REPORT OF THE BOTANIST. 77 



The plant referred to is a species of Ephedra, a singular looking, 

 leaiiess, or nearly leafless, shrub, growing in the southwestern and 

 districts. It is a popular remedy in those regions, and probably has 

 active properties. 



From West Virginia : 



I send you a specimen of shrub which grows in mountainous situations in this 

 State, and which is called mountain-tea. It is used as a substitute for ordinary tea 

 of commerce, and is said to be as pleasant and agreeable to the taste as that article. 

 Please inform me of. its botanical name. 



The plant is botanically called Comptonia asplenifolia, growing 

 abundantly in the Northern States, where it is called "sweet-fern." 

 There are a number of other substitutes for tea employed in difl'er- 

 ent parts of the country, as, Ceanothus americanus, or New Jersey 

 tea; Sida stipulata, a small malvaceous plant; Bex cassine, the black 

 tea of South Carolina, and others. 



From Burnet County, Texas: 



This day I send you by mail a species of a grass which is our best forage plant for 

 winter pasture. It grows rapidly all winter, and is ready to go to seed in April. 

 Stock of all kinds are very fond of it. It is never killed or even injured by cold in 

 the winter. The seeds are large enough to be ground, and probably would make 

 good breadstuff. Please let me know the name of the grass. 



The grass is Bromus unioloides, a native of Texas and the South- 

 west, and is undoubtedly one of the most valuable of grasses for win- 

 ter pasturage in that region. 



From an Army officer in Montana, transmitted by the Quarter- 

 master-General: 



I have the honor to ^end herewith samples of a weed fovmd among the wild-grass 

 hay delivered here under current contracts. In small quantity it appears to do no 

 harm, but when present in greater amount among hay cut in creek bottoms, par- 

 ticularly in swampy spots, it causes griping and spasmodic action in the legs, fol- 

 lowed by looseness in the bowels and general weakness. Mules and horses avoid 

 eating it as much as possible, but farmers assert that cows do not mind it and eat it 

 with impunity. I would be glad to have the name and character of the plant deter- 

 mined. 



The plant sent with this communication proved to be Smilacina 

 stellata, a common plant in mountainous regions, especially in the 

 Northern States and Rocky Mountains. It is related to the Conval- 

 laria or the lily of the valley, so called in cultivation. We have no 

 previous record of the peculiar properties noted in the above instance. 



From Ennis, Tex: 



Inclosed we send you a twig of a shrub which abounds on some of the hills of 

 Central Texas, and is commonly known as prickly currant. As you will observe, 

 it resembles holly, and we think it must belong to the same family. Will you 

 kindly determine its botanical name, and let us know at your earliest convenience? 



The specimen sent belongs to a species of barberry peculiar to Texas 

 and the Southwest, the botanical name of which is Berheris trifol- 

 iata. The leaves are thick and spiny-toothed, somewhat like the 

 holly, but much smaller. The bush, which is 3 or 4 feet high, is very 

 spiny, and has bunches of red fruit somewhat like the currant in 

 appearance. 



From Fremont County, Wyoming : 



Please let me know if you have or if there is any grass seed such as will grow 

 in this climate. The climate is dry and the altitude high, and in the summer months 

 there is a scarcity of water; consequently we cannot raise hay. and wild grass, by 

 being pastured so much, seems to grow shorter every year. The soil is good, but 

 sandy. We want a grass that will grow in such a climate and make a good hay, 

 even by irrigating in the spring as long as water lasts. 



