53 



No. 162. Panicum lachnanthum Torr. Arizona Cotton-grass. 



This is a native of the dry regions of Arizona and New Mexico. It resembles Pani- 

 cum hmatum, but has more slender stems, which ii.se from strong, woolly, and 

 knotted rootstocks. This may prove to be a valuable pasture grass for the dry 

 or semiarid regions of the Southwest. 



No. 163. Panicum lanatum Rottb. Cotton-grass. 



A variable species widely distributed throughout the tropical regions of both hemi- 

 spheres. It is a perennial with slender or stont stems 1 to 3 feet high, usually 

 with Hat leaves and narrow panicles, the spikelets being densely clothed with 

 long silky or cottony hairs, which are white, or sometimes brownish or purplish. 

 When abundant this grass yields excellent pasturage. It has been found in 

 southern Florida and at other points near 

 the Gulf coast. There is a variety of this 

 species growing in the dry regions of Ari- 

 zona and New Mexico which has more slen- 

 der stems, that spring from strong woolly 

 and knotted rhizomes. Doubtless this form 

 would be a valuable pasture grass for the 

 dry or semiarid regions where it is native. 



No. 164. Panicum maximum Jacq. Guinea- 

 grass. (Fig. 64.) 



This grass was long ago introduced into Amer- 

 ica, presumably from tropical Africa, and 

 has lor many years been cultivated iu trop- 

 ical South America and the West Indies. 

 In these regions it is spoken of as being a 

 splendid pasture grass, growing to the 

 height of 12 feet, forming dense tufts. It 

 is readily propagated by cuttings of the 

 creeping rootstocks. It has been intro- 

 duced into some of the Gulf States, par- 

 ticularly Florida, where it is highly valued. 

 Few grasses yield a larger amount of fod- 

 der, and it may be cut as often as once a 

 month during the growing season. If 

 allowed to attain its full size it becomes 

 coarse and unfit for forage. Its stems are 

 killed by the first frosts of autumn. It 

 seeds only in the warmest parts of the 

 States bordering the Gulf. It is much less 

 hardy than .lohnson-grass, with which it has been confounded by some, and has 

 quite a distinct habit of growth. 



No. 165. Panicum miliaceum Linn. Broom-corn Millet. 



A rather coarse annual, attaining a height of 2 to 4 feet, with large, drooping, 

 loosely flowered panicles. There are several varieties, distinguished by the 

 color of the fruit or character of the ijanicle. This is the true millet which has 

 been cultivated in the East from prehistoric times, so that now its native coun- 

 try is not known. It is still cultivated to a considerable extent in China and 

 Japan, also in South Russia and Roumania, and to a limited extent in other 

 parts of Europe and North Africa. It requires a rich soil, and under favorable 

 conditions its growth is very rapid and its production of seed large, in some 

 instances amounting to 60 or 70 bushels to the acre. The grain is nutritious, 

 and is one of the best for feeding poultry. When ground, the flour makes a 



Fig. 64. — Gninea-grass (Panicum maxi- 

 mwjn.) . 



