MONOHYPOGYNER. ee ee a 
g are the marks of distinction. The Cyperacex have a so- 
lid and frequently angular stem, no transverse partition = 
tiaphragm) at the joints, an entire sheath, a single bractea - 
or scale bearing the flower in its axilla, and generally three 
stigmas. The Graminew have a hollow or fistulous and round 
stem, a diaphragm at the joints, the sheath cleft, two pairs 
¢ Seales to each flower, and two styles. In the Gramineae 
the embryo is without the albumen: in Cyperacee, it is en- 
closed in one end of the albumen. 
The Graminez contain a considerable quantity of silex in 
er culms, and hence are sometimes used for polishing brass, 
Marble, &c. : if 
_ The Grasses form about 1-16th or 1-20th of the pher 
Ramic plants, reckoning the number of species. They form 
amuch larger portion of the individuals. They occur in 
every part of the world, from the Line to very high lati- 
des ; and also at almost every elevation. Barley and Oats 
are the grasses used as food which reach furthest north. 
Xye and Buck wheat are the next. Wheat prevails about — 
ne middle latitudes. Maize, or Indian Corn, is the next, 
sing towards the Line. And, lastly, Rice, which is only 
ind in tropical or nearly tropical regions. 
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a 
_ Ecoyomrcan Prorerries.—The uses and importance of 
s family of plants as food both to man and the lower ani- = 
~ ™als are well known. The leaves of the Meadow Fox-tail — 
Grass (Alopecurus pratensis); Roughish, Smooth-stalked, 
Annual Meadow-Grass (Poa trivialis, P. pratensis, and 
_~* @nnua), are excellent pasture for cattle. Perennial Dar-— 
nel or Rye-grass (Lolium perenne), is often employed for pas- 
ture and hay along with clover. Crested Dog’s-tail-Grass_ 
4 cristatus), Sheeps’ and Hard Fescue-Grass (Fes- 
_ {tea ovina and F. duriuscula), and some species of Cat’s-tail 
Tass (Phleum), also make excellent pasture. Sweet-scent 
Vernal-Grass (Anthocanthum odoratum) gives new m 
tts fragrance (610) In India Linear-bent-Grass ( 
