These estimates care 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 great 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, Andropogon 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. Many 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. Andro 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 seoparius and Sorghum nutans, with which it often grows. It grows nearly twice as tall as A. scoparius, with spikes of flow ers longer, and ridged, and two to five together, terminal, and on short branches from the arils 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 abundantly 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 mils 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 nutans. This noble prairie grass is at once known when in flower by its -single terminal panicle of sorghum-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 many localities it is scarcely less abundant than Andrapogon furcatus, and consti tutes a large portion of the prairie bay. 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 cutjust before- killing frosts in early autumn. Sporoholus 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 Eragrostia megaqtachya 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 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 dactyloides. This is the noted buffalo grass of the region, and may be 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 male 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, but 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 sluthern 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 Sorghum, 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 plants, 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 o f 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. Whether it can be turned to any profitable account in the agri culture of the country remains for future experi ment to determine. Monroa squamrosa. 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 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. Bou teloua oligostachya. This is one of the principal grams grasses of the plains and mountains, but this common name by no means applies to the species or to the several 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 spikes, 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 loua hirsutd. 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 glands of the glumes. The leaves and stalks are also 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 curtipendula. 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. Spartzna cynosuroides. The fresh water cord grass of the whole country abounds also in suit able situations there, and, as in the States east of Missouri, is frequently cut for hay, but It makes only a miserable 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 Sporobolus--which merciless, merce nary practice can not be too strongly condemned. Festuca ovina. In the mountain regions, and adjacent plains this species is plentiful, and con tributes largely to the general forage crop of the country. ft is esteemed a nutritious grass, not withstanding the hard, wire-like appearance of its leaves and culnis. 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, straight, 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. Featuca macrostachya. A valuable mountain annual species in the moun tains of New Mexico, of very variable forms. It is one of the grams grasses of that region, from six to eighteen inches high, with a loose, lax panicle of small spikelets, bristle pointed. Bromus Kahnit. Chiefly found in the mountain districts. A slender tall growing 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, with a plentiful supply of large flat leaves. A considerable amount of mountain grazing comes from this species. Poa 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. Mit:CUM caninum reps= and callopoide,s contribute largely to the pasturage of some districts, and are not deemed so valueless as in the East, and, with a few other species in particular localities, are the chief reliance for grazing animals in those neighborhoods. The Ciyperacea, sedge grasses, are largely consumed by stock, and are even made into hay where abundant. The large family of Carew afford the best species. Though less nutritious and pala table than most of the true graminaceous plants, they are highly valued and largely used in some mountain districts. Carex gayana, in the moun tain valleys and intervales of Colorado, affords the principal hay of the country, but many 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 kinds that 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 be 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 animals, and he sees with regret their places taken by worth less weeds and grasses that occupy the soil to the exclusion of every profitable production. He sees that, as settlement progresses and domestic animals increase, the natural pastures diminish; he recognizes the inevitable destiny of the grass product, which is the principal resource of his country, unless it can be supplied by cul tivated 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 springs 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 in 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 Americarf 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 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 before 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 pratensis) has done and is doing for the States east of the Missouri 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 which now forms the best pasture lands in the Union, monopoliz ing the entire soil product on thousands of acres. This species, however, being adapted only to finely comminuted soils and moist during the period of its growth, does not succeed satisfac torily, though in some localities on ..the eastern confines of the district it maintains a.. feeble existence. A strong-growing, coarse perennial, with rhizomes, or underground roqt-stalks,would suggest itself as a suitable species for trial, or a perennial producing an abundance of radical leaves, and of early growth, that would cover the soil and prevent the growth of annuals. Of this class we suggest the following for experi ment: Elymus Canadensis. 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 ginieus. A hardy species of early growth, pro ducing an abundance of large, succulent leaves when young; a widely-distributed species in America. • Cultivation greatly accelerates its growth. It is a promising species. Elymus &balms. 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, wheil young, ten der and juicy. It thrives well in a variety of situations different from its habitats (sanely shores); probably not adapted to a dry soil, but well worthy of trial; leaves broad, rather short, •with a beautiful glaucous hue and strong Trit icum flavor. Sporobolus heterolepis. A most 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 Andropogon furcatus,A.scopan'as, and Sorghum nutans, 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. aratochloa granckliora. 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, often more in good soils; not a coarse species for its size. Generi cally, this species is nearly related to Brown, and much resembles Bromus Sakai, 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 hay 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 Poa nemoralis and Poa serotina may prove profitable pasture grasses; both are natives of the region, and worthy of trial in cultivation. Agrostis andgaris 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 Festuca pratensis, similar to Ceratoeldoa grandiflora. This species grows an abundance of radical leaves, which retain their vitality through the autumn and into the early winter, and 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 hay and pasture grass. It has been introduced into this country, and cultivated in some localities. Lolium perenne, an Asiatic and European species, is esteemed as a pasture grass in some parts of the country, and merits trial. Flamm pratense (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. Following we give illustrations and description's of some of the less known northern and southern grasses, and including some but lately described. 'The figures and description are as follows: Agrostis acarata, 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 grdunds. It is more slender in itsgrowth than the common cultivated Red top (Agrostis vulgceris). It 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 probably prove valuable. Andropogon seopairius, 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 k....fore shoots up its culirk after which stock will touch it no more. Mr. C. Mohr, of Mobile, says of it: One of our most common 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 furcatus, Andiro pogoa Virginicus and Andropogon ma,crourus are other species of this genus, which have similar characters with 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. Bromus unioloides, 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 country with severe winters, and hence did not give satisfaction in all places. Mr. Q. 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 daetylan, 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 long, 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 cured 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 broadcast, and plow under shallow. Col onel Lane says: Upon any ordinary upland have found no difficulty by close cultivation in cotton few 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 hold 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 greener and more thrifty, as has often been seen. Dactyloctertium 2Egyptict,cum, Crow-foot gpass. 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 Eleusine Indica. 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 Indica, 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. Hierochloot borealis, Vanilla or Seneca grass. This is a grass of northern latitudes, growing in moist meadows near the coast, also in low 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 one perfect, short pediceled, scarcely so long as the others and awnless. The spikelets are chestnut colored and rather ornamental. Experiments are wanting to determine the value of this grass in cultivation. Leptochloa mucronata, 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 ii is of no agricultural value in the presence of so many others that are successfully grown. Mu& lenbergia diff'usa, Drop-seed, 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 grass, flower ing in August and September. Prof. Killebrew, of Tennessee, says: It is'harclly more than neces sary to mention this grass, which forms, in many sections, the bulk of the pastures of the woods. It does not grolv 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. Paspalum lava, Water grass. There are a number of species of this genus which in general appearance are hardly distinguishable. In the structure of the flowers they are very near to Panicum, from which they chiefly differ in the want of a lower Blume. Mr. D. L. Phares, of Mississippi, says of this grass: It is not called water grass because it grows in and about water, for it does not, but 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 hay. A neighbor has a mea dow of it from which he mows every summer about two tons of hay per acre. It is very easy to set land with it; that is, it catches readily. Panicum crus-galli, Barnyard grass, Cock's-foot grass. Of this grass Mr. Mohr says: An annual, two 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 grags should be cut early, while it is juicy and palatable. This will be at the first appearance of the flowers or soon there after. Panievm filiforme, Slender Crab grass. This is a native species of southern Crab grass. It is annual, growing with erect, slender culms, which are terminated by three to five slender, erect spikes of flowers. 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. Panicum jumentorunt, Guinea grass.
i 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 easily protected during the winter by a good covering with ground, like the rattoon s 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 ha,lapense or Johnson grass, which is often improperly called Guinea grass, from its similar habit and appearance. Panicum obtusum, Obtuse-flowered Panic grass. This grass is similar in appearance to the Panicum Teranum, i or Texas Millet, but is lower and less vigorous 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. Panicum, 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. Panicum Teranum, 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 icum 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 (Pea pratensis). It grows taller than that species, i and 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 Setatria 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 pease, 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, but 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 Indicus, 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 al ter flower ing, the heads become affected with a blackish smut. Mr. D. L. Phares, of Mississippi, says that it grows luxuriantly in uncultivated lands, 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 in low and small tufts, and holds to the soil. Tricuspid seslerioides, 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. Tripsacant dortyloides, 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. goward 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 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 uncer tainty, it is usually propagated by sett* 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 latifolia, Wild Fescue. This is a handsomegrass,withlarger spikelets than any other we have mentioned; in formthey are 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 May; 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. (See, also, Supplement, Grasses, for new varieties.) Acuminate—Extending into a long, tapering point. ted.