GRAMINACE. 739 
Paspalum scrobiculatum, an Indian spec'es, is also said to be some- 
times unwholesome. Stipa stbirica in Kashmir, Stipa inebrians 
in Mongolia, and several of the Melicw of South Africa, have like- 
wise been recently described as deleterious Grasses. Further 
experiments upon Loliwm and the other supposed deleterious 
Grasses are desirable. Some of the species serve to bind together 
the sand on the seashore, and thus prevent the encroachment of 
the sea on the neighbouring coast. (See also Properties and 
Uses of the Cyperacex.) 
LEgilops ovata.—This grass has of late years become noted in conse- 
quence of M. Esprit Fabre having stated that the varieties of cultivated 
Wheat were derived from it and 4gilopscordata. This is not strictly correct, 
however, for the plants grown by M. Fabre, and the grains of which ulti- 
mately assumed the form of cultivated Wheat, were produced by hybridisa- 
tion between a species of Triticum and Egilops ovata, the result being the 
formation of a variety of gilops, called Agilops triticoides. The seeds of 
this, by cultivation for about twelve years, are said to have produced a 
erass like ordinary Wheat ; but it is not clear that prolonged cultivation 
for a series of years has shown any tendency in gilops ovata towards 
improvement. 
Andropogon.—Several species of this genus are remarkable for their 
agreeable odours. This fragrance is due to the presence of volatile oils, of 
which several are used medicinally and in perfumery. These oils are com- 
monly known under-the general name of Grass Oils or Indian Grass Oils. 
Those which are distilled from the fresh plants of A. Nardus, Linn., A. 
citratus, DC., and A. pachnodes, Trin. (A. Schenanthus, Linn.), are official 
in the Pharmacopeeia of India.—Andropogon citratus, Indian Lemon Grass, 
is the source of Lemon-Grass Oil, which is also termed Oil of Verbena and 
Indian Melissa Oil. The plant vielding it is largely cultivated in Ceylon 
and in the gardens of India. Lemon-Grass Oil is much employed in per- 
fumery under the name of o7/ of verbena, from its odour resembling the Sweet 
Verbena or Lemon Plant of our gardens. (See Aloysia ( Lippia) citriodora.) 
It is spoken highly of in India as an external application in rheumatism, 
&c., and for internal use in cholera. It possesses stimulant, carminative, 
antispasmodic, and diaphoretic properties. The fresh leaves are sometimes 
used as a substitute for tea, and the centre of the stems for flavouring curries, 
&c.— Citronella Od or Oil of Citronelleis the produce of Andropogon Nardus. 
It is employed in perfumery in England, &c., and in its medicinal properties 
it closely resembles Lemon-Grass Oil.—A. pachnodes i is the source of the oil 
known in India as Risa ka-tel, or Rusa Oil. It is also known as Oil of Gera- 
nium, Oil of Ginger Grass, or sometimes as Grass Oil of Namur. Oil of 
Geranium is extensively employed in Turkey to adulterate Otto or Attar of 
Rose. (See Pelargonium and Rosa.) 1t has similar properties and uses to 
the two preceding volatile oils — A. muricatus has fragrant roots, which are 
known under the names of Cuseus or Vetti-ver. It is imported into this 
country and elsewhere, and used for scenting baskets, drawers, &c. It is also 
reputed i in India to possess stimulant and diaphoretic properties.— A. laniger, 
Desf., is the source of the drug known as Schenanthus or Juncus odoratus. 
(See also Holcus.) 
Anthistiria—A. australis is the ‘Kangaroo Grass’ of Australia.—A. 
ciliata is an esteemed Indian fodder-grass. 
Arundo Phragmites, the Common Reed.—The culms of this and some 
other species are much used for thatching and other useful purposes. 
Avena sativa, the common Oat.—A great number of varieties of this 
species are cultivated in the North of Europe, &c., on account of the grains 
(fruits), which are called Oats. These are extensively used as food for 
