Grasses

GRASSES. The great order of plants in cluded in the Graminew, or true grasses, are described botanically as having mostly hollow stems (cutafs) which are cylindrical and jointed, closed at the joints (nodes), leaves alternate, two-ranked, parallel-nerved, the dilated petiole (sheatp.surrounding the culm and split open on the side opposite to the blade, and furnished at the junction of the blade with a more or less mani fest scarious appendage (ligule). Flowers per fect, polygamous or moncecious (rarely dicecious), imbricated with two-ranked glumes or bracts, the outer pair (glumes), substituting a spikelet of one or several flowers, the inner pair (palece), enclosing each particular flower which is desti tute of a proper perianth. Stamens one to six, usually three anthers, versatile. Ovary one celled, one-ovuled, usually with two or three scales (squamula) at base. Styles mostly two or two-parted ; stigmas plumose or hairy. Fruit a seed-like grain (cavopsis); embryo small at the ba.sc and on the outside composed of copious farinaceous albumen. Animals or perennials, witli fibrous roots, often (.11,spitow. Spikelets paniculate or spiked, upper (inner) palea tvvo nerved or two keeled. This vast order-com prises some two hundred and thirty genera, and perhaps not less than three thousand species, says Dr. Darlington, and is probably the most gener ally diffused and the most important to man, of all the families of plants. The seeds, and herb age, furnish a principal portion of the food of the human race, and of the more valuable do mestic animals. A great number of the grasses, however, are little better than weeds, on a farm, and some of them exceedingly annoying. Those which the American agriculturist is more immediately interested in knovving, are here given. Those epecimens with which the farmer and planter are most intimate may be composed in the Poa Sub-family, the Plialaris Sub-family and the Panicum Sub-family, and are as follows: L-Poa Sub-Family contains 1. Leersia. 2. Oryza. 3. Zizania. 4. Alopecurus. 5. Phleum. 6. Agrostis. 7. Mulilenbergia. 8. Calamagrostis. 9. Cynodon. 10. Eleusine. 11. Dactylis. 12. Glyceria. 13. Pva., 14. Festuca. 15. Bromus. 16. Phragmites. 17. Arundinaria. 18. Lolium. 19. Triticum. 20. Secale. 21. Hordeum. 22. Avena. 23. Arrhena therum. 24. Holcus. IL-Phalaris Sub-Tribe con tains 1. Anthoxanthum. 2. Phalaris. III. -The Panicum Sub-Tribe: 1. Paspalum. 2. Panicum. 3. Setaria. 4. Cenchrus. 5. Tripsacum. 6. Zea_ 7. Saccharum. 8. Andropogon. 9. Sorghum. Of the last Sub-family we shall only notice those adapted to cutting green for forage, and those adapted to the pasture and mea dow. Grass is the prime integer in all farming. The hay- crops of the Untted States are the most valuable single crops culti vated, and grass for summer pasture ranks higher than any. It makes pasture in summer, and forage in winter, and all farm stock in any country are dependent upon it almost exclusively for food, for even in fattening with grain-corn, oats, barley, etc., -we depend upon the seeds of this beneficent family of plants. The Cruciferw. which includes cabbage, rape, mustard, turnips, etc., are valuable in England. The Cucurbitacefe, which includes pumpkins, squashes, etc., find a large place in feeding stock in many portions of tlie United States. The composite family, the largest of the natural families, furnish arti chokes and a few others seldom used; hut it is. remarkable in its lack of useful species although wonderful in ornamental ones. The night-shade. family gives us the potato. The parsley family gives us the carrot, the parsnip and some others of value, and the goosefoot family furnishes the sugar beet and mangelwurzel, valuable for feeding in the West. Nevertheless, all placed together are of but little account in comparison with the great grass family, which includes our cereal grains. In fact, grass is of more value to man, than all other plants combined. Vastly more than half of all vegetation-as to its value to man-is contained in this family. In 1870, the hay crop alone of New York, exceeded sev enty-seven millions of dollars; in Pennsylvania, over thirty-five millions; in Ohio, over twenty. one millions, and in Illinois, more than twenty millions of dollars. The truth of the text, All flesh is grass, will thus readily be understood, and also the statement that Grass is King among the crops of the earth. Prof. W. J. Beal, of the Michigan Agricultural College, one of the most accomplished hotanists in the United States, describes the botany of grasses, ir the following simple and common-sense language: The term grass, as used in common every day life by many people, is applied to all those plants which are used for pastures and meadows. This is a classification founded upon use alone, disregarding all the other features of the plants. It is like calling every thing a, fish, because it lives in the water, or birds and insects because they can fly. These are superficial or artificial classifications, and have no scientific value whatever. In like manner a great variety of grasses and other plants are known by the same name in different parts of the country, or one plant is known hy a half a dozen or more names; so such names often are very puzzling, and afford very little guide as to what is meant. If one asks about drop seed, or blue grass, or fox-tail, or fowl naeadow grass, or wire grass, or red top, we must first know the Latin name of the grass, or we are by no means sure that we understand each other. The trouble is greatest among plants like grasses, where the resemblance is often very close to inexperienced eyes. I believe there is little or no prospect that people will ever agree on the common names of many of our grasses. Our first lesson in botany will he to learn how to distinguish true grasses when we see them. Take in your hand a straight stalk of Indian corn —for this is a true grass—the leaves are on the alternate sides of the stem, one at each solid joint, making two ranks or rows from top to bottom. As you look at a straight stem of grass, the leaves may appear to you right and left, or they may appear on the side of the stern next to you anol away from you. The leaves have no teeth or notches along their edges. They can be stripped into many fibrous threads, e., the veins are nearly parallel with each other. Observe further that the lower part of each leaf forms a sheath which surrounds the stem. This sheath may overlap, but never grows fast to the stem, except tit the joint, nor does it close opposite the main part of the leaf ,so as to form a tight tube. It is naturally split down to the joint, and may be unrolled like a .scroll without tearing away part of it. In bot any, it does not generally do to put very much stress upon the structure of the leaves, but in this case it is of much importance. If you un derstand me so far, and can apply the knowl edge, you can never be deceived as to what is a grass, and what is not grass, among all our na tive or cultivated plants. This point gained is well worth an hour of study. All grasses, in their healthy condition bear flowers at some time of their life. The plan of the flowers is well illus trated by a head of chess, or rye, or wheat, or June grass. Usually two or more flowers (some times one) are included within two short leaf like bodies called glurnes. Each perfect flower has from one to six (usually three) stamens, with anthers attached by a point (versatile). Outside the stamens are usually two small green leaf-like bodies called palets, one of which has two ribs, with a thin strip uniting them. In the center of the flower is never more than one pistil, making it fruit which is called a grain. The embryo or germ of the plant is just at one end, on the side, and is the part first eaten out by mice and squir rels in Indian corn. This is by no means all that applies to the botany of grasses, but enough for our present purpose. The grasses are much alike, and few botanists know them, as they are thought to be too hard, and the flowers too ,small, to master without much hard study. In Indian corn the flowers are of two kinds, each incomplete in itself. On top of the stalk the branching tassel produces an abundance of fine dust called pollen. Oil the side of the stalk are one or more short branehes, covered with a cluster of leaves, from the tip of which extend a large number of slender threads. The branches become the ears, the leaves about them the husks; the threads are often ealled silk. One of these long, delicate threads runs down to each one of the embryo kernels of corn. That each may become a kernel it is first necessary that a grain of pollen from the tassel should fall upon the silk. Hence it grows or thrusts out (the pollen does) a very delicate prolongation all the way down to the young kernel. If the pollen from one variety of corn fall on the silk of another variety, we get a mixture, so our seed will not be pure. In wheat, red top, oats and timothy, the flowers are perfect, having the stamens pistils, the tassels and silk growing from the same flowers. Our new varieties of wheat and oats, doubtless, are produced in a manner similar to the mixinr of Indian corn. As the pollen of corn is known to exert a marked influence on the kernel, of corn, it probably, also, has something to do with their size and vigor. The pollen should come from large, healthy plants, as well as the ears. Every breeder of animals knows the importance of selecting good males as well as females. The pollen is the male flovver, or part of the male flower. To get the best seed it it not enough to select the best ears of a field, but a small pateh should be planted, f'rom which the farmer ought to remove, before flowering, all the tassels of the stalks which are not fully developed, or such as are not likely to produce good ears. A similar plan is worth trying to remove wheat, rye, oats and barley, i. e., cut out from a small plat all the feeble heads, to prevent the bad influenee of poor pollen. great deal has been written, first and last, of the value of chemical analy-sis as a means of determining the value of a soil for cer tain crops, and also as determining the value of various foods, including the grasses in feeding and fattening animals. This has never been found of special practical value, exeept in a general way, and our best chemists now acknowledge this fact. It has been contended by theorists that certain grasses, and the hay, could be made available in feeding for growth, whHe other varieties could he used as a means of fattening the mature animals. In fact this is nonsense. The best success in feeding for the dairy is in those regions adapted to the growth of a great variety of grasaes, which will stand year after year as permanent pasture, and become thicker and thicker, the object being not only to get a succession that will continue from week to week during the whole season, but also grasses that are rich, succulent and sweet, and that may be pastured close and that will again spring up quickly. In growing for beef this is not so essential, particularly in the West, where grain food is so abundant and cheap. The object in this case is flush pastures, of nutritious grass where cattle may quickly fill themselves and thus be kept quiet. For the growing ani mals old, short pastures supplemented with other food, so that the animals inay be fully fed for the night, will be indicated, and feeders in each sec tion of country must experiment with varieties for themselves. This is necessary from the fact that in the United States but few experiments have been made in this direction, by the States, or the general government, or by our agricul tural colleges, and it is a matter that can only be accomplished in the best manner at public institutions, and for obvious reasons. In Eng land the most careful experiments have been carried on in relation to the value of the vari ous grasses for different soils and situations, and also in relation to their value as to season Thus the feeder for flesh may select: 1, Red clover, (7'nfolium pratenso; 2, White or Dutch Clover (T. Repens); 3, Timothy, (Phleunt pratens() a better name for which would be. Cats-tail grass, and, for the reaso.1 that in some sections of the country it is called Timothy. as in Pennsyl vania, and Herd's grass in New England and New York. Neither of these names give an indication of its characteristic flower-head, while the former names do; 4, Blue grass, (Poa pra tensis); 5 Wire grass, (Poa compressa); 6, Red Top, (Agrostis vulgaris). (Here again confusion of names comes in. In Pennsylvania Blue grass is called Green grass, and Red Top is called Herd's-grass.) 7, Orchard grass, (Dactylis glonterata); 8, Fowl Meadow grass, (Poa serotimt); 9, Meadow Fescue, (Festuca pratensis) For feeding during droughts, Indian corn, sown at the rate of two bushels per acre, in drills two feet apart, cultivated thoroughly once or twice, and cut when in blossom will make a good reliance, as also will German millet (Panicum Germaiticum),and common millet (P. miliaceum). Here we have nine varieties of grass that do well generally. One, two, three, four, five, and six, constitute the bulk of the grasses cultivated for pasture; and one and three that for hay. Number seven is one of the most valuable in the whole list, and should he tried everywhere, on land not wet. Eight aud nine are also well worthy of trial. Fowl meadow grass especially has been found to take the place of blue grass, in those sections of the Northwest where blue grass does not succeed. Especially has this been the case in Wisconsin. It is hoped it may be found so in the Southwest, where blue grass is not natural to the soil. Mr. Frank E. Hoyt, a. careful farmer of Wisconsin, in relation to this grass, says he knows of no grass in the Northwest that will compare with it, either for pasturage or the pro duction of hay. It has never been winter or sum mer killed and he has found one acre of marsh well set in fowl meadow equal for pasturage to three acres of upland, set in blue grass, and the hay produeed the second year after seeding has never failed to pay the entire expense of cultivat ing and seeding the land. Fowl meadow hay is especially valuable for horses having all the advantages of wild hay, being free from dust, that infests timothy and clover, while it possesses all the nutriment of the best tame hay; and those dairymen who are acquainted with it, pronounce it valuable hay for nailch cows. In all new countries the dependence must, of course, be first upon the wild grasses. As a rule these have not been sufficiently appreciated. Many of them are of exceeding value, but, unfortunately are, as a rule, sparse seeders, and hence are apt to be neglected. The trouble is that farmers, as a class, do not investigate aud experiment enough for themselves. Thus they are content with the most meagre list of grasses, aud as a result, for a good part of the season their stock find insuffi cient food of proper succulence, and oftentimes are really distressed for subsistence. There are many native and indigenous grasses in the West. A very considerable list of those will ultimately be found valuable. Prof. Beal gives a list of sixty-five true grasses, excluding cereal grains and clovers, found on the Michigan Agricultural Farm, the most of them indigenous. In Illinois, says Prof. I. A. Lapham, there have been 105 native grasses, (none peculiar to the State), eleven introduced, and twelve that are known as they are cultivated ; a larger number, in proportion to the whole number of flowering plants in the States, than is usual in the same climate. This is owing to the extent and shape of Illinois, stretching from Lake Miehigan to Kentucky. It has all soils, woods, prairie, and borders of lake and river. But it is not to any one species of grass that we should look for the support of our stock. On the native prairies we find many species intermingled, each doing its part, some preferring low, wef situations, others grow only on dry ground; some prefer the shade of forest trees, while others flourish best on the most exposed parts of the broad prairies; some grow only in the water, others along the margins of lakes and streams; some attain their maturity early in the season, others late in autumn. Of the grasses examined by Prof. Beal, we append the following concise and interesting descrip tions, with their botanical and common names It will be found valuable for the notes on perni cious, as well as on valuable species: Phleum pratense, called Timothy or Herd's grass in New England and Michigan, but in Pennsylvania they mean Agrostis vulgaris when they say Herd's grass. One name is said to have been given to this grass after Timothy Hanson, of Md., who raised it many years ago. Another name comes from Mr. Herd, who is reported to have found it growing wild in New Hampshire, over 100 years ago. In England it goes by the name of cats-tail grass. This grass in many places has become very popular There is reason for this. It is a good grass, and will thrive under a great variety of circumstances. It is easily recognized. Another reason still, which I think is not least, the seeds are quite large, pretty, and easily known, so men know what they are buying. It is fashionable and popular. It thrives on soil dry or moist, light or heavy, partieularly the latter—not on sand. It is often sown with red clover for meadows, but flowers considerably later. On account of a bulb or thickening of the stem at the base it should not he eut very near the ground. The second growth after mowing. does not start very readily. For pasture it is too coarse, and should not be sown alone. The bulbs are eaten off by sheep. It is not so popular in Europe as here. Agrostis vulgaris is lmown as Herd's grass in Pennsylvania, but in most parts of the country as red top. In Rhode Island it is called Burdin's grass and in other places Red bent grass or Summer-dew grass; sometimes Fowl Meadow grass or small red top; one variety is called Fine-top in Massachussetts. Here you see the absolute necessity of the one double Latin name, Agrostis vulgaris, not used for any other plant. It is a valuable grass thriving on moist soils, flowering rather late, with timothy, or later. It makes good pasture, good hay, though rather light for its bulk. It is not very rich in starch, gum, sugar or silex. It is a native peren nial, not well adapted to sow for one crop, fol lowed by plowing. Very vaxiable in appearance —not much esteemed in England. Agrostis alba, White bent grass, or Florin thrives on moist and fertile soil, and varies much in its appearance. The stem bends down and roots at the joints. It is valuable for pasture early and late. Second crop small in meadows; quality good, used for making hats in Europe; a native of Europe, Asia and America ; the same as red top. Agrostis Stolon is a variety of the above, about the same .quality; thriving on drier land; a foreigner highly praised in Europe. It is hard to kill on account of underground stems which run some what like those of June grass. Agrostis peren nans, Thin grass, grows wild in woods and shaded places. It is rather feeble, yet of good -quality, and of some value for seeding in the .shade. It is quite pretty. Agrostis seabra, Hair grass, has very long branches on the top; leaves shorter than the above; the top more slen der and longer; quality much as the last. The long slender tops, when ripe, break off, and are driven to long distances by the wind, rolling them over and over. I have seen them twenty feet high, in the tops of trees, and next to the woods I have been able to gather up my arms full of such tops at a single effort. In this manner the seeds are widely sown. Poa pratensis, June grass, Green grass, Meadow grass, Blue grass, Spear grass, Kentucky Blue grass. This grass is widely dis tributed, both in the old world and in the new. It flowers early in June, thriving on high or low land, but does not seem adapted to thin, poor soil. It is very highly prized in England; also in Kentucky and in many starts of other States; yet in some places it is regarded as a troublesome weed, running and spreading after the manner of Quack grass. It makes excellent rich pasture, and is our best grass for lawns; but for meadows it is rather short. It should not be judged, however, by its short, early flower stalks, but by its long leaves pro duced in abundance throughout tilt, sea SOD. These leaves are frequently two feet in length, when allowed to grow for a tirne. It is not well adapted to alternate husbandry? as it requires more than one summer to get well estab lished. It is nearly alwayS abundant in all pastures, working, or winning its way where a persistent effort is not made to keep it out. The straw is used for leghorn hats. It is our best grass for pasture, all things considered, milch cows fed on it making exeellent butter and cheese; prominent in European pastures and those of the Northern States. Poa compressa, Blue grass, Wire grass. Its habit is much like June grass, though it prefers dry soil. The stems are hard, dark green, and easily known by being flat or compressed, remaining green and .sweet for a long time after the seeds have ripened. It shrinks the least in drying of any of our grasses. For pasture it is exceedingly rich, and much liked by all kinds of stock. Cows fed on it make excellent butter and cheese. For meadows it is small and wiry; hard to cut, .soon gumming the scythe, or knives of the reaper. It is valuable for dairy regions, creep ing in old pastures like Poa pratensis and white clover, though much less abundant. It does not make mueh show. Pou serotina, False Red Top, Late Poa, Swamp Wire grass was first called Fowl Meadow grass, because it was thought that the seeds were introduced into a meadow hy ducks (wild fowl) in Dedham, Mass. The stem is evergreen, like that of Blue grass. It is tall, thriving on low wet land; good for meadow or pasture. The bay is soft and nutri tious. A very valuable grass—common on low land. Poa annua, Dwarf or Early Meadow grass, is found everywhere in old pastures and about dwellings, making much trouble by con stantly springing up in paths and drives. It is pale green, sweet, short, and early, fit for pasture only; also common in Europe. Poa trivialis is highly prized in Scotland and England; not much esteemed in this eountry. Calconagrostis Canadensis, Blue Joint, Reed grass. This is a large native, thriving in wet places, giving a big yield of rather coarse hay. Cattle eat it greedily, if cut in the proper season, early. It thrives with Fowl Meadow grass. Bouteloua curtipendula, Musquit or Mesquit grass. This is considerably cultivated in the Southern States, and is a favorite grass with many. B. olz;gos taeliya or Buffalo grass, is said to cover the best portion of Salt Lake Valley and the valleys of the Rocky mountains. It has not succeeded in Pennsylvania It is thin and too short for hay. Daetylis glomerate, Orchard grass or Rough Cocksfoot, is a native of Europe, where it has been grown over a hundred years, meeting with great favor as pasture and meadow. It ripens early, about with red ,clover. It starts very soon after being mowed. It is very nutritious; stock like it; should he sown thickly and cut early. In many places of England it stands highest of all grasses in value. Its growing in tufts, is one objection to it. It thrives very well in shady places. Alopezurus pratensis, Meadow Foxtail, is something like Timothy in appear ance. It is softer, shorter, earlier, light, sweet, and highly prized in old pastures of England and Scotland. It requires three or four years to get well established. It is not large enough for meadows. At Michigan Agricultural College it ran out on new land, when sowed for pasture with orchard grass, June grass and White clo ver. It starts well as a second groWth ; thrives in some parts of Massachusetts; requires a soil of clayey loam. anna arundinacece, Wood Reed grass, Indian Reed grass—Reedy (liana—thrives in moist woods and swamps, often four feet high. It looks well, though has gained no rep utation. Multlenbergia glomerat a, Drop seed, though not the one mostly known by the name of Drop seed; thrives in bogs and marshes. It has a hard stem at the base, and a stout rhizome. Cattle like it, but it has not had a fair trial. M. _Mexicana, thrives in smaller places with the last; is taller and more branching; rootstalks similar. It flowers late; of some value. H. sylvatica is found in rocky woods; slender; looks well; stock like it; stout rhizome; worth a trial. Braeliyelytrum uristatum, Dry, rocky woods; scarce; looks well; is eaten greedily by Eatonia Pennsylvania' thrives in moist woods and meadows. It is soft, thin, looks well; cows are voraeiously fond of it. It does not seem very hardy. Eatonia obtuse grows on dry soil, with qualities much like the last. Glyeeria Canadensis, Rattlesnake grass, is large, grows in wet bogs, and is of some value. Glyeeria elongate, grows in the sante plaees and of similar value as last two. Glyceria nervata, Meadow spear grass—nerved manna grass; (some call it Fowl Meadow grass, and others Drop seed), it does best in low places; is com mon, nutritive, and valuable in some places, but of less value than Red top. Festuea ovine., Sheep's Fescue, is small, almost insignificant, early, sweet, pretty, and grows in tufts. In the Scotch Highlands, at the altitude of 4,000 feet, it constitutes the greater part of sheep pastures. It does very well in the shade and stands dry weather well; there are several varieties, Lone of which seem to have much merit for this coun try. Festuect elatior, taller Meadow Fescue, sheep's fescue. It thrives in stiff soils, doing very well in shady places. It is nutritious and early, flowering in June or July. Cattle are very fond of it. It produces well in many places. 'There are several varieties which run into each -other. It has been extensively tried in the old country, and much liked by some farmers. Be sure to cut for hay as soon as in flower. Bromus secalinus, Cheat or chess, Willard's bromus, in England called lop; too well known in this .country as a pernicious weed in wheat fields. A few years ago the seeds were sold as producing fine meadow grass. A jury of cavs did not agree with the great puffs it received in the papers. There are two other species, also of foreign birth, of no value. We have two species that are wild, Bromus Kalmii and B. Ciliatus, which may be worth trying in dry soils. Phray mites communis, reed grass. This grows in both hemispheres; twelve feet high in swamps; the tallest grass as far south as IVIichigan. Latium perenne, Ray or rye grass, common darnel. Introduced from England, where it is one of the most universal grasses in cultivation. It has often been mistaken for Quaek grass, but may be distinguished by its single glume, no rhizomes, and spikelet turned edgewise to the axis which supports it. It has a very high reputation for pasture, lawn or meadow. It needs high culture and a moist climate. After a thorough test in some parts of Pennsylvania, it is much liked. It is early, starts quickly after rnowing ; the leaves are very glossy; excellent for lawns. Lolinni Italicum, Italian rye grass. This grass needs rich land. Many people have doubtless failed in its culture by not understanding that it is a bien nial. For a single season, no doubt, it it; one of the best grasses, and is much used in the old country. Cattle like it; it grows fast, is nutri tious, early, and fitted for alternate husbandry. Tritieumrepens, Couch grass, Witch grass, Quitch grass, Twiteh grass, Chadler grass, Quack grass. This is productive and nutritious, and would be a valuable grass in many soils were it not so difficult to eradicate when it once gets in. It multiplies rapidly by creeping underground steins. A pernicious weed. It is very nearly related to common wheat. Elymus Vtrginicus, Lyme grass, wild rye. It is coarse and not promising unless in dry soils. Elymus Canadensis, Canadian lyme grass. Found on lake shores and river banks. Large and showy. We can not tell what it might do with good culture for a series of years. It is worth .trying, as well as many others. Danthonece spiectta, Wild oat grass, White top, Old fog. It grows on dry, sterile soil, is early but poor feed. Arena, Oats. There _are two wild, and some foreign species. Thvy are worthy of attention. Aria ilexuosa, Hair grass. Slender; found in woods. Sheep are very fond of it, but it is too delicate. There are three other species quite similar. Trisetum. There are two natives and several in Europe. The for mer have not been tried; the foreign prove to be -of.some value. Arrhenatherum avenaceum, Tall oat grass; ray grass of France. It has been tried -and extensively recommended in some parts of Pennsylvania. It is early; cattle and sheep will eat it when they are forced to. It is said tu be the most abundant of any grass cultivated in France. Starts quickly after mowing, used for soiling. Holcus lanatus, Velvet grass, or soft Meadow grass. It stands droughts well, and has given favorable results after a few trials in this country; some praise it, others call it worthless. Anthozanthum odoratn ud, Sweet-scented vernal grass. Owing to an abundance of benzoic acid, it is very fragrant, and a general favorite with people about haying time. It is small; it is the earliest grass we have, and also grows till very late in the season. Some think that it adds to the quality of butter, but the late Sanford How ard met this assertion by saying, then we should have the best butter in the New England States, where it is the plentiest. This is not the case; cattle do not like it. Good in lawns, will grow on poor land. Phalaris arundinacea, Reed can ary grass, is the original of the ribbon grass which is cultivated for ornament. It is large and coarse. Grows on wet land; cattle are moderately fond of it. Some think it promising. Produces a large erop, something like Blue Joint. Panicum is a very large genus, containing thirty-three species in North America, and four hundred in all the world. Pf12110tIll2 erns-gal, Barnyard grass, is an annual, a eoarse, large, sprawling, juicy grass from Europe; it has sometimes been cultivated. Varies much; stock eat it. At best a weed, though called ornamental iu some parts of Europe. Po n cunt geniculatum, Hungarian grass, which has had a great reputation in some places. A valu able annual grass if cut when in flower. Setario driclis, Bottle grass, green Fox-tail, wild Timo thy. A weed in fields and gardens, from Europe, looking like small Millet. &ham glauca, Fox tail grass, much like the last. If allowed to ripen, it is good to spread under a shed for fowls, which like the seed. Setaria italica, Bengal grass or Ilillet. It runs wild where sown, like a weed ; does not equal oats as a forage plant. Of the far western grasses, the United States Agricul tural Report some years ago gave a list of one hundred and forty-three species, ineluding fifty. seven genera of grasses, found nath e in the region of country lying west of the Missouri river, known as the high plain region of the United States, between the parallels of 35° and 45° nortb lati tude and embracing the eastern water shed of the Rocky mountains between these parallels, includ ing the States and Territories of Nebraska, Kan sas, Colorado, New Mexico and the Indian Ter ritory. Of the species given, ninety-one extend across the Missouri river, leaving fifty-two species belonging to the plain and mountain region pro per. The remaining eighty-four species could not be considered as belonging more to this region than to tbe States east. The relative value of these various species as forage grasses differs very widely, a few of them being entirely worthless, and many of them almost valueless as compared with others. The list of these varieties will be interesting, now that this region is so fast settling up. Tbe largest number of the species could be dispensed with, without manifest disadvantage to the grazing interests of the country As a rule farmers are slow to try new species of grass, notwithstanding the fact that, among the greater part of our farrners, clovep and timothy form not only the bulk of their meadows, but also their pasture as well. Our agricultural colleges would do a good work if they would try new varieties with a view to their introduction if they proved valuable. The relative value of the twelve most important species is exhibited in the following table of per centum estimates, one hundred representing the aggregate value of the twelve: These estimates can only be approximate, of course, but they are believed to be so nearly correct that, as a comparative exhibit of the rela tive value of the species now comprising the grea.t forage resources of the country, their im portance will not be overlooked. The flesh and fat producing qualities of these several species have not yet been sufficiently tested to warrant comparative estimates of their relative value in this respect. Andropogon furcatus, Andropogoa scoparius, and Sorghum nutans, by their abund ance in all the eastern portions of the district, are the leading species, and at present comprise at least three-fourths of the grazing resources of that portion of the country. Next in import ance follows Sporobolus heterolepis. This species is peculiarly palatable to cattle, and they are seen roving over rich pasture of other species in search of it. This is also said to be the winter forage species of Kansas, where it abounds, affording the rich winter pasturage of the farm ers and herders of that State. It flourishes chiefly on the moister portions of the plains, and many local areas are almost exclusively occupied by it. IVIany of these far western grasses have yet no common names. These not being given until species are introduced into general cultiva tion. In the following description of species, descriptive terms that may be readily understood by all, will be used, and from which it is believed the identification will not be difficult to those who do not understand botanical terms. Andra pogon furcatus. This species, the most abund ant over large areas, is distinguished only by its spikes of flowers and fruit from its near rela tives, Andropogon scoparias and Sorghum, nutans, with which it often grows. It grows nearly twice as tall as A. scoparias, with spikes of flow ers longer, and ridged, and two to five together, terminal, and on short branches from the axils of the upper leaves. The spikes are purplish gen erally, but often entirely destitute of color. It does not fruit every year, nor in all situations. A very favorable season of moisture is required to cause it to fruit abundantly. It is one of the principal hay grasses of the country, and is ahundantly cut and cured for winter use. An dropogon scoparius, a much smaller plant than the foregoing, and much less abundant, yet apparently quite as valuable for feeding stock. It is known by its numerous slender branches. from the axils of all its upper leaves, having its. spikes of flowers single and scattered along the branches, very slender and thinly, silky, hairy. and often purplish as the preceding species, and frequently growing with it, and difficult to dis tinguish from it when not in fruit. This is also. one of the hay grasses, and is esteemed of equal value with the foregoing for winter feed. It is. singular that these two most valuable western grasses should have been considered remarka bly worthless grasses by the learned Dr. Dar lington, less than twenty years ago. Sorghum autans. This noble prairie grass is at once known when in flower by its single terminal panicle of sorghuna-like spikelets drooping in mature fruit, shining with brownish or russet hairs. This plant has often a peculiar glaucous hue, forming a striking contrast when growing with the form destitute of the glaucous bloom. In mauy localities it is scarcely less abundant than Andropogon furcatus, and consti tutes a large portion of the prairie hay. Like. the two previously described, it fruits only in favorable seasons, and in the growth of foliage is also much diminished•by dry summers. The hay from these three species is considered best when cut just before killing frosts in early autumn. Sporobolus heterolepis. This species may be identified by its long, slender leaves, growing abundantly from the base of the plant, gracefully curling and frequently resting their tips on the ground; from its tendency to grow branches or stools, and, when in fruit, from its small panicle of sharp-pointed spikelets and its. round seeds. These, when bruised, emit a strong, heavy odor, which has been compared to that of Eragrostis megastachya when crushed in the hands; but to most persons it is much less. offensive, and to some not at all disagreeable. It attains to the average height of about two and one-half feet in fruit, but in dry seasons large tracts almost exclusively composed of this spe cies are without a single fruiting plant. It is sometimes cut for hay, in the absence of the more productive species, and makes an article of first quality. Buchloe dactyloicles. This is the noted buffalo grass of the region, and may he recognized at once, and be distinguished from all other species, by its low, dense, tufted growth; also by its stolons, from which it spreads rapidly. It seldom if ever attains to the height of over two or three inches, except with its naale flower stalks, which sometimes reach two or three inches above the leaf growth. These have at their summit a few flat spikes of male flowers only. The female flowers are clus tered down close to the earth, and nearly covered with tufted leaves. Male and female flowers are borne by the same plants, not by different plants, as was at one time supposed. It grows most abun dantly in the central region of the plains, and affords nutritious, hut rather scanty grazing for domestic animals; yet its value as a winter for age plant is not to be overlooked, as its stolons remain green during the winter months, and, combined with the dead leaves, afford to closely grazing animals a reasonably good living. In smthern Kansas, the plant reaches its eastern limits, about one hundred miles west of Fort Scott. There it first appears in small, distinctly outlined patches, a few feet in diameter, and in narrow strips or lines at the base of low eleva tions on the large prairies. We were puzzled to understand how this humble plant was holding its place, here in the midst of strong, tall, grow ing competitors, Andropogon and &Thum, sur rounding it closely, but not venturing on an inch of its territory; but we soon succeeded in discov ering that the phenomenon resulted from local soil conditions. At the depth of half an inch

below the surface of those areas, the soil, for an inch or more downward is closely compacted and hardened, so as to prevent the roots of plants from penetrating through it. These areas, being thus unfitted for the growth of deep-rooting phmts, had become open for settlement by this humble species, which requires only a shallow soil to sustain it. This hardened condition of soil at the base of these low elevations.is evi dently from the agency of alkali, or some related mineral substance, filtering through the soil and cropping out at these places. Not having tested the conditions under which the plant exists in the heart of the plains—the center of its home— we are unable to say whether similar phenomena attend it there; but that an alkaline saturated or tinctured soil is essential to its growth has been disproved by the cultivation of the plant east of the Mississippi, where it flourished finely, but it is unable to compete with its intruding neighbors, and is soon overrun and destroyed. As an instance showing its tenacity of life, we record the fact of its having stood the treading of animals in a farmer's feed lot, where every other green thing had been destroyed. Whetherit can be turned to any profitable account in the agri culture of the country remains for future experi ment to determine. Monroa squarrosa. This comparatively worthless species somewhat resem bles the buffalo grass in habit and mode of growth, and might be taken for it by those unac quainted with the latter species, the fascicled and tufted leaves of its prostrate branches resembling the stolons of Buchloe. The plant is an annual, with rigid and rather large foliage, and bears its fruit almost entirely concealed in the sheaths of its numerous leaves. It is rather common in the mountain districts and on the Upper Missouri, but abounds on the richer soils eastward. Bon teloua oltgostackya. This is one of the principal grama grasses of the plains and mountains, but this common name by no means applies to the species or to the several species of the genus exclusively, but is given by the mountain men to several other species of different genera. It is a most valuable species for grazing purposes but grows too thinly. and too short to be cut for hay. It abounds chiefly in the mountain regions and the adjacent plain districts, and may be readily distinguished from species of other genera by its peculiar spikelets of flowers all arranged on one side of the rachis, and pointing in one direction. It supports on its stalk from one to three or four, and sometimes five of these t-pikes, which are purplish, or of an indigo-blue tinge. Its general height is about twelve inches, but in sterile locations much less. The leaves and stems are smooth, having no hairs. It is peren nial. Much of the beef of the southwest is claimed to be the product of this grass; Boute 1 ma Itirsuta. This less valuable species so much resembles the foregoing that some care and close observation are necessary to discriminate between them. The spikes of flowers are shorter, and more curved when mature, and present a bristly appearance, from the numerous rigid hairs that grow from the conspicuous dark glauds of the glumes The leaves and stalks are al.o hairy. It generally grows shorter and pre fers more sterile situations, where sand and gravel abound. It is not a. perfect perennial, but appears to be a biennial; or something like a winter annual. It is not esteemed as a forage plant. Bouteloua cnrtipe tidal a • This beautiful species is at once distinguished from the other by its long, slender raceme of numerous (twenty to fifty, or more) spikes. These are small hori zontally bent or reflexed and sometime, but not always, purplish. It grows two to three feet high, is perennial, but the foliage is scanty, and as a forage plant is not highly valued. It abounds in many localities in the plains and mountains. Sparttna cynosuroides. The fresh water cord grass of the whole country abounds also in suit able situations there, and, as in the States east of Missou4, is frequently cut for hay, but it makes only a iserable substitute for that article. No animal will eat it until driven by a degree of hunger approaching starvation. It is to be re gretted that this abominable fare is still provided for the faithful beasts that contribute so much to the wealth and happiness of man. The wes tern cities and towns continue to store it largely for feed for horses, simply for the reason that it may be easily obtained, or is cheap—to the ex clusion of the nutritious and savory Andropogon, Sorghum, and Spar, bottes--which merciless, merce nary practice can not be too strongly condemned. Festuca °rim. In the mountain regions, and adjacent plains this species is plentiful, and con tributes largely to the general forage crop of the country. It is esteemed a nutritious grass, not withstanding the hard, wire-like appearance of its leaves and culms. The species is variable, and includes very different forms, arising in part from the conditions of locations. It attains to the height of about two feet, in favorable situa tions, and grows chiefly in bunches or stools, with erect, straiglit, stiff culms, long, narrow leaves, of pale green color, and has numerous flat spikes of flowers in a small panicle, often purplish. The several varieties or forms of this, sheep's fescue, grass possess very different con stitutional qualities as to naturalization tenden cies, some forms being so sensitive to changed conditions, that they can not be made to survive artificial treatment. Festuca ma, rostackya. A valuable mountain annual species in the moun tains of New Mexico, of very variable forms. It is one of the grama g-rasses of that region, from six to eighteen inches high, with a loose, lax panicle of small spikelets, bristle pointed. Bromus Kalmii. Chiefly found in the mountain districts. A slender tall grow ing grass with a graceful panicle of drooping or nodding spikes of flowers. These are long and roundish, or flat when mature; where plentiful it affords excellent pasturage. Stipa viridula. From four to six feet high in favorable situations, witn. a plentiful supply of large flat leaves. A considerable amount of mountain grazing comes from this species. Port serotina, and the other species enu merated in the catalogue, abound plentifully in the high as well as the low districts of the moun tains, and are all rich, nutritious grasses, and, where abundant, afford valuable food for all kinds of stock. Triticum caninum repens and eitopo Wes contribute largely to the pasturage of some districts, and are not deemed so valueless as in the Ea.st, and, with a few other species particular localities, are the chief reliance for grazing animals in those neighborhoods. The Cyperacefe, sedge grasses, are largely consumed by stock. and are even made into hay where abundant. The large family of Carer afford the best species. Though less nutritious and pala table than most of the true graminaceous plants, they are highly valued aud largely used in some mountain districts Care.v gayan.a. in the moun tain valleys and interval3s of olorado, affords the principal hay of the country, bumnany other species are used for both hay and pasturage. The relative value of the several species depends more on quantity than quality, excluding a few of the coarse aquatic kind 4 til it are quite worth less. The comparatively few species above described embrace the chief grazing resources of the region under consideration, and these resources are conceded by every one to lie the principal source of the wealth of the country-. The early pioneer, however, has already learned how soon the native grasses are destroyed by the cropping and treading of domestic intim:11.4, and lie sees with regret their places taken by worth less weeds and grasses that occupy the soil to the exclusion of every profitable production. IIe sees that, as settlement progresses and domestic animals increase, the natural pastures diminish; lie recognizes the inevitable destiny of the grass product, which is the principal resource of his country, unless it can be supplied by cul tivated species, and he naturally turns his attention and directs his labors to this task. The test of the experiment alone is to demonstrate the practicability of his work. The settler finds the climate peculiar and extreme; not uniform in its several seasons, yet possessing extreme general characteristics to which he must conform his operations to be successful. Knowing that the greatest wealth of a nation sprin,gs indirectly from its agriculture, and that the latter is com pletely successful only when it adapts itself to existing conditions; that no conquest over nature pays the cost of the warfare with its spoils, and that a persistent antagonism is not profitable to any people; and being without a successful pre cedent under similar climate and soil conditions na this country, original experiments must form the basis of operations. The test of species by sowing their seeds in plowed land and leaving them without further assistance to establish and defend themselves against the encroachments of native and naturalized foreign worthless weeds and grasses should be the plan of experiment; for, however well a species might succeed in a strong contest with competitors, it can not be profitable as a cultivated grass. From the pecu liar character of American climate and soil, or the very unequal powers of our grasses for territorial conquest, we expect to find but one, or, at most, but few species adapted to any locality or situation. We are told that twenty two species have been counted on a square foot in a rich, old pasture in England Such a result on the plains is utterly impossible. Monopoly seems the law of those species, and only local conditions arrest the domination of the strong, and this for the reason that only species resisting drought can live. It is natural that we should expect to find in some native species of the plains or mountains the successful plant or plants already adapted to the peculiar climatic conditions of the country, but we must remember that soil conditions have also very much to do. with the growth of plants, and that settlement and cultivation greatly change the conditions of the soils of any country. With these facts Udine us, our experimental operations may be more intelligently pursued. The plant required is one that will do for the coarse, open, and arid soil of the plains, which is often dry for a long time, what Blue grass (Poa p atens's) has done and is. doing for the States east of the Miseouri river within the same parallels. one that will not only maintain its footing but will extend its area and overcome competitors as Blue grass has done in several of the States east, and -Mach now forms the best pasture lands in the I.7nion, monopoliz ing the entire soil product on thousands, of acres. This species, however, being adapted only to. finely comminuted soils aEd moist during the period of its growth, does Lot succeed satisfac torily, though in some localities on the eastern confines of the district it inaintains a feeble existence. A stiong-growing, coarse perennial, with rhizomes, or underground root-stalks,would suggest itself as a suitaLle species for trial, or a perennial producing an abundance of radical leaves, and of early growth, that vvould cover the soil and prevent the growth of annuals. Of this class we suggest the following for experi ment: Elymus Gonad, nsis. A native over a large area. of North America; has been cultivated in Europe, but was soon discarded on account of its coarse character as compared with the pasture and hay grasses of that country. Elymus Vir gin cus. A hardy species of early growth, pro ducing an abundance of large, succulent leaves when young; a widely-distributed species in America. Cultivation gleatly accelerates its growth* It is a promising species. Elms Sthericus. Native of' Europe and America, in the colder latitudes; would probably succeed well in the northern districts, where it is native. Elymus mollis. Grows early and spreads rapidly by its running root-stalks; foliage, when young, ten der and juicy. It thrives well in a variety of situations different from its habitats (sandy shores); probably not adapted to a dry soil, but well worthy of trial; leaves broad, rather short, with a beautiful glaucous hue and strong nit icum flavor. Spol obolus heterolepis. A inost val uable native species; should be tried in cultiva tion for hay, but for pastures would doubtless soon be trod out by animals. Fields of this. species, and Andropnyou turcatus,A.scoparias, and Sorghum ?means, inclosed from stock, and mowed only after full maturity in autumn, would long remain good natural meadows, and this plan will probably be adopted until the lands advance so much in value that the hay produced alone will cease to be a paying crop. Ceratochloa granclfiora. This species inhabits the mountain districts, and has a wide range, reaching the Pacific in some of its forms. It is a large species, growing three feet high, ofteu more in good soils; not a coarse species for its size. Generi cally, this species is nearly related to Brow's, and much resembles Bromus Kalrnii, but has much larger and broader spikes, not drooping as in that species. From its habit of growing a mass of radical leaves early in its season, pre venting the growth_of intruding annuals, it maintains its place in localities where there is strong native competition, and even extends its areas by means of its seeds. It is inclined to fall in storms, in rich soil, when in fruit. It should probably be cut for bay before the seed matures, unless the practice should be found to injure the vitality of the root. This species merits thorough trial in all localities. In moun tain districts Poo monorails and Poa sero ina may prove profitable pasture grasses; both are natives of the region, and worthy of trial in cultivation. Agrostis vu'garis is a hardy species, tenacious of life, native of Europe and America, found in wet lands, but will thrive in dry, close soils. It may prove profitable in some localities for pasturage. Of foreign species, perhaps the most promising is Fes; oat proteas.s, similar to Ceratoeleoa grandiflora. This species grows an abundance of radical leaves, which retain their vitality through the autumn and into the early winter. aud in the southern districts would pro bably remain green through the year. This is a large tall-growing species, and not a very coarse grass. It is a native of Europe and is there esteemed as a valuable 'nay and pasture grass. It has been introduced into this country, and cultivated in some localities. Lob perenne, an A_siatic and European species, is esteerned as a pasture grass in some parts of the country, and merits trial. Pilezini protease (Timothy) will of course be tested thoroughly, but it is believed to succeed very indifferently through out the whole extent of this region, on account of the open, light, porous soil not affording its roots the protection necessary to keep the plant from perishing during the summer droughts. Folio wing we give illustrations and descriptions of some of the less known northern and southern grasses, and including some but lately described. The figures and description are as follows: Agrosts exarata, mountain Red-top. This may be called Mountain or Northern Red-top. Found in Dunn county, Wis., where the grass is a native of the low grciunds. It is more slender in its grovvth than the common cultivated Red top (Agrostie vulgaris). lt, is a native of the Rocky mountain region; on the Pacific slope presenting a good deal of variety in form and size, so much so that it has received several specific names, although more extended observa tions are needed to establish accurately the boundaries of the species. There is thought to be little doubt that this grass would be suited to growth in the northern portions of our country, and on moist meadows and bottom lands would p..obably prove valuable. Andropogon, seoparius, Broom grass, Broom sedge. A perennial grass, with tough, wiry stems, growing two to three feet high, with the narrow flower spikes coming out from the side joints, and also at the top. The spikelets are in pairs, on each joint of the slender axis, one of the flowers is sterile and fringed with soft spreading hairs, the other per fect and with. a small twisted awn. It grows mostly in dry, sterile soil—a great eye-sore if it takes possession of meadows, but a good pasture grass I „lore it shoots up its culms, after which stock will touch it no more. Mr. C. Mohr, of Mobile, says of it- One of our most comnion grasses, covering old fields and fencerows, and extensively growing in the dry, sandy soil of the pine woods. Much despised as this grass is as a troublesome, unsightly weed, it has its good qual ities which entitle it to a more charitable consi deration. In the dry, pine woods it contributes, while green and tender, a large share to the sus tenance of stock. Andropogon fureatus, Andro pogon, Virginieus and Anclropogon incierourus are other species of this genus, which have similar characters ith the preceding. In the great prairie region of the West these form an impor tant quantity of the native grasses. Although useful as a resource for stock having a range over uncultivated fields or grounds, their place should, as early as possible, be filled with more valuable grass. Bro mite uniotoicles, Schrader's grass, Rescue grass. This is one of the so called winter grasses; that is, to the Chess or Cheat family. 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 three feet high, with a rather large, open spreading panicle, the ends of the branchlets bearing the large flattened spikelets, which, when mature, hang gracefully upon their stems, giving them quite an ornamental appearance. It is not adapted to use in a eountry 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 appearance in February, grows in tufts, its numerous leafy stems growing from two to three feet high ; it ripens the seed in May; affords in the earlier months of spring a much relished nutritious food, as well as a good hay. Cynodon doetylon„ Bermuda grass. Wire grass. A low, creeping perennial grass, with abundant short leaves at the base, sparingly sending up slender, nearly leafless flower stalks, with three to five slender, diverging spikes at the summit. The flowers are arranged in a close row along one side of' these spikes. The spikelets are one flowered, with a short, pedicelled rudiment of a second flower. The glumes are pointed, but without awns; the lower palet boatshaped. This grass is a native of Europe, and is abundantly naturalized in many other countries. It is said to be a common pasture grass in the West Indies. In the Southern States it has long been the chief reliance for pasture, and has been extravagantly praised by some, and cursed by others, who find it difficult to eradicate it when once established. Mr. C. Mohr says: It thrives in the arid, barren drift sands of the sea shore, covering them by its lopg, creeping stems, whose deeply penetrating roots impart firmness to a soil which else would remain devoid of vegetation. It is esteemed one of the most valuable of our grasses, either in the pasture or eured as hay. Col. T. C. Howard, of Georgia, says: The desideratum to the South is a grass that is perennial, nutritious, and adapted to the climate. While we have grasses and forage plants that do well when nursed, we have few that live and thrive here as in their native habitat. The Bermuda and Crab grasses are at home in the South. They are not only live, but live in spite of neglect, and when petted and encouraged they make such grateful returns as astonish the benefactor. It seems that it rarely ripens any seed, and the usual method of reproducing it is to chop up the roots with a cutting knife, sow them broadc.ast, and plow under shallow. Col onel Lane says• Upon any ordinary upland I have found no difficulty by close cultivation in cotton for two years. It requires a few extra plowings to get this sod thoroughly broken to pieces. Prof. Killebrew writes: In Louisiana, Texas, and in the South generally, it is, and has been, the chief reliance for pasture for a long time, and the immense herds of cattle on the southern prairies subsist principally on this food. It revels on sandy soils, and has been grown extensively on the sandy hills of Virginia and North and South Carolina. It is used exten sively on the southern rivers to bold the levees and the embankments of the roads. It will throw its runners over a rock six feet across, and soon hide it from view, or it will run down the deepest gulley and stop its washing. Hogs thrive upon its succulent roots, and horses and cattle upon its foliage. It has the capacity to with stand any amount of heat and drought, and months that are so dry as to check the growth of Blue-grass will only make the Bermuda gicener and more thrifty, as has often been seen. Daetyloetenium ./Egyptiacum, Crow-foot grass. This is an annual grass somewhat resembling Eleusine, but coarser and stiffer, and of less value. The stems are often rooting at the base, with commonly four acutely pointed stiff spikes at the top of the culm, which are shorter than those of the E!eusine In,dica. It occurs abund antly in some localities in waste or neglected grounds. The cuts illustrating the more im portant of these grasses are shown elsewhere. Eleusine In,dica, Crow-foot, Yard grass, Dog's tail. This is an annual grass belonging to tropical countries, but now naturalized in most temperate climates. In the Southern States it iS found in every dooryard and in all waste places. It does not seem to be very highly recommended for cul tivation in the South, although it is said to form good and lasting picking for stock. Hierochloa borealis, Vanilla or Seneca grass. This is a grass of northern latitudes, growing in moist meadows near the coast, also in lo w marshy ground in some parts of Illinois and other States border ing the great lakes, and in the mountains of Col orado and northward. The name Hierochloa means sacred grass, so-called because this, among other sweet scented grasses, was strewn before the church doors on Saints' days in the north of Europe. The culms grow from one to two feet high, with short, lanceolate leaves, and an open pyramidal panicle, from two to five inches long. The flowers all with two palets; the two lower -flowers staminate only, often around the middle of the back, or near the tip; the uppermost une perfect, short pediceled, scarcely so long as the others and awnless. The spikelets arc chestnut colored and rather ornamental. Experiments are wanting to determine the value of this grass in cultivation. Leptoehloa mueronala, Feather grass. An annual grass, growing from two to three feet high, the flowers arranged on numerous slender spikes in a long panicled raceme. The flowers are minute, three to four in a spikelet, the upper most one imperfect; the glumes pointed and about equaling the awnless flowers. This is a handsome grass when full grown, the panicles on thrifty specimens sometimes becoming two feet long, the slender branches arranged along the main stem in a feather-like manner, hence the name. Prof. Killebrew says that it grows in fields and pastures and affords a small amount of grazing during the hot months, while the regular pasture grasses are parched up with heat. But it is of no agricultural value in the presence of so many others that are successfully grown. Muh lenbergia diffusa, Drop-aeed, Nimble Will. This is a low grass, with much-branched stems and narrow, slender panicles of flowers. The spike lets are one-flowered, with very minute glumes, and the lower palet with an awn or beard once or twice its own length. It is a perennial graes,flower ing in August and September. Prof. Killebrew, of Tennessee, says: It is hardly more than neces sary to mention this grass, which forms, in many sections, the bulk of the pastures of the woods. It does not grow in fields but in woods, where, after rains have set in, it carpets the earth with living green. Various opinions are entertained as to its nutritive qualities. Some farmers con tend that their stock are fond of it, and, on suf ficient range, cattle, horses and sheep, will go into the winter sleek and fat from this vigorous grass; others regard it as well-nigh worthless. It is said to be an excellent butter-making grass, giving it a particularly fine flavor. Posralumlcera, Water grass. There are a number of species of this genus which in general appearance are hardly distinguishable. In the stiucture of the flowers they are very near to Panicum, from which they chiefly differ in the want of a lower glume. Mr. D. L. Pliares, of Mississippi, says of this grass: It is not called water grass because it grows in and about water, for it does not, hut probably because it is very succulent. It is troublesome in crops; live stock are very fond of it in all stages of growth and as dry bay. A neighbor has a mea dow of it from which lie mows every summer about two tons of hay per acre. It ia very easy to set land with it; that is, it catches readily. Panieum erus-galli, Barnyard grass, Cock's-foot grass. Of this gTass Mr. Mohr says: An annual, tIA o to three feet high, bearing its roughly-awned flowers in dense, one-sided panicles composed of numerous crowded spikes; it grows luxuriantly, particularly in the low lands of the coast, is greedily eaten by horses and cattle, and makes a hay of good quality. It is justly regarded as an excellent grass, particularly before it ripens its seed, as in the later stages of its growth the long and stiff awns of its spikes tend to make it somewhat unpalatable. Mr. D. L. Phares, of Mississippi, says of this grass: The hay is very highly esteemed by many farmers. In northern Mississippi I have seen large fields of it mowed. This grass should be cut early, while it is juicy and palatable. This will be at ale first appearance of the flowers or soon there after. Panieum filiforme, Slender Crab grass. This is a native species of southern Crab grass. It is annual, growing with erect, slender culrns, which are terminated by three to five slender, erect spikes of Dowers. The leaves are one to two inches long, smooth below, sometimes a little hairy above, the lower sheaths hairy. It grows mostly in dry, sandy soil and is of little value, from its scanty foliage and thin, wiry stems. Panievm jumentorum, Guinea grass. This is a perennial grass of strong, vigorous growth, a native of Africa, extensively cultivated throughout the tropics. Mr. Charles Mohr, of Mobile, says: It is planted with us in the begin ning of April; admits the first cutting during the last week of May; it makes very large bunches and is to be cut before extending to the height of about eighteen inches. In that stage it is very sweet, tender, and easily cured as hay. In moderately fertilized land and favorable seasons it can be cut every five or six weeks, yielding by its throwing out numerous stolons. increased crops until killed down by frost. The roots are casily protected during the winter by a good covering with ground, like the rattoons of sugar cane, and allowing of a manifold division,afford the best means of propagation. These root cuttings are set out in March or the beginning of April. This grass must not be confounded with the Sorghum halapense or Johnson grass, which is often improperly called Guinea grass, from its similar habit and appearance. Panieum, obtusum, Obtuse-flowered Panic grass. This grass is similar in appearance to the Panieum Texanum, or Texas Millet, but is lower and less vigorous in growth, with narrower panicles and narrower and smoother leaves. It grows in South America, Mexico, New Mexico, and Texas. We do not know that it extends east of the Mississippi river, or that it has been tried with reference to its .agricultural value. Panieum sanguinale, Crab grass. Prof. Killebrew, Tennessee, says : It is a fine pasture grass, although it has but few base leaves and forms no swards, yet it sends out numerous stems, branching freely at the base. It serves a most useful purpose in stock hus bandry, and the northern farmers would con gratulate themselves very much if they had it to turn their cattle on while the clover fields and meadows are parched up with summer heat. It -fills all our cornfields, and many persons pull it out, which is a tedious process. It makes a sweet hay, horses are fond of it, leaving the best hay to eat it. Panieum. Tex(' num, Texas Millet. An annual grass two to four feet high, sparingly branched, at first erect, becoming decumbent and -widely spreading, very leafy, sheaths and leaves finely soft—hairy , margin of the leaves, rough; leaf blades six to eight inches long and one-half to one inch wide, upper leaves reaching to the base of the panicle, or nearly so; panicle six to eight inches long, strict ; the branches alternate, erect, simple, three to four inches long, with somewhat scattered sessile spikelets. A grass of vigorous, rapid growth. It is very leafy, the leaves broad, rather thin, sprinkled with short, soft hairs. It grows two to three feet high, but the spreading stalks are often four feet or more in length, growing very close and thick at the base, and yielding a large amount of food. Pan ieum virgatum, tall Panic grass, Switch grass. A tall, perennial, southern grass three to five feet high, growing mostly in clumps in wet or moist soil, particularly near the coast; a good and prolific grass, if cut when young; when ripe it becomes harsh and unpalatable. It forms a considerable constituent of the native grasses of the prairies, particularly of moist localities. Poa Serotina, Fowl Meadow grass. This grass is closely related to the Kentucky Blue grass (Poa pratensis). It grows taller than that species, and is better adapted for a meadow grass than for pasture. This species is most common in the Northern States, particularly north of Pennsyl vania. It is a good grass for moist meadows. In Wisconsin, where many natural meadows of this grass occur, it is highly esteemed. Poa Pratensis, Kentucky Blue grass. This grass is too well 'Known to need an extended description. Prof. Killebrew, of Tennessee, truly says of this grass, it would seem a work of supererogation to argue as to the advantages of cultivating this grass. All know its benefits, and all see around them the great increase in the value of the land covered by it. It grows readily in all parts of the United States, north of latitude 40', and lower down on suitable soils. It flowers in the earliest summer, and gives rich pasturage, except in the driest months, all the year. It varies in size in different localities, according to soil and climate. From the unexampled success its cultivation has met with in Kentucky, it has acquired the name of Kentucky Blue grass, though in the New Eng land States it is known by the name of June grass. In all the middle portions of the United States it forms' the principal constituent of the turf, though its excellence is rather depreciated in the Eastern States. In some sections it has been used as a hay, but it is not a success as a meadow grass, its chief excellence being exhibi ted as a pasture grass. It endures the frosts of winter better than any other grass we have, and if allowed to grow rank during the fall months, it will turn over and hide beneath its covering, the most luxuriant of winter croppings. Many persons, South and West, pass their stock through the entire winter on it alone, feeding only when the ground is covered with snow. (See article Blue Grass for further description.) Setaria setosa; Pigeon grass, Bristle grass. There are two species of Setaria or Pigeon grass which are very common in cultivated fields in the Northern States, springing up after the cutting of grain, and often yielding a fair crop for the scythe. In some of the Southern States, and particularly Texas, there is another species, the one above named, which is of larger and stronger growth. Its habit is much like the Italian millet, which is Setaria Italica, and its use and value are probably much the same as that species. Sorghum hala pen,se, Johnson grass, False Guinea grass. A perennial grass with strong, vigorous roots, and abundance of long and tolerably broad leaves. Its stems attain a height of from five to six feet, with a large and spreading panicle. The flowers and seeds are much like those of broom corn, hut the panicle is finer and more spreading. It has been much discussed in the Southern journals. It has been dreaded by planters because it seems almost impossible to exterminate it when it has once been established. Sorghum nutans, Indian grass, Wood grass. This is a perennial, tall grass, having a wide range over all the country east of the Rocky mountains. It grows rather sparsely and forms a thin bed of grass. The stalks are three to four feet high, smooth, hollow, straight, and having at the top a narrow panicle of handsome straw colored or brownish flowers, which are rather drooping in fruit. This grass has not usually been considered of much agricul tural value, but it forms an important part of the native grass of the western prairies, and, if cut early, forms good and nutritious hay. In the Southern States and in Texas, there are two additional species or varieties which are not materially different. Sporobolus Innlieus, Smut grass. A native of India, but now spread over many- countries. It occurs more or less abun dantly in all the Southern States, and is called smut grass, there from the fact that after flower. ing, the heads become affected with a blackish smut. Mr. D. L. Phaxes, of Mississippi, says that it grows luxuriantly in uncultivated lauds, and is eaten by cattle and horses, and seems valuable. Dr. Gattinger, of Nashville, Tenn., says : All parts of' the plant are equally pliant and succulent. It sprouts again after being pas tured down, with numerous new culms, and its growing season lasts from May till frost. The culms stand about two feet high, and, as I have observed it, always growing in patches. It grows iu low and small tufts, and holds to the soil. Tricuspis seslerioicles, Tall Red-top. This grass grows from three to five feet high. It is 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 in pairs or single, naked below, flowering towards the extremities and becoming drooping. The spikelets are five to six flowered; three to four lines long, purple, on short pedicels. The glumes are shorter than the flowers, unequaled and pointed ; the lower palet is hairy toward the base, having three strong nerves which are extended into short cusps or teeth at the summit. It is a large and showy grass when fully matured, the panicles being large, spreading, and of a handsome purplish color. Instead of being called Tall Red-top it would be much more properly called Purple-top. It grows in sandy fields and on dry, sterile banks, from New York to South Carolina, west ward to the prairies, and southwestward to Texas, where several other species also occur. Tripsacum da,ctyloides, Gama grass. A tall perennial grass, with solid culms, broad and flat leaves, and with flower-spikes from four to eight inches long, produced from the side joints or from the top, either singly or two to three together. The upper portion of these spikes is staminate or male, and the lower portion pistil late and producing the seeds. It grows from three to six feet high, with large broad leaves resembling those of Indian corn. The upper or male portion of the flower-spikes drops off after flowering, and the fertile portion easily breaks up into short joints. These joints are thick and polished, and the flowers and seeds are deeply imbedded in them. Mr. Howard in his Manual of Grasses, says: This is a native of the South, from the mountains to the coast. The seed stem runs up to the height of five to seven feet. The seeds break off from the stem as if in a joint, a single seed at a time. The leaves resemble those of corn. When cut before the seed stems shoot up they make a coarse but nutritious hay. It may be cut three or four times during the season. The quantity of forage which can be made from it. is enormous. Both cattle and horses are fond of the hay. The roots are almost 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 tilled by close grazing, and the mass of dead roots would certainly greatly enrich the land. As the seeds of this grass vegetate with upcer tainty, it is usually propagated by setting out slips of the roots about two feet apart each way. On rich land the tussocks will soon meet. In the absence of the finer hay grasses this grass will be found an abundant and excellent substi tute. The hay made from it is very like corn fodder, is quite equal to it in value, and may be saved at a tithe of the expense. Uniola Wild Fescue. This is a handsome grass, with larger spikelets than any other we have mentioned; in form theyare somewhat like those of Bromus uni oloides, and like them are very flat and com pressed. Mr. Chas. Mohr, Mobile, Ala., says: A fine vernal grass, with a rich foliage, blooming early in IVIay ; two to three feet high; frequently in damp, sandy loam, forming large tufts. This perennial grass is certainly valuable, affording an abundant range early in the season ; if culti vated it would yield large crops ready for cut ting from the first of May. It is called by some Wild Fescue or Oat grass. It is not found near the coast, consequently I had no chance to observe its growth during the latter part of the summer, and in the winter season, and therefore am not able to judge of its value as a pasture grass. It grows as far north as Pennsylvania, but it is less vigorous in growth as it advances northward. The following glossary of terms, used in describing grasses, will be of advantage to the general reader, for identifying species, named here, as well as with others found in_ botanical works on grasses: Acuminate—Extending into a long, tapering point. Acute —Sharp-poiuted.