REED, a term applied to several distinct species of large, water-loving grasses. The common or water-reed, Phragmites communis (also known as Arundo phragmites), occurs along the margins of lakes, fens, marshes and placid streams, not only throughout Great Britain and the United States, but widely dis tributed in Arctic and also in temperate regions. Another very important species is Ammophila arenaria (also known as Psamma arenaria), the sea-reed or marram-grass, a native of the sandy shores of Europe and north Africa. Both species have been of notable geological importance, the former binding the soil and so impeding denudation, and actually converting swamp into dry land, largely by the aid of its tall (5 to io f t.) close set stems. The latter species, of which the branching rootstocks may be traced 3o or even 4o ft., is of still greater importance in holding sand-dunes against the sea, and for this purpose has not only been long protected by law, but has been extensively planted on the coasts of Norfolk, Holland, Gascony, etc. Other reeds are
Colamagrostis (various species), Gynerium argenteum (pampas grass), etc., also Arundo Donax, the largest European grass (6 to 12 ft. high), which is abundant in Europe. Reeds have been used from the earliest times in thatching and in other branches of construction, and also for arrows, the pipes of musical instru ments, etc. Reed pens are still used in the East. Plants belonging to other orders occasionally share the name, especially the bur reed (Sparganium) and the reed-mace (Typha), both belonging to the family Typhaceae. The bulrushes (Scirpus), belonging to the family Cyperaceae, are also to be distinguished.