Lake Maxinknckee, Physical and Biological Survey 229 

 69. WHITE GRASS 



HOMALOCENCHRUS VIRGINICUS (Willd.) Britton 



Not common ; a few patches in moist shady places. 

 70. RICE CUT-GRASS 



HOMALOCENCHRUS ORYZOIDES (L.) Poll. 



Common in wet open places, as along the south shore of Outlet 

 Bay. It here formed dense tangled masses, conspicuous on account 

 of the pale green color. The lax stems support themselves by 

 clinging to each other and to neighboring plants by means of minute 

 sharp hooks which are especially numerous about the nodes. These 

 tangled patches are very difficult to get through, as the plants catch 

 hold of the clothing and skin with great tenacity and are able to 

 scratch quite severely. In degree of scratchiness this plant rivals 

 the tear-thumb. However, as it grows chiefly in unfrequented 

 places, it can hardly be regarded as a serious nuisance. Its tangles 

 and seed probably furnish protection and food to wild fowl. 



71. REED CANARY-GRASS 



PHALARIS ARUNDINACEA L. 



A few plants were found along the thoroughfare between the 

 lakes in the vicinity of the wagon bridge. Somewhat past flower, 

 June 17, 1901. 



72. HOLY-GRASS 



SAVASTANA ODORATA (L.) Scribn. 



Scattered in moist meadow-like places about the lake. Noted 

 in the neighborhood of Culver, by Lakeview Hotel, and in Green's 

 marsh. This grass blossoms quite early in the season, and the rich 

 yellow of the stamens shining through the translucent glumes, 

 catches the eye at a distance and makes it an unusually attractive 

 grass. The whole plant possesses a delightful fragrance. On this 

 account it is sometimes called vanilla-grass. It remains in blossom 

 for a considerable time. It would probably prove to be a desirable 

 grass in meadows. 



73. PORCUPINE-GRASS 



STIPA SPARTEA Trin. 



This tall tufted grass formed a few dense clumps in the sandy 

 open stretch on Long Point. The greatly lengthened awns, which 

 are fairly straight when green, have the faculty of becoming much 

 twisted and bent while ripening or drying, and perhaps aid in the 

 dispersal of the seed. A few, carelessly thrown down on a blanket. 



