18 



however, does little more than sustiiin the life of the auiuials. It is of little or 

 no value for fattening cattle or for milch cows. 

 No. 36. Arundo donax Linn. Reed. 



A tall, leafy perennial, attaining the height of 10 to 15 feet, or in very favorahle 

 locations even 30 feet. The leaves are broad and widely spreading and the 

 stems are leafy to near the top. The panicle has some resemblance to that of 

 pampas grass, but is not so large. This grass is grown for lawn decoration and 

 to conceal unsightly objects. It is a native of southern Europe, northern Africa, 



and western Asia, and is said 

 to be spontaneous along the 

 Kio Grande. In some coun- 

 tries the stout stbms are used 

 for laths and, when split, for 

 woven worl< ; the leaves are 

 used for thatch or rooling, and 

 the stout rhizomes are em- 

 ]iloyed as a diuretic. A culti- 

 vated variety has its broad 

 leaves striped with longitudi- 

 nal white bands. It presents 

 a very striking ai»pearance. 

 This grass is ]>ropagated l>y 

 transplanting the roots, which 

 work may be done at any time 

 during the season. After 

 growth has fairly commenced 

 the subsequent development 

 is very rapid, and for this 

 reason it is one of the most 

 important plants of its class 

 for quickly producing scenic 

 elVects or for concealing un- 

 sightly objects. 



No. 37. Astrebla pectinata F. v. 



Mnell. Mitchell- grass. 

 A smooth, <'reet grass, 1^ to 3 feet 

 high, with liat. long-pointed 

 leaves and densely llowered 

 terminal spikes or heads. It 

 is a native of Australia, grow-" 

 ing naturally upon the inte- 

 rior })lain8. It is regarded by 

 the stockmen of that country 

 as the best of all native 

 grasses, both for its drought- 

 enduring qualities and for its 

 fattening projierties. If cut just when coming into bloom, it makes excellent 

 hay. The setnl is produced in abnndance, and is easily collected. This may 

 prove a valuable grass for the seniiarid districts of the Southwest. The seeds 

 of this grass, as well as tliose of the closely related Axtrebla triticoides, weic 

 formerly used as food by the natives of Australia. 

 No. 38. Avena americana Si ribn. American Oat-grass. 



In the grassy parks and on the foothills of tlu' eastern slopes of the Rocky Moun- 

 tains, tliis Arena, which closely resembles the Arena pratenau of Europe, is fre- 

 quently found associated with the other »ative grasses. Where abundant y^, 



fVi. H.—ii^Wi (j^ruudinafia tnacrotperma) : a 

 U, jimIi'.-i and liidiciilcs; r, frraiii. 



floret; 



