DESCRIPTIVE MANUAL 



63 



5"o 



Sao 

 Soo 



«OS 

 55 



£$.£ g 



•SSs* 



Water 



Ash 



Ether extract 



Crude fiber 



Crude protein 



Nitrogen free extract 



5.79 

 9.25 

 1.77 



J1.58 

 6.49 



45.12 



9.S2 

 1.88 



33.52 

 6.89 



47.89 



CYPERACEAE, SEDGE FAMILY. 



This family contains few economic plants. The chnfas is used as 

 food for hogs. The papyrus of the ancients, and the so-called 

 rushes of our ponds belong to this family. Many of the plants grow 

 in low grounds. 



Northern Nut Grass (Cyperus esculentus L.). 



Description. — A grasslike plant growing from 1-2% ft. high; with 

 triangular stems, leafy at the base when young, later leaves termin- 

 ating the stems ; spikes of numerous spikelets with from 12-30 light 

 chestnut or straw-colored flowers ; scales of the spikelets rough-mar- 

 gined ; achene longer than broad. 



This perennial weed spreads extensively by its underground nut- 

 like tubers. It is closely related to the Southern Nut Grass {Cy- 

 perus rotundus L.) and in the north entirely replaces it. 



Distribution. — It is quite generally distributed in the state and 

 occurs frequently in North America from New Brunswick to Texas ; 

 common especially in low spots. Being somewhat yellowish in ap- 

 pearance it is easily recognized. 



Extermination. — This weed can be exterminated only by thorough 

 cultivation. Running the harrow over the field when corn is young 

 will not exterminate the weed. The little offshoots merely sprout 

 again giving rise to many more plants. Running the cultivator 

 through the field is more effective, but not sufficient. In badly in- 

 fested fields it will be necessary to usg the hoe. 



JUNCACEAE, RUSH FAMILY. 



These grasslike plants are related to the lilies. They generally 

 grow in low grounds and are of little economic importance. 



