336 



GRAMINEM. 



[chap 



paper by the ancient Egyptians, was prepared from the pith- 

 like tissue of the tall stems of a plant nearly allied to the 

 Type-species. It is now nearly or quite extinct on the 

 banks of the river Nile. 



Some species, with far-spreading rhizomes, serve a useful 

 purpose in binding together the shifting sands of the coast 

 and river-banks. 



1 1 6. Natural Order, Gi'a7ninece. — The Grass Family. 



Herbs (except Bamboos). Sheaths of leaves usually 

 split in front. Scale {pale) next the flower without a median 

 nerve. 



Type — Wheat ( Triticum vulgare). 



A generally cultivated, erect annual, with an unbranched, 

 jointed, hollow, leafy stem {culm), the leaf-sheaths split in 

 front, and distichous spikelets of flowers. 



Fig. 220. Dissected spikelct of Wheat [Triticuw vuigarc). 



