18 



however, does little more than sustain the life of the animals. 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 favorable 

 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 stems are used 

 for latlis and, when split, for 

 woven work ; the leaves are 

 used for thatch or rooting, and 

 the stout rhizomes are em- 

 ployed as a diuretic. A culti- 

 vated variety has its broad 

 leaves striped with longitudi- 

 nal white bauds. It presents 

 a very striking appearance. 

 This grass is propagated by 

 transplanting the roots, which 

 work may be done at any time 

 during the season. After 

 growth has fairly commenced 

 the subsetiuent development 

 is very rapid, and for this 

 reason it is one of the most 

 important plants of its class 

 for quickly producing scenic 

 effects or for concealing un- 

 sightly objects. 



No. 37. Astrebla pectinata F. v. 



Muell. Mitchell- grass. 

 A smooth, erect grass, 1^ to 3 feet 

 high, with flat, long-pointed 

 leaves and densely flowered 

 terminal spikes or heads. It 

 is a native of Australia, grow- 

 ing naturally upon the inte- 

 rior plains. It is regarded by 

 the stockmen of that country 

 as the best of all native 

 grasses, both for its drought- 

 enduring (lualitics and for its 

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

 hay. The seed is produced in abundance, and is easily collected. This may 

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

 of this grass, as well as those of the closely related Astrebla triticoides, were 

 formerly used as food by the natives of Australia. 

 No. 38. Avena americana Scri1)n. American Oat-grass. 



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

 tains, tliis Arena, which closely resembles the A vena pratensis of Euroi)e, is fre- 

 quently found associated with the other native gra.sses. Where abundant it 



Fia. 14. 



-Cane (Arundinana inacrosperma) 

 b, paleaamllodii'ules; c, grain. 



a, floret; 



