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No. 184. Paspaliim scrobiculatum Linn. Ditch Millet. 



A smooth annnal, with branching, erect or ascending stems, 2 feet high or more. 

 Widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of both 

 hemispheres. In northern India this grass is cultivated throughout the plains- 

 region as a "rainy-season crop." It is usually sown on the poorer kinds of soil, 

 the grain being chiefly consumed by the lower classes. The straw is used for 

 fodder. (Duthie.) A variety of P. scrobirulaUim, called "hureek" in India, 

 which is perhaps the Ghohana-grass, an Indian species reputed poisonous, is said 

 to render the milk of cows that graze upon it narcotic and drastic. (Lindley.) 



No. 185. Pennisetum japonicum Trin. 



Erect, with flattened simple stems, 1 to 2 feet high, very n jirrow leaves, and compara- 

 tively loosely flowered purplish or yellowish nodding panicles. A native of 

 Japan. Occasionally cultivated as a curiosity or for ornament. 



No. 186. Pennisetum latifolium Spreng. 



A rather broad-leafed ornamental perennial, 3 to 5 feet high, branching above, with 

 greenish rather dense panicles 1^^ to 2 inches long. Native of Uruguay and 

 Argentina. In the latter country it is used for covering roofs of houses. Occa- 

 sionally found cultivated here as an ornamental grass. It forms large tufts and 

 is easily propagated by the roots or seeds. It may possess some value as a 

 forage plant. 



No. 187. Pennisetum macrourum Trin. 



A South American species, with unbranched stems, 3 to 4 feet high, and densely 

 flowered, cylindrical, yellowish panicles G to 8 inches long. Cultivated occa- 

 sionally for its odd and ornamental appearance. 



No. 188. Pennisetum spicatum. Pearl Millet. 



An annual of luxuriant growth, 6 to 10 feet high, with long, broad leaves, stout 

 culms, and terminal, erect, cylindrical, dense spikes 6 to 12 inches long, closely 

 resembling those of the common cat-tail of the marshes. It is a native of the 

 East, where it has been cultivated for its grain for many years. It is an impor- 

 tant agricultural grass of Central Africa. It requires a rich loose soil to obtain 

 the best growth, and under favorable conditions produces an enormous quantity 

 of green fodder, for which purpose it can be cut several times during the season. 

 It does not dry out readily and is often difficult to cure into hay. It has been 

 cultivated with success as far North as Pennsylvania and in many parts of the 

 South lor a good many years. It is best sown in drills, about 2 feet apart, and 

 5 to 6 pounds of seed are required per acre. The weight of good seed per bushel 

 is 56 pounds. The current price is $12 to $14 per 100 pounds. 



No. 189. Pennisetum villosum Brown. 



An Abyssinian species which has been introduced into cultivation because of its 

 ornamental appearance. It grows to the height of 1 or 2 feet, has long narrow 

 leaves, and dense, oblong or cylindrical, flnely bearded heads 2 to 4 inches 

 long. It is a hardy iterennial, graceful and attractive in appearance, and is very 

 fre(|uently cultivated as an ornamental under the name of I'ennisetnin loiKjisti/lum. 



No. 190. Phalaris arundinacea Linn. Reed Canary-grass. (PI. Ill, tig. 3.) 

 A tall, leafy perennial, 2 to 4 feet high, from a creeping rootstock, with smooth 

 sheaths and narrow, branching panicles 4 to 8 inches long. It is a native, com- 

 mon on low, wet grounds, from New England southward to Tennessee, and 

 extending across the continent to California and Washington. It is native also 

 in Europe and northern Asia. It is little affected by either drought or cold, and 

 thrives well in the shade. It succeeds best on stiff, wet land, and on wet, 

 flooded fields and will grow fairly well upon rather dry, sandy soil. The root- 

 stocks are very strong and cree]> extensively, making this grass particularly 

 valuable for binding banks of viverS and ditches where the water supply is 



