99 
by the Tarahumares Indians who live in the southwestern part 
of Chihuahua. The basis of this drink is corn, which is first 
sprouted, then ground on a stone metate, after which water is 
- added and a quantity of the seeds of the Bromus. Sugar is also 
added, and the mixture is then placed by a fire for twelve hours. 
Fermentation soon sets in. It is not strong at first, but after a 
day or two it is quite intoxicating. As sold in the markets some 
looks like yeast, other lots are clear and of the taste of beer. 
Those not accustomed to drink this corn-beer, will for a time find 
it quite repulsive to the stomach. It is stated that in some coun- 
tries other species of Bromus are used in making a fermented drink. 
Elionurus candidus, Hack., called ‘‘ soccato colorado,” or red- 
-grass, from the color of the roots, which have a strong peppery 
taste and smell. They are used by the Tarahumares Indians and 
by Mexicans for curing toothache. The root is chewed and a 
little put into the hollow of the tooth. It is considered very effi- 
cacious, and is kept for sale in the markets. 
Stipa viridula, Trin. var.—A tall, coarse grass, collected in Co- 
cahuila in 1879, which is considered poisonous to cattle, horses and 
sheep, having a temporary narcotic effect upon them. _It is said 
that only strange animals will eat the grass, as it is shunned by 
the native animals who have once experienced its effects. 
Epicampes robusta, Fourn.—A coarse grass, growing five or 
six feet high. It has very straight, reed-like culms, half an inch 
thick at the base, which, after being stripped of their leaves, are 
used in making rockets, which are much used at the religious 
festivals in Guadalajara. 
Muhlenbergia and Aristida.—Several species of these grasses, 
growing tall and straight, and with close panicles, are used for 
making brooms. The leaves are stripped off, and the culms arethen 
tied into bundles three or four feet long and of convenient thickness. 
These brooms are in general use throughout Mexico. The 
bundles are sometimes flattened and used in whitewashing. 
Andropogon Myosuros, Pres|.—This has much the appearance 
of our A. scofarius, but less branched. It grows abundantly on 
hillsides in bunches. There are many long, straight, wiry culms 
growing together, and the branches are pulled up and used in 
 thatching the houses of the natives at Rio Blanco. 
