OR SSES. In grasses there is very little new that has not been treated of in the body of this work ; nevertheless, since the South and South west are largely interested in the extension of grasses, indigenous or introduced, many of which were heretofore considered simply as pests in the cotton fields, but now are found of prime value either for pasture or as forage crops for cutting green,we give a review of species. In Texas, particularly, some most valuable grasses have been found, and the best of which is Texas blue grass (Poo araehnifera). Another valuable grass, better known in Texas than else where in the United States, is Rescue Grass (Brow's unioloides). In the Far West a plant of the geranium family (Krodium cieutarzum) has lately grown into great repute under various names, as alfila'ria, pin clover, pin grass, fil ree. Alfalfa (.1fedieago saliva) is coming more and more into use that ,region South and West where red clover has not succeeded. Dr. George Vasey, United States Botanist, has given careful attention to the subject of native and introduced grasses for the South and West, and in 1887 made public his investigations relating to some of the grasses considered valuable West and South, but not generally known. We, therefore, give short descriptions- of species deemed most valuable, not found in the body of this encyclopndia. One of these that may be named, is the Hairy flowered Paspalum. A Texas correspondent, Charles N. Ely, of southeastern Texas, writes Dr. Vasey as follows lum dilatatum was brought to this country about twelve years ago and planted by S. B. Wallis. It is a promising grass for hay and pasture, growing best on moist lands, but doing well on upland. It is easily subdued by culti vation and is not inclined to encroach on culti vated lands. Itlfs best propagated by roots or sets, the seed not being reliable. It is rather slow in starting, but when well rooted it spreads and overcomes all other grasses. Tramping and grazing is more of an advantage to it than otherwise. I think that this grass will succeed in a great variety of soils and climates, but those planting it must have patience with it at first." Mr. Wallis says : " This I consider the most valuable of all the grasses with which I am acquainted ; it is perennial and grows here all the year round, furnishing excellent green feed for stock at all seasons, except that the green blades freeze in our very coldest weather, per haps two or three times in the winter. It increases rapidly from seeds, and also repro duces itself from which sprout from the nodes of the culm after the first seed has ripened. I have seen these suckers remain green for six or eight weeks after the old stalks were as dead and dry as hay, and then when the old stalk had fallen to the ground take root and form new plants. It•grows well on all kinds of
dry land. Plants two or three years old form stools twelve to eighteen inches across. The grass has very strong roots, and grows in the longest drought- almost as fast as when it rains." Another species, P. plafyeaale, sometimes called Louisiana Grass, is well regarded in the Gulf States, and said to make fine pasture grass, giv ing a sod equal to Bermuda grass. Tramping does not hurt it, it is drought resisting, but is not cut for,hay, and if wished to be destroyed, one plowing kills it. Teosinte (Euehlanz luxurians) is a semi-tropical forage plant. The plant resembles Indian corn, but is more slender, suck ers far more, the'seeds being produced in small tufts or husks. It ripens its seeds only in Florida and other favored portions of the Gulf States. Upon rich land it makes immense growth. It endures heat, drought and rains as well as sorghum, and better than corn, and cures well into hay. Dr. Charles Mohr, Mobile, Ala., says of this plant : " This tropical grass does not ripen its seeds in this latitude, it scarcely unfolds its blossoms before the advent of the first frost. It is very tender, being easily affected by frost or drought. During a cold spring it is difficult to secure a good stand, and it is only after warm weather has fairly set in that it begins to make a rapid growth, affording three cuttings and over of rich fodder on well-manured ground in a sea son of genial showers. It is too succulent to be easily cured for hay. On that account, and from the difficulty in securing a good stand, and from the necessity of procuring each season a supply of seed from abroad, this grass has not found the favor with the cultivators of this section with which it is held in the subtropical zone." The general expression by those who have culti vated it in the Gulf States is that it is valuable. The seed is now sold by the best class of seeds men. Millo Maize (Sorghum vulgare) variety. This plant produces profusely and ripens its seeds in the Gulf States. The bulk of the testi mony is that cattle do not relish the plant, and that it is inferior to many other forage plants. American Canary Grass, (Phalaris Reed Canary Grass, Gilbert's Relief Grass, Cali fornia Timothy, etc. This grass, a biennial, in digenous through the Gulf States and across into California and Oregon, has seeds resembling flaxseed, and its habit of growth is that of wheat. It is natural to wet ground and seems to have acquired a good reputation in California. It may be valuable in the South as a winter grass.