporobolus Indicus 15

Sprouting crab grass 86

Squirrel-tail grass 76

Stipa aveuacea 41

Stipa coniata 6, 41

Stipa pennata 42

Stipa setigera 0

Stipa apartea 6, 41. 42

Stipa viridula 0, 4 1

Storksbill 102

Sweet vernal grass 39

Switch cane 78

Switch grass 28

Teff.. .-....*. Gl

Teosinte 31

Terrell grass 77

Timothy 44

Timothy, California 39

Trefoil, Spanish 84

Tri folium hybridum 81

Trifolium incarnatum 82

Tri folium medium 80

Trifolium pratense 79

Trifolium repens 82

Trifolium stoloniferum 82

Triodia acuminata 59

Triodia sesleroides 59

Triodia strieta 59

Triodia Texana 59

Tripsaeum dactyloides 30

Tri set um pal us ire. 51

Trisetum subspicatum 51

Uniola, broad leaved 109

Omolii latifolia 109

Velvel grass

Velvet mesquite 50

Vernal grass, sweet 40

Water parsley 103

White grass 34

White grass, small-flowered 34

White sag i 101

Wild barley 76

Wild oats 36,52

Wild rice 33

Wild rye 77

Wire grass 35, 107

Wood reed grass 47

Yard grass 58

Zacate 34

Zizanica aquatica 33

NOTE.

It has been thought well to attach to the foregoing, in the form of an
tppendix, a report of Mr. Clifford Richardson, formerly Assistant
Jhemist of the Department of Agriculture, on the Chemical Composi-
ion of American Grasses, from investigations made by him in the
aboratory of the Department of Agriculture, 1878-1882.

The appendix also includes, for the benefit of those readers who may

vish to familiarize the'mselves with them, a glossary of the botanical

erins used in describing grasses.

115

^PPJUNDIX.

THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

AMERICAN GRASSES

FROM

INVESTIGATIONS IN TITR LABORATORY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF

AGRICULTURE, 1878-1882,

CLIFFORD RICHARDSON,

FORMERLY ASSISTANT CHEMIST.

117

THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF AMERICAN GRASSES.

In submitting grasses to chemical analysis, with a view of judging of
their nutritive value, it is usual to determine the amount present of
water, ash, fat or oil, liber, and nitrogen. From the latter the amount of
albuminoids to which it is equivalent is readily calculated by multiply-
ing by a factor which represents the per cent, of nitrogen present in the
average albuminoid, and by substracting the sum of all these constitu-
ents from one hundred, the percentage of undetermined matter is ob-
tained, and as it of course contains no nitrogen, and consists of the ex-
tractive principles of the plant, it is described as " Nitrogen free extract."
It includes all the carbo-hydrates, such as sugar, starch, and gum, to-
gether with certain other allied substances, with which we are less in-
timately acquainted, but which have a certain nutritive value.

Although it has been customary to state as albuminoids the equiva-
lent of the nitrogen found, this is rarely entirely correct, as a portion is
generally present in a less highly elaborated form of a smaller nutritive
value. This portion is described as non-albuminoid nitrogen, and in
analyses of the present day the amount is always given as an additional
source of information, although our knowledge of its exact value to the
animal is rather uncertain.

The ultimate composition of the ash is also frequently determined,
and examples of the results obtained are of interest as showing the min-
eral matter that grasses withdraw from the soil.

Without entering into a discussion of the nutritive value of the several
constituents of the grasses, for which reference can be made to Armsby's
Manual of Cattle Feeding, it is sufficient to say that during the past few
years the greater portion of the species described by Dr. Vasey in the
preceding portion of this Bulletin have been analyzed, and the results
collected and re-arranged, with some corrections, from the annual reports
of the Department are presented in the following pages.

The first series consists of analyses made with specimens collected at
or near the time of blooming. Their origin is as follows:

No. of anal.

1. Paspahim leave (Water Grass). From Prof. S. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex. 1878.

2. Paspahim lowe (Water Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, Wed

Grove, Chester Comity, Pa. 1880, August 23-29.

3. Paspahim dilatatum. From S. L. Goortale, Saco, Me. 1880.

4. Paspahim nraecor. From Charles Mohr. Mobile. Ala. 1879.

119

120

No. of nnal.

5. Panicum jiliforme. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878.

6. Panicum sanguinale (Crab Grass). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878.

7. Panicum sanguinale (Crab Grass). From tbo grounds of the Department. June

23, 1880.

8. Panicum sanguinale (Crab Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West

Grove, Chester County, Pa. August 11, 1880.

9. Panicum maximum. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878.

10. Panicum Peranum (Texas Millet). From Prof. S. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex. 1870.

11. Panicum proliferum (Large Crab Grass). " Very ripe and rank." From Charles

Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879.

12. Panicum agrostoides (Marsh Panic). From W. S. Robertson, Muscogeo, Ind. T.

1879.

13. Panicum anccps. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879.

14. Panicum anceps. From the Eastern Experiment Farm, West Grove, Chester

County, Pa. July 31, 1880.

15. Panicum Crus-galli (Barnyard Grass). From Charles Mohr, Mobile. Ala. 1879.

16. Panicum Crus-galli (Barnyard Grass). From Prof. S. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex.

17. Panicum Crus-galli (Cock'sfoot). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West

Grove, Chester County, Pa. August 25, 1880.

18. Panicum virgatum (Panic Grass). From W. S. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T. 1879.

Low growth.

19. Panicum virgatum (Tall Panic or Switch Grass). From Prof. S. B. Buckley, Aus-

tin, Tex. 1878.

20. Panicum virgatum (Tall Panic or Switch Grass). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala.

1878.

21. Panicum virgatum (Tall Panic or Switch Grass). From W. S. Robertson, Musco-

gee, Ind. T. 1879. Tall growth.

22. Panicum divarication. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879.

23. Panicum gibbion. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879.

24. Panicum obtusum. From Prof. S. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex. 1878.

2f>. Panic urn capillare (Witch Grass). From W, S. Robertson, Muscogeo, Ind. T. 1879.
20. Panicum dichotomum. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879.

27. Setaria Italica. From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West Grove, Chester

County, Pa. July 24, 1880.

28. Setaria glauca (Fox-tail). From the grounds of the Department. July 24, 1880.

29. Setaria glauca (Fox-tail). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West Grove,

Chester County, Pa. August 11, 1880.

30. Setaria set am (Bristle Grass). From Prof. S. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex. 1878.

31. Tripsacum da clgl aides (Gama Grass). From D. L. Fhares, Woodville, Miss. 1878.

32. Tripsacum dactyloidcs (Gama Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West

Grove, Chester County, Pa. 1880.

33. Sparlina cynosuroides (Whip Grass). From A. C. Lathrop, Glen wood, Pope County.

Minnesota. 1879.

34. Sparlina ri/nosnroides (Whip Grass). From J. D. Waldo, Quincy, 111. 1879.

35. Sparlina cynosumidc.s (Whip Grass). From W. S. Robertson, Muscogeo, Ind. T.

1 879.
3(5. Andropogon Virginicus (Brown Sedge, Sedge Grass). From Prof. S.B.Buckley,
Austin, Tex. 1878.

37. Andropogon 8COpariu8. From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879. Before bloom.

38. Andropogon scoparius (Broom Grass). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878.

3'.). Andropogon scoparius. From W. S. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T. 1879.

40. Andropogon macrourus (Broom Grass). From (Jinnies Mohr, Mobile, Ala.

41. Andropogon furcatus (due joint Grass). From A. C. Lathrop, Glenwood, Pope

County, Minn. 1879.

121

No of anal

42. Andropogon furcatua (Bluo joint). From D. IT. Wheeler, Nebraska. 1879.

Y.\. Andropogon furcatua ( Bine joint). From \Y. s. Robertson, &fnscogee, hid. T. 1879.

44. Andropogon furcatua (Blue joint Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm,

West Grove, Chester County, Pa. September 2, 1880.
ir>. Andropogon argenteua (Silver Beard Grass). From \Y. 8. Robertson, Muscogee,

Ind. T. 1880.
46. Sort/hum halepense (Johnson Grass). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878.
<17. Sorghum nutans. From W. S. Robertson, Muscogee, [nd. T. 1879.

48. Sorghum nutana (Wood Grass). From Prof. 6. 1>. Qnekley, Austin Tex. \-7~.

49. Phalaris intermedia, var. nngusta (American Canary Grass). From South Caro-

lina, 1879.

50. Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass). From James O. Adams, Blanches

ter, N. H. 1879.

51. Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass). From the Eastern Experimental

Farm, West Grove, Chester County, Pa. May 11-24, 1880.

52. Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass). From the grounds of the Depart-

ment. May 1, 1880.

53. ffierochloa borealis (Vanilla Grass). From E.Hall, Athens, 111. 1878.

54. Alopecwrua pratensia (Meadow Fox-tail). From the grounds ofthe Department.

May 1, 1880.

55. Ariatida purpuraacena (Purple Beard Grass). From W. S. Robertson, Muscogee,

Ind. T.
50. Milium effuaum. From C. G. Pringlo, Hazen's Notch, Vt. 1880.

57. Muhlenbergia diffusa (Dropseed Grass). From Prof. S. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex.

1878.

58. Muhlenbergia diffusa {Dropseed Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm,

West Grove, Chester Grove, Pa. Aug. 25, 1880.

59. Muhlenbergia Mexicana. From Eastern Experiment Farm, West Grove, Chester

County, Pa. August 22, 1880.

00. Muhlenbergia ylomerata (Satin Grass). From A. C. Lathrop, Glenwood, Pope

County, Minn. 1879.

01. Muhlenbergia sp.? ( Knot Grass). From James O. Adams, Manchester, N. IT. 1879.
0'2. Phleum pratenae (Timothy, Herd's Grass). From the grounds ofthe Department.

June, 18, 1880.
03, Phleum pratenae (Timothy). From the grounds of the Department. Wayside

growth. June 4, 1880.
01. Phleum pratense (Timothy). From the grounds of the Department. June 20

1882. First year's growth from seed.
05. Phleum pratenae (Timothy). From the Eastern Experimental Farm. West Grove,

Chester County, Pa. June 20, L880.
00. Phleum pratense (Timothy, Herd's Grass). From J. W. Sanborn, Hanover, \. [{.

L881.
07. Phleum pratenae (Timothy). From W. H. Hackstaff, La Fayette, Ind. 1882.
68. Phleum pratense (Timothy). From J. M. Robinson, Queen Anne County, Md.

July 4, 1882. Unmanured for years.
09. Sporobolua Indicua (Sweet Grass). From D. L. Pbares, Woodvijle, Miss. 1-:-.

70. Agrostia vulgaria (Redtop, Herd's Grass). From the grounds of the Department

June 23, 1880.

71. Agroatis vulgaria (Redtop). From the grounds of tin1 Department. Wayside

growth. June 18, 1880.

72. Agrostia vulgaria (Herd's Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West

Grove, Chester County, Pa.
7',?. Agrosiis vulgaris (Redtop), From J. J. Rosa, MTlford, Del.
74. Agi'oatia exarata (Native Redtop). From Theo. Louis, Louisville, Wis. 1878.

122

No. of anal.

75. Cinna arundinacea (Reed Grass). From W S. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T.
70. IIolcus lanatus (Velvet Grass). From the grounds of the Department. May 25,
1880.

77. Arena striata (Mountain Oat Grass). From Cyrus G. Pringle, Charlotte, Vt,

1879.

78. Arrhenatherum avenaceum (Oat Grass). From the grounds of the Department.

May 25, 1880.

79. Arrhenatherum avenaceum (Oat Grass). From Dr. W. C. Benbow, Greensborough,

N. C. Late bloom. May 12, 1880.

80. Danthonia spicata (Wild Oat Grass). From James O. Adams, Manchester, N.

1 1. 1879.

81. Danthonia compressa (Wild Oat Grass). From Cyrus G. Pringle, Charlotte, Vt.

1847.

82. Cunodon Dactylon (Bermuda Grass) From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878.

83. Cynodon Dactylon (Bermuda Grass.) From D. L. Phar.es, Woodville, Miss. 1878.

84. Bouteloua oligostachya (Gramma Grass). From A. C. Lathrop, Glenwood, Pope

County, Minn., 1879.

85. Eleusine Indica (Yard Grass, Crowfoot Grass). From Prof. S. B. Buckley, Austin,

Tex.
8G. Eleusine Indica (Yard Grass, etc.). From Dr. W. A. Cresswell, Americus, Ga.
1878.

87. Eleusine Indica (Yard Grass, etc.). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1878.

88. Leptocheoa mucronata (Feather Grass). From Prof. S. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex.

1878.

89. Triodia purpurea (Sand Grass). From W. S. Robertson, Muscogee, Iud. T. 1879.

90. Triodia seslerioides (Tall Redtop). From Prof. S. B. Buckley, Austin, Tex.

1878.

91. Uniola lalifolia (Fescue Grass). From Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala. 1879.

92. Uniola latifolia (Fescue Grass). From M. S. Robertson, Muscogee, Ind. T. 1879-
9'.j. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass). From James O. Adams, Manchester, N. H.

1879.

94. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass). From the grounds of the Department, May

13, 1880. First growth.

95. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass). From the grounds of the Department, June

18, 1880. Later growth.
90. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West,
Grove, Chester County, Pa. 1880.

97. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass). From W. H. Cheek, Warren County, N. C.

Early bloom. May 16, 1880.

98. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass). From Dr. W. C. Benbow, Greensborough,

N. C. 1880. Early bloom, May 12.

99. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass). From S. L. Goodale, Saco, Mo. 1880.

100. Poapratensis (Blue Grass, June Grass). From Theo. Louis, Louisville, Wis.

1878.

101. roa pratensis (Blue Grass, etc.) From James O. Adams, Manchester, N. Efi

1879.

102. roa pratensis (Blue Grass, etc.). From the grounds of the Department. May 2ft

L880. Growth from best soil.

103. Poapratensis ( Blue Grass, etc.)- From the grounds of the Department. May 1

1880. Growth from poorer soil.

104. Poa pratensis (Blue Grass, etc.). From the grounds of the Department. May 19,

1880. Growth by wayside.

105. Poapratensis (Blue Grass, etc.) From J. D. Waldo, Quincy, 111. May 17, 1880.

100. Poa pratensis (Bine Grass, etc.). From W. B. Cheek, Warren County, N. C

1880. Before bloom.

12.°.

No. of mini.

107. Poa pratensis (Blue Grass, etc.). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, Weal

Grove, Chester County, Pa. 1880.

108. Poa compre88a (Eoglisfa nine Grass, Wire Grass). From James 0. Adams, Man

Chester, N. IT. 1879.

109. Poa compre88a (English Bine Grass). From the grounds of the Department.

J inio 17, 1880. .

110. Poa compre88a (English Blue Grass). From the Eastern Experimental Farm,

West Grove, Chester County, Pa. Juno 10, 1880.

111. Poa compreasa (English Blue Grass). From J. J. Rosa, Milford, Del. Juno 6,

1880.

112. Poa serotiua (Fowl Meadow Grass, False Red top). FromTheo. Louis, Louisville,

Wis. 1878.

113. Poa arachnifera. From Ellis County, Tex. 1882.

1 1.4. Poa ahodes. From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West Grove, Chester, County,
Pa. Juno 2, 1880.

115. Glyeeria aquatica (Reed Meadow Grass). From Cyrus G. Pringle, Charlotte, Vt.

1879.

116. Glyeeria nervata (Fowl Meadow Grass). From Cyrus G. Pringle, Charlotte, Vt.

1879.

117. Glyeeria nervata (Fowl Meadow Grass). From James O. Adams, Manchester,

N. II. 1879.

118. Glycerin nervata (Fowl Meadow Grass). From tho Eastern Experimental Farm,

West Grove, Chester County, Pa. Juno 2, 1880.

119. Festuca ovina (Sheep's Fescue). From James O. Adams, Manchester, N. H

1879.

120. Festuca ovina (Sheep's Fescue). From tho grounds of the Department. May 21

1880.

121. Festuca elatior (Meadow Fescue). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West

Grove, Chester County, Pa. June 2, 1880.

122. Festuca pratensis (Meadow Fescue). From James O. Adams, Manchester, N. II

1879.

123. Festuca pratensis (Field Fescue). From the grounds of tho Department. June

1, 1880. After bloom.

124. Prom us secalinus (Cheat, Chess). From James O. Adams, Manchester, N. II

1879.
12.r>. Promus unioloides (Schrader's Grass). From the grounds of the Department.

1879.

126. Promus unioloides (Schrader's Grass). From the grounds of tho Department.

May 13, 1880.

127. Promus erectus (Chess). From the grounds of the Department. May 19, 1880.

128. Promus carinatus (California Brown-grass). FromE. Hall, Athens, 111. 1878.

129. Lolium perenne (Common Darnel, Ray, or Rye Grass). From the grounds of tho

Department. June 1, 1880.

130. Lolium perenne (Rye Grass, etc.). From the Eastern Experimental Farm, West

Grove, Chester County, Pa.

131. Lolium Ltalicum (Italian Rye Grass). From tho grounds of the Department

May 26, 1882.

132. Agropyrum repens (Couch, Quitch, or Quack Grass). From James O. Adams.

Manchester, N. H. 1879.

133. Agropyrum repens (Couch Grass, etc.). From the Eastern Experimental Farm,

West Grove", Chester County. Pa.

134. Agropyrum repens (Couch Grass). From S. L. Goodale, Saoo, Me. 1880.

135. Agropyrum repens (Couch Grass, etc.). From the grounds of the Department.

June 23, 1880. Early bloom.

136. Elymus canadensis (Wild Rye Grass). From I). II. Wheeler, Nebraska. 1879

124

The specimens, it will he seen, are from all parts of the country and
grown under every condition of soil and environment. Those collected
by Dr. Peter Collier in 1878 and 1879 were mostly from the poorer
soils, and were intended to represent the wild grasses of the country.
Those collected in subsequent years by myself were chiefly cultivated
varieties. The development in nearly every case was full bloom or
shortly after, that being the period at which the grasses as a whole
seem to be cut for hay.

The analyses have been calculated for u dry substance," and also for
"fresh grass," where the amount of water in the fresh grass hac^been
determined ; otherwise, for the average amount of water in hay as given
by Wolff. This figure is probably too high for the United States, owing
to our drier climate; but, in the absence of exact data for the selection
of a more accurate one, it has been provisionally accepted. It is very
easy to calculate from the composition of the dry substance what effect
the presence of any percentage of water would have on the absolute
amount of any constituent present in a given weight of grass.

125

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129

The great variation in composition of grasses becomes apparent on ex.
amining the one hundred and thirty -six analyses ■ and by selecting the
Ugliest and lowest determinations the following table of extremes has
been prepared :

Limits of composition of grassed.

Dry substance.

Lowest.

Ash

Fat

Nitrogen-free extract

Crude fiber

Albuminoids

Nitrogen

Non albuminoid nitrogen

Per cent, of nitrogen as non-albuminoid
Water in 1'resb grass

.45

.00

60.00

The highest ash is undoubtedly owing to the presence of adherent
soil, aud the lowest carbo-hydrates are dependent relatively on the
same cause. The wide variations in fiber and albuminoids must be re-
garded, however, as being entirely due to physiological causes, which
are difficult to explain. Panicum sanguinale, for instance, which in one
specimen contains the extreme amount of albuminoids and a small
amount of fiber has in another only half as much albumen and one and
three quarter times as much fiber. We learn, then, that species are not
in themselves at all fixed in their composition, there being as large vari-
ations among specimens of the same as between specimens of different
species. Examples may be found in several portions of the preceding
tables, and, for illustration, several analyses of Phleum pratense and of
Dactylis glomerata from widely separated localities are given in the
following tables :

Analyses of Phleum pratense (Timothy) from various localities.

FULL BLOOM.

Locality.

Department garden, 1881
Department garden, 18s0

Man land

New Hampsbire

Indiana

'o .

a n

•- -

k ®

e
u

= gt

a cs

CGI

-w

- -

o**»

rjj —

e
u

7. 10

4.47

50.03

27. 35

10.00

1.75

.51

5.0!

3. 58

5& 93

21. 93

9.90

l . 58

.38

4. in

4. 22

52. 83

30. 13

7. 13

1.23

.15

4. 57

4. 20

57. 16

28. 28

5, 71.

.it;

.10

7.05

2.18

52. 99

32. 20

5. 52

.00

O - -

r Z 5

z =■ -

29. 1

L'1.0

1 "J. i

Hi 8

3594 GK 9

130

Analyses of Dactylis glomcrata (Orchard <jr ass) from various localities

FULL BLCOM.

£*3

° a ^

•9d

cc-o

Locality.

a. +->

O
H

+-»

"cS

^ £ a

jas

-1

9.91
9. 53

8.74
8.62
8.56
8.41

Cl,

Norl li Carolina

7.42
8.07
8.02
6.00
6.33
8.44

3. 56
3.24
3.39
3. 62
2.66
3.49

56. 03

53. 70

54. 80

57. 34
54. 99
54.75

23. 08

25. 40

26. 05

24. 42
27.51
24.91

1.58
1.53
1.40
1.38
1.37
1.35

.30
.16
.36
.42
.51
.42

19 0

Diati ict of Columbia

10 5

Mai mi

25 7

30 4

Pennsylvania

37 2

Now Hampshire

30.9

AVERAGE.

Five localities.

7.38

3.33

55.17

25.19

8.91

1.43

25.2

The average composition of American grasses, as derived from tbe
preceding analyses of grasses in bloom, and averages for different sec-
tions of the country, has been calculated. The results presented in the
following table, with Wolff's averages for German grasses, are of inter-
est:

Average composition of grasses.

►»

ea a

o °

o a>

CD
BC

O
U

"6 •

a a

.M CD

a be

+J ** CO

° - °
a a

■ &

4-J

a «

bO*'

S-i

PS
+-»
O

« a

er cent,
nitroge
albutui

American :

United States

135

7.97

3.14

53.97

25.71

9.21

1.47

.45

30.6

North of Potomac

7.64

3.44

55.01

23. 70

10.21

1.63

.32

19.0

South

8.80

2. 74

52. 55

26. 68

9. 23

1.47

.56

38.1 ;

Middle West

7.12

2. 96

54. 58

25. 39

!). 95

1.60

.41

25. 0 .

8.23

2.86

52. 67

29.60

6.61

1.06

.41

38.7

German (Wolff):

Fair

6.30
7. 23

2.34

2. 92
3.29

46.53
47.84
48.93

34. 09
30. 09
25. 77

10.74
11.32
13.77

1.72
1.81
2.20

Good

Very good

8.24

The different sections furnish very different qualities of grasses, and
for the reason that those from the North were almost entirely from cul-
tivated soil, while those from the other sections were many or most of
them wild species from old sod. The improvement brought about by
cultivation is marked, and the difference between a ton of wild Western
and Eastern cultivated hay is apparent.

In comparison with German grasses our best do not equal in amount
of albuminoids those classed by Wolff as fair, but they are far superior
in having a much smaller percentage of liber and consequently a Jargci

amount of digestible carbo-hydrates* In the grasses of both eouutriea

the liber increases with regularity as the nitrogenous const il u tents
decrease, and of the latter the non albuminoid portion is relatively
great the poorer the quality of the grass.

C1IAN(JMS IN COMPOSITION DUBING GROWTH.

In addition to the single analysis previously tabulated, analyses
pave been made of series illustrating the changes in composition of
several species from the appearance of the blade to the maturity of the
seed.

The grasses examined comprise :

I. Agro8t%8 vulgaris. (Redtop.)

A series from richer soil.

A series from poorer soil.
II. Phleum praiense. (Timothy.)

A series from richer soil.

A series from poorer soil.

A series of first year's growth from seed sown in garden soil.

A series from La Fayette, Ind.

A series from Hanover, N. H., the two latter from rather poor soil.
III. Dactylis glomerata. (Orchard Grass.)

A series from the first growth.

A series from later growth.
IV. Alopecurus pratensis. (Meadow Fox tail.)

A series from good sod.
V. Poa pratenses. (Bine Grass, Meadow Grass.)

A series from good soil.

A series from poorer soil.

A series from the wayside.

A series from Quincy, 111.
VI. Poa compressa. (Wire Grass.

A series from poor soil.
VII. Bromus unioloides. (Sehrader's Grass.)

A series from rich, garden soil.
VIII. Bromus credits. (Broom Grass.)

A series from poor soil.
IX. Holcus lanatus. (Satin Grass.)

A series from poor soil.
X. Arrhenatherum avenaceum.

A series from medium soil.
XI. Setaria glauca.

A series from medium soil.
XII. Anthoxanthum odoraium. (Sweet Vernal Grass.)

A scries from medium soil.

XIII. Fcsluca ovina. (Sheep's Fescue.)

A scries from poor soil, growing in bunches.

XIV. Lolmm perenne var. Italicum. (Italian Rye Grass.)

A scries from low, moist soil.

A series of first year's growth from the seed in garden soil.
XV. Lolium perenne. (Rye Grass, Darnel.)
A series from medium soil.

132

With a few exceptions the specimens were personally collected in the
grounds of the Department, and are to be so understood when nothing
else is said in their description. They all grew in the summer of 1880
except the few series illustrative of the first year's growth of certain
species. The character of the soils has been designated as rich or gar-
den soil, good soil, poorer soil, and wayside soil. The first is that of the
experimental garden of the Department, and is above the average rich-
ness of cultivated soils ; the second is that of the lawns about the De-
partment building, the third, a light gravelly soil, occurring in a portion
of the grounds, and the last the gutters aud paths.

The specimens were cut close to the roots, weighed and dried rapidly
in a current of air at 60° C. The methods of analysis were such as
have been described in previous reports.

133

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138

The preceding analyses furnish the data from which is derived tin
general conclusion that as a grass grows older its content of water
decreases, ash decreases, fat decreases, albuminoids decrease, carbo-
hydrates increase, crude fiber increases, non albuminoids decrease till
bloom or slightly after, when it is at its lowest, and then increases again
during the formation of the seed.

There are exceptions to these rules, but for the large majority of spe-
cies under ordinary conditions of environment they hold good.

There are almost no exceptions to the fact that the water decreases in
the maturer specimens; that is to say, the plant gradually dries up and
becomes less succulent. The ash is very dependent on locality and
surroundings, and as in the analyses which are here published it in-
cludes whatever soil there may be mechanically adherent to the blade
or stalk as collected, it sometimes shows irregularities from one period
to another.

The albuminoids decrease in amount with great regularity, the few
cases where an increase appears being due to the fact that the speci-
mens were probably grown under varying conditions.

The fiber sometimes decreases, as in Bromus erectus, but the change
in that direction is never large.

The non-albuminoid constituents, however, are often quite the reverse
of constant in their manner of appearance and disappearance, and show
themselves to be largely or more affected by environment than any other
constituent. In Agroslis vulgaris they continue to decrease after bloom,
and in Anthoxanthum odoratum and Festuca ovina they increase steadily
from early growth to maturity. The relative amount present in the
same species from different localities is extremely variable, as may be
seen in the analyses of Ph leum pratense, where specimens from Indiana
contain almost no non-albuminoid nitrogen, while those from the Dis.
trict of Columbia and elsewhere are well supplied. The specimens from
poorer soil having the smallest amount in some cases and the largest in
others, the fact can hardly be due directly and entirely to the lack of cul-
tivation, but as the averages show that the best grasses contain the least,
non albuminoids it is plain that it is dependent on the sources of nitro-
gen and the supply furnished the plant. The usual changes in the non-
albuminoids seem to point to the possibility that they increase at the
time of the formation of the seed in the act of transferring to the seed,
as amides, the nitrogen of the plant.

THE BEST FERIOl) OF GROWTH AT WHICH TO CUT FOR HAY.

Although largely a matter of opinion, it would seem from the forego
ing results that the time of bloom or very little later is the fittest fo)
cutting grasses to be cured as hay. The amount of water has dimiu
ished relatively, and there is a proportionately larger amount of nutri
ment in the material cut, and the weight of the latter will be at it
highest, point economically considered. Later on, the amount of fibc

139

becomes too prominent, ( he stalk grows bard, arid, indigestible, ;m<l tbe

albuminoids decrease, while the dry seeds are readily detached from
their glumes and lost with their store of nitrogen.

For different species, however, different times are undoubtedly suit-
able, and experience must be added to our chemical knowledge i<>
enable a rational decision to be arrived at.

THE COMPOSITION OF THE ASH.

The ash of many foreign varieties of grasses have been analyzed and
the results collected and published by Wolff. Of American growth the
ash of only a number of the wild grasses collected in 1878 have been
examined. The results are here given :

Ask analyses — Grasses.

Name.

Hierochloa bnrealis (Vanilla Grass)

Eleusine Tndica ( Wire Grass)

Eleusine Jndica (Wire Grass)

Eleusine Indira (Wire Grass)

Vniola latlfolia (Fescue Grass).

Vynodon Dactylon (Bermuda Grass) ...
Cynvtlon Dactylon (Bermuda Grass)....

Bporobolus Indicus (Smut Grass)

Andropogon Virginicus (Broom Grass) ..

A ndropogon scoparius

Poa pratqnsdi (Kentucky Blue Grass) ..
Poa serotina (Fowl Meadow Grass) . . .
bactyloctenium Egypt. (Egyptian Grass)

Panicum sanguinale (Crab Grass)

Pamcu in maximum (True Guinea Grass)

Panicum obtvsum ....'.

Panicum virgatum (Tall Panic Giass)

Panicum sp. '.

Panicum Texanum (Texas Millet

Panicum Grus-galli (Barnyard Grass) ..
Panicum filiforme (Slender Crab Grass)
Son/hum halepense (Johnson Grass) . . . .

Chrysopogon nutans (Indian Grass)

Muklenbergia diffusa ( Drop Seed)

Bromus unioloides (Schrader's Grass) .. .

aromus caHnatus (Broom Grass)

Agrostis exarata (Browntop)

Paxpalum Iceve (Water Grass)

Setaria setosa ( Bristly Fox-tail)

Leptochloa mucronata (Feather Grass) . .
Tripsacum dactlyloides (Gama Grass)...
Tricupis seslerioides (Tall Ret! top)

7.42
2. (i!)
9.68
9. 84
4.92
6.20
5.09
6.02
2. 97
1.33
9.88

10.80
8 37
6.40
4.37
5.18
;"). 50
4.37
8.48
4.27
6. 37

10.44
2.35
6.65
8.79
9. 29
8.01
6. 18

:;. 24
(i. 46
2.52
I. 58

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2.55
4. '-4
5. 79
8.55
2.62
9.37

11.31
4. 60
2.80

trace.
4.76
3.35
4.42
4.02
2.51
6.71
::. 56
5. 29

4. 63
3.69
4.84

2. 96
2.13

3. 39
5 61
3. 04
1.93

5. 64
3.51
3.31
3. 69
4.0i

42. 73

47. 56
24 61
16. 25

66. 87
30. 29
30.27
27. 36
58. 33
64. 62
30. 25
37. 10
34.17
30. 93
16.51

48. 60
51. 17
45. 10
34. 31
42.18
40. 36
22.21
61.56
39. 98

4.84
38. 33
31.63
44. 65
42. 59
55. 02
37. 84
37. 52

4.49
10.09
6.71
9.61
4.71
6.05
9.46
11.03
6.37

15. 65
6.30
3.80
6.76
6. 04
7.77
4.20
4.93
4.06
6. 55

11.48

12. 17
4. 58
6.11
8.21

16. 81
3. 30
3. 60
1.73
3.81
2. 89

13. OS
7.30

3.07

10.27

13.65

11.10

7.15

13. 44

7. 99

2.64

6.76

2. 12

4.81

6.70

20. 67

4.40

10. 18

5.91

7.87

7.39

7.23

4. 00
12.87

2.92
11.95
4.43
6.19
5.61
9 36
2. 31

5. 94
1.64
2. 32

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2. 54

4. 10
7. 38
5.57

3. 02

5. 00
2. 96

2. 66
1.83

.58

3. 23
2.92

6. 91
7.98

14 16
3. 13

3. 63
7.98
4.57

5. 52
5.18

6. 73
1.36

4. 39
4.64

2. 19

3. 84
5 26
1.56
2. 66
1.07

. 53

31.51

10. 27

24. 79

30. 98

5. 52

22. 99

22. 89
33. 53
13. 93

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33.81
31. 71
21.20
33. 56
35. 93

21. 65
18.76

22. 53
27.95
13.26
12.98
35. 72

16. 84

1 7. 32

37. 20
31.61
38.41
25. 4 1
39. 33
20. 21
29. 06

38. 49

I 51
0. 52
7.39
4 55

5. 10

6. 66
9.61

12. 16
7.01

15.70
6. 95
2. 79
7.50
6.67
8.57
4.62
3.36
1.54
4.54

12. 00

13.41
3.68
6. 74
6.78

16. 38

3." 97

1.81
6. 30
8. 13

2. 17

'.'on
1.18

§
a

—
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BO

.25
1 26

3.55

.42

1.22

1.74

1.58

.37

'.'81

1.33

1.27
2. 98

1.12

2.47

.80

4.77

CONCLUSION.

The work which lias been collected in the previous pages extended
over several years, from 1878 to 1883. It was inaugurated by Dr. Peter
Collier, as chemist to this Department, and the laboratory work for (he
first year was in the hands of Mr. Henry P». Parsons, Mr. Charles Wel-
lington, and myself. The remainder of the work has been under my
own supervision, and has been almost entirely carried out by Mr. Miles
Fuller and myself. ]t is hoped that the collection and re-arrangement
of the results will give them an increased value.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN DESCRIBING GRASSES.

Abrupt. Terminating suddenly.

Acuminate. Extended into a tapering point.

Acute. Sharp-pointed.

Alternate. Situated regularly one above the other on opposite sides.

Annual. Living but one season.

Anther. The organ containing the pollen or flower-dust.

Apex. The top or extreme end of any part.

Appressed. Pressed together, not spreading.

Arietate. Having an awn or beard.

Articulated. Connected by a joint or joints.

Ascending. Rising obliquely from the ground.

Awl-shaped. Gradually narrowed to a fine point like an awl.

Avon. A bristle-like organ proceeding from the glumes.

Axis. The central stem of a panicle, spike, or spikelet on which the flowers are dis-
posed .

Beard. A long slender hair or awn.

Biennial. Living through two seasons.

Bifid. Divided into two portions at the apex.

Bisexual. Having both stamens and pistils.

Blade. The expanded portion of a leaf.

Boat-shaped. Folded together in the form of a boat; convex outwardly aud concavo
on the inside.

Branch. A division of the stem or panicle.

Branchlet. A secondary division of the branch.

BristUs. Short, stiff hairs.

Bulbous. Thickened like a bulb.

Caspitose. Growing in bunches or tufts.

Capillary. Hair-like, very slender.

C.irinate. Keeled, having a prominent ridge in the center.

Cartilaginous. Firm and tough like cartilage.

Cauline. Belonging to the culm or stem.

Chaff. The dried glumes and palets of grasses.

Chartaceou8. The texture resembling paper or parchment in thickness.

Ciliate. Having the margin or nerves fringed with hairs.

Compressed. Flattened laterally.

Contorted. Twisted.

Convolute. Rolled together inward from the margins.

Coriaceous. Of a leathery consistence.

Comaceous. Of a horn-like consistence.

Culm. The stalk or stem of grasses.

Cuspidate. Ending in a sharp, stiff point.

Decumbent. Reclining on the ground, but rising at the top.

Dichotomou8. Branching iu twos, forking by pairs.

Digitate. Dividing from a common point.

141

142

Dioecious. Having the stamens and pistils on separate plants, the stamiuato flow* ■_ ,
on one aud pistillate fiowera on another.

Diverging. Widely spreading.

Dorsal. Belonging to or growing from the haek.

Emarginate. Having a notch at the end.

En lire. Without notches or divisions.

Equal. Alike in length.

Exserted. Protruded, extended beyond, standing out.

Fertile. Having perfect pistils; producing fruit.

Fibrous. Having thread-like, divisions.

Filament. The stalk or support of the anther.

Filiform. Thread-like.

Flexuons. Bending freely.

Floret. The flowers of grasses are sometimes called florets.

Foliaceous. Resembling a leaf.

Fusiform. Spindle-shaped, largest in the middle and tapering to both ends.

Geniculate. Bent abruptly, like a knee.

Genus. A group of species having a general agreement in structure.

Glabrous. Smooth, without hairs or roughness.

Glaucous. Having a grayish green color.

Glomerate. Clustered in small roundish heads.

Glumes. The chaff-like leaves forming a part of the flowers.

Herbaceous. Herb-like, not woody.

Hirsute. Pubescent, with rather stiff and coarse hairs.

Hyaline. Thin and transparent.

Imbricate. Closely overlapping each oilier, as frequently the flowers of a spikelet.

Indigenous. Growing naturally; not brought from some other country.

Inferior. Lower in position.

Inserted. Growing out of, or upon another.

Interuodc. The space between two nodes or joints.

Involute. Rolled together inwards.

Joints. Thickenings in the stern where the leaves originate; separable parts of an
axis ; poipt of issue of the branches of a panicle.

Keel. An elevated longitudinal ridge, in the middle of a leaf, glume, or palet ; re-
sembling the keel of a boat.

Lamina. The free or expanded portion of a leaf, as distinguished from the petiole or
the shea'h; the blade of a leaf.

Lanceolate. Tapering gradually to the apex, like a lancet.

Lateral. At or from the side.

Ligule. A tongue-like appendage at the upper part of the sheath of a leaf.

Line. The twelfth part of an inch.

Linear. Long and narrow, with parellcl sides.

Lobe. Some division of a glume.

Male flower. A flower that has stamens, but without pistil.

Membranaceous. Thin like a membrane, generally somewhat translucent.

Monoecious. With stamens and pistils in different flowers on the same plant.

Midrib. The central and principal nerve of a leaf or glume.

Mucronate. Abruptly tipped with a short awn or bristle.

Nervis. The ribs or veins of a leaf, or leaf-like organ.

Neutral. Having neither stamens nor pistils.

Nodes. Knots or thickened portions in the culms.

Oblong. Longer than wide, with nearly parellel sides.

Obovate. Egg-shaped, with the wider end uppermost.

Obtuse. Blunt or rounded at the apex.

Oval. Broadly elliptical, approaching a rounded form.

911

1 1:;

Ovary. That part of the pist il wliicli contains I lie seed

Orate. Egg-shaped.

/'((/(/ or palea. Tho in uer scale or chaff of the proper flower, placed uearly opposite

;iutl a lit tie higher eu l ho axis than t he flowering glume.
Panicle. A branched ami .subdivided stem bearing the flowers.
Pedicel. A small hranchlci supporting a spikelet.
Peduncle. The main stem or stalk of a flower-spike.
Perennial. Liviug more than two years, or indefinitely.
Perfect. Having both stamens ami pistils.
Petiole. The stem of a leaf.

Pistil. The central or female organ of a fertile flower.
Pistillate. Having only pistils without stamens.
Plumose, leather-like.

Pollen. The powder contained in tho anthers.
Pubescent. Clothed with short and soft hairs.
Radical leaves. Those growing from tho base of the eulm.
Revolute. Ro ling baekwards or outwards.
Rliachis. The axis or stem on which the flowers of a spikelet are arranged ; also the

common axis of a closo spike or of a panicle.
Bhizoma or Hoot-stock. A horizontal underground stem.
Iiibs. Prominent nerves of the leaves or glumes.
Bugose. Wrinkled or furrowed.

Scabrous. Rough, with small point" or short stiff hairs.
Scarious. Dry and thin, and generally transparent.
Sericeous. Covered with soft, silky hairs.

Serrate. Having teeth on the margin, pointed towards the apex.
Serrulate. Finely-toothed.
Sessile. Without a foot-stalk or pedicel.
Setaceous. Like a bristle.

Shatth. That part of the leaf which embraces the culm or stalk.
Spike. A collection of sessile or nearly sessile flowers on a close, narrow axis.
Spikelet. A flower or cluster of flowers having one pair of outer glumes.
Stamen. The male organs of a flower, including the anther and filament.
Staminate. Having only stamens.
Sterile. Imperfect flowers not producing seed.

Strict. Erect and close. •

Stoloniferous. Sending off offshoots or runners from the base.
Strigoxe. Having spreading, bristly hairs.
Style. That portion of the pistil bearing stigmas or a stigmatic surface; in grasses

often branching.
Subulate. Stiff and linear, shaped like an awl.
Succulent. Fleshy and juicy.
Truncate. Abruptly cut off at the apex.

Unequal. Not of equal length.

rerticillate. Arranged in a whorl or whorls.

Villous. Velvety, clothed thickly with long, soft hairs.

Whorl. A number of leaves or branches arranged around a stem on the same plane.

Woolly. Clothed with long and matted hairs.

INDEX OF PLATES.

Plato.

Agropyrnm glancura 87

repens

Agrostis 48

exarata 49

exarata var. Pacifica liu;

vulgaris 48

Alfalfa %■

Allilaria 101

Alopecurus pratensis 35

Andropogon furcat-us 29

macron ins 'J8

scoparius 27

Virginians 2(5

AnUinxnntliuin odoratuiu 34

Aristida purpurea 3 ;

Arrhenatlicrum avcnaceuin 59

A vena latua 57

Barnyard grass . . 14

Bcckmannia erucaeforniis g

Beimuda grass CO

Blue grass, English „ 74

Kentucky 75

mountain 78

Texas 73

Bluejoinf, 20, 51

Blue stem, Colorado 87

Bouteloua oligostacliya G2

racemosa 63

Bronius scc-alinus 84

nnioloides 85

Broom sedge 27

Buchloe dactyloidcs 66

Buffalo grass 66

Bunch grass 83

Dactus.. 90

Oalamagrostis Canadensis » 51

longifolia 53

sylvatica 52

Canary grass, American 33

"heat 64

lass 84

Jliloris alba 108

Ihrjsopogon nutans 30

linua arundinaeea 50

Jlover, Alsike 92

buffalo. M

Lnr 97

3594 GR 10 145

14G

Tlate.

Clover, Japan 98

Mexican 102

Cord grass GO

Couch grass 83

Crab grass ... 15

Crowfoot 65

C ut grass 24

Cy nodon Dactylon 59

Dactylisglomerata 72

Deschampsiacaespitosa 107

Diplachoe dubia 109

Distichlis maritima 71

Eleusine Aegyptiaca 05

Indica 04

Elymus Canadensis 89

condensatus 90

Virginicus 91

Eragrostis major : 70

Erodium cicutariurn — 101

Esparsette 95

Euohluina lnxurians 22

Enrotia lanata 100

Fescue, sheep's ,...,.. 82

tall meadow 81

Festuca elatior 81

ovina 82

scabrella 83

Fowl meadow grass 76

Foxtail, meadow 35

Gaina grass 21

General illustrations of grasses:

Dissections of flowers 4

Inflorescence 3

Roots and rhizomes 1

Sheaths, ligules, and blades 2

Glyceria arundinacea 79

Canadensis 114

nervata : 80

Grama grass 62

black 62

tall 63

Guinea grass 9

Herd's grass 45

Hilaria Jamesii 25

Holcus lanatus 54

Hungarian grass 19

Johnson grass 31

June grass 75

Koeleria cristata 69

Leersia Virginica 24

Lolinm perenne 86

Lespedeza striata 98

Lncerne 90

Medicago dcnticulata 97

sativa 90

147

put*.

Bfelica bulbosa ' ' '

diffusa HO

imperfecta 112

Millet grass, Indian 13

Milli um effusum 41

Muhlenberg i a coraata 104

diffusa ' 4 1

glomera ta 42

Mexicana 43

sylval ica J I

Nimble Will 41

Oat grass, tall meadow

wild 30

Onobrycbis sativa 95

Opuntia Engelmaniii 99

Orel) aid grass 72

Oryzopsis cuspidata ?9

Panicum agrostoides 17

anceps • 18

barbiuode 12

Crus-galli 14

gibbum 103

max i um in 9

miliacetim 13

prolifernra 11

sanguiuale 15

Texanura 10

virgatum 1(1

Paspalnm platycaule 6

Para grass 12

Phalaris arundinacea 32

intermedia 32

Plileum pra tense , 45

Pliraginites communis * G8

Pigeon grass 20

Pin grass 101

Poa and in a 78

arachnifera 7:>

compressa 74

pratensis 75

serotina 76

tenni folia 77

Prickly pear 99

Quack grass

Reed grass 68

Red top 18

western' 49

Relief grass, Stewart's -^

Riehardsonia scabra 102

Rye grass, perennial 86

Sainfoin '.'.">

Salt grass 71

Set aria glanca 20

Italica 19

Smut grass 47

148

Plate.

Sorghum halcpense 31

Spartina cynosuroidcs CO

juucea 01

Sporoholus airoides 105

cryptandrus 40

Indicus 47

Stipa spartea 38

viridula 37

Sweet vernal grass 34

Switch grass 16

Teosinte.. 22

Timothy 45

Tri folium hybridan). 92

inenrnatum 94

stoloniferum 94

Trisetum pal list re 55

subspicatu m 56

Triodia seslerioides * 07

Trips.! cum dactyloides ... 21

Uniola lati folia ^ 113

Velvet grass 54

White grass 24

Wild oats 57

Wild rice 23

Wild rye Hi), ill

Winter fat 100

Wood grass : .-» 30

Z./ania aquatica 23

Plate 1,

Roots and rhizomes of grasses.

Plate 2.

Sheaths, ligules, and blades of grasses.

Plate 3.

Inflorescence of grasses.

Plate 4.

Dissections of grass flowers.

Plate 5.

Paspalum dilatatum.

Plate 6.

W.F^.SCHCLL.deL.

Paspalum platycaule.

Plate 7.

ItZiJchoU.aeZs*

Paspalum distichum.

Plate 8.

TMScJioll.ael,

BecKMAXXIa ERUOaEFORMIS.

Panicum maximum. Guinea grass.

Plate 10.

fit, '

Wtx

Panicum Texaxoi, Texas blue grass

Plate 1 1.

Panicum prolotbrum.

Panicum barbinode, Para grass.

Plate 13.

Panicum miliaceum, Indian millet mass.

ri_A it it.

Panicum Crus-Galli, Barn-yard grass.

Panicum sanguinale. Crab mas-.

Plate 16.

Panicum virgatum. Switch grass.

Plate 17.

Paxicum agrostoides.

Plate 18.

Panicoi anceps

Plate 19.

Setaria Italica, Hungarian gn

ass.

VHftl

Plate 20.

Setaria glauca, Pigeon grass.

UKRX-DEL.

Plate 21

Tripsacum dactyloides, Gama grass.

- i <?i

EUCHL^NA LUXUKIAXS, TeosilltO.

Zizania aquatica, Wild rice.

Plate 24.

cClae *

Leersia Virgixica. White grass. Cut grass.

Plate 25.

/ \ /-*

HlLARIA JaMESU.

Andropogon Virgixicus.

ANDROPOGON SCOPAB1US, Broom sedge.

Plate 28.

(^ YVK,HO\_S.

ANDROPOGON MACROURIS.

Plate 29.

AxVDROPOGON PURCATUS, Bluejoint.

Plate 30.

Chrysopogon nutans, Wild oat grass, Wood grass,

Platf 31,

hum halepense, Johnson grass.

Plate 32.

O.HEIDEMANN SC. "^ V.

Phalaris aruxpixacea.

Plate 33.

Phalaris intermedia, Stewarts relief grass, American Q

H.H.NICHOLS.SB

marv g]

Plate 34.

Anthoxanthum odoratlm, Sweet vernal grass.

Plate 35.

»M.HXHQUS-EHQ.

vw^-stu

Alopecurus pratexsts. Meadow foxtail.

Plate 36.

*>WLS-£WG.

V 'A R 'X.DEL.

Aristida purpurea, Awned 1 imch gi

Plate 37.

Stipa viridula.

Plate 38.

W.F^.ScHOLL.der

Stipa SPARTEA.

Plate 39.

Oryzopsis cuspidata, Indian millet grass.

Plate 40.

Milium eppusum.

Plate 41

MUHLENBERGIA DIFFUSA, Nimble Will.

*KR^O£A_.

MUHLENBERGIA GLOMERATA.

Hrt.U\CWJ\.S.E:

MUHLENBERGIA MEXICAN A

Plate 44.

n s

MUHLEXBERGIA SYLVATICA.

MARX. DEL

Plate 45.

Phlecm pratense. Timothy.

vtjji

Plate 46.

Sporobolus cryptandrus.

Plate 47.

Sporobolus Indious, Smut grass

Plate 48.

Agrostis vulgaris, Red top

marx de::

Plate 49.

Agrostis exarata, Western red top.

Plate 50.

ClNNA ARUNDINACEA.

>-EV4G,

Calamagrostis (Deyeuxia) Canadensis, Bhiejoint.

UKHX-DE.L..

Plate 52.

Calamagrostis (Deyeuxia) sylvatica.

Plate 53.

Calamagrostis loxgifolia.

Plate 54.

'■Nichols *Sc

Holcus lanatus, Velvet g

Plate 55.

Trisetum palustre.

Plate 56.

JIULNICHOIS

Trisetum subspicatum.

Plate 5:

Avexa fatua, Wild oats.

Plate 58.

Arrhenatherum avenaceum. Tall meadow oat grass.

Plate 59.

CYNODON Dactylon, Bermuda grass.

Plate 60.

SPARTINA CYNOSUROIDES, Cord msB.

Plate 61

njiflDCMAUNSC

SPARTINA JUNrr.A

%m&l

Plate 62.

Bouteloua oligostachya, Gramma grass. Black gramma.

Plate 6;

A R Sf

BOI TELOUA RACEMOSA, Tall urn

nuna grass.

Plate 64

#m%wA<

Eleusine Indica.

^LATE 65.

Eleusine ^Egyptiaca. Crow-

foot

u\cv\o\_s

Buchloe dactyloides, Buffalo grass.

UKWo-^-U

Plate 61

Triodia seslerioides.

Plate 6

r •*/.

Phragmites commums, Reed grass.

--.

TJMUJF.JQtL.

KCELERIA CRISTATA.

E 70.

BSI^d

DlSTICHLIS MARITIMA. Salt gTi

KLATE /2

^X.DEL.

Dactylis glomerata, Orchard gi

Plate 73

Poa arachxifera. Texas blue eras

1--.

Poa compressa. English blue gras

Plate 7!

iX^-ad.

Poa pratensis, Kentucky blue grass, Jijn,

grass.

Plate 7\

Poa serotixa, Fowl meadow en

ass.

Plate 7

eV..

POA TEXU1FOLIA.

Plate 78.

Poa andina. Mountain blue eras

ISS.

Platf 79.

Glyceria arundinacea.

Plate 80.

.RX.D.EL.

Glyceria xervata.

Plate 81

Festuca elatior, Tall meadow fescue

NICHOLS

Plate 82.

v\.Y\.N\CHOLS £H

Festuca oyixa, Sheep's fescue.

Plate 83.

Festuca scabrelTjA, Rough-leaved fescue.

Plate 84.

Bromus secalinus, Chess.

YhNRX.tt^A-.

Plat

Bromus unioloides (half size).

Plate 86.

Lolium ferenne, Perennial rye ma

Plate 87.

•\Y.J5choll.dcl

Agropyrum glaucum, Colorado blue stem.

Agropyrum repexs, Quack graes, Couch grass.

Plate 89.

Elymus Canadensis, "Wild rye.

Elymus condensatus.

Plate 9

Elymtjs Viruimcus, Wild rye.

Plate 92.

Cot/mj dJ

Trifolium hybridum, Alsike clover.

Plate 93.

CbulinctdeL.

TRIFOLIUM INCARNATUM.

Plate 94.

Trifolium stoloniferum, Buffalo clover.

Plai

(j^TU/Ttf kk

Onobrychis sativa, Sainfoin, Esparsette.

Plate 96.

Medicago sativa, Alfalfa, Lucerne.

?LATL j7.

-del

Medicago dexticulata. Bur clover

Plate 98.

Lespedeza striata, Japan clover.

Pla-

-e

Opuntia Engelmanni, Prickly pear, Cactus.

Pl_ATt

-y

%i / ■ /

■

f]Cow\nc<

Eurotia lanata, Winter fat

Plate 101,

Erodium CICUTARIUM. Tin grass, Altilana.

Plate 10

XtEttfi U

Richardsonia scabra, Mexican clover.

Panicum gibbum.

Plate 1 04.

W\SXS£L.

MUHLENBERGIA COM A T A .

.&«

Plate 105.

Sporobolus airoides.

Agrostis exarata var. Pacific a.

H.H.N,

Plate

Deschampsia C-espitosa, Hair grass.

Chloris alba.

DlPLACHNE DUBIA.

Melica diffusa,

F'LATE

i\.H.WC'rtOLS.

Melica BULBOSA.

Vx^VSRA^V-

Melica IMPERFEi T\.

Plate

uUxx^v,

UXIOLA LATIFOLIA

Plate 1 1^

Glyceria Canadensis.

UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

DATE DUE

LIBRARY

- p _ ii

OCT

3Uv3

MAR 9

RECTI

•

tf$lZ

lECB

IDI-IOM-

V.8.

UNIVERSITY OF B C LIBRARY

3 9424 00637 2566

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