No. 112.] 845 



scirpus, and species of the agrostis, of junceae and felices, the 

 rushes and ferns. 



The panicum crus galli, or "barn yard grass," may almost 

 assume a position with the cereal plants. It is peculiarly 

 analogous in appearance and properties to the millet. Yields an 

 abundant crop, but is only preserved as a cheap and nutritious 

 food for poultry. 



The " June grass " is a light^ small and delicate grass, that ap- 

 pears early and anticipating the heavier vegetation, is an import- 

 ant auxiliary in the spring pasturage. 



A native grass, grows intermingled with the ferns and rushes, 

 in great profusion, upon the marshes which abound in the county. 

 It is copious and luxuriant in its vegetation, and afibrds an 

 abundant product. I have not been able, by the specimens I col- 

 lected, to determine its botanical name. This gra?s is congenial 

 to neat cattle and sheep, but is fatal to horses, although they eat it 

 freely. It is armed with inverted awns or barbs. These are in- 

 noxious to ruminating animals, which thoroughly masticate Iheir 

 food before it passes from the stomach ; but the grass with the 

 awns attached, entering into the intestines of the horse undigested, 

 fastens upon the inner membranes, and irritating them, produces 

 inflammation, ulceration, and ultimate death. The very serious 

 losses which have resulted from this cause, seem to require a 

 notice of the fact. 



A plant thrives in great beauty and luxuriance about tlie gar- 

 rison grounds at Crown Point, and seems peculiar to that locality. 

 It is tritblium procumbens, or yellow clover, and was doubtless 

 introduced during tlie occupation of the Ibrtress by the French or 

 English armies. Useful fur hay, it possesses invaluable (qualities 

 for pasturage, and must be eminently adapted for " ^oiling." It 

 mantles the earth with a heavy, rich, and beautiful cov<rin£r, and 

 atlbrds a delicate and nutritious food, which is constantly re- 

 newed from early sj>ring to the severe frosts of autumn, in a 

 series of the richest crops. I am informed that it is nniarkable 

 for its abundant yield of seed.* It is evident that the cultiva- 

 tion of this clover would ensure the most benificial results. 



• lion. John C. Uamnaond. 



