REPORT OF THE BOTANIST, 
Sir: The subjects which have largely occupied the attention of this 
division during the past year are— 
First. An investigation of the grasses of the arid districts of the 
West and Southwest, concerning which a bulletin has been published. 
Two agents were employed in the examination in western Texas, 
~New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of Nevada and Utah. Some two 
hundred species of grasses were observed growing in different situa- 
tions and soils, and about thirty of these have been selected as de- 
serving of attention and experiment for purposes of cultivation. | 
Figures and descriptions of these are given in the bulletin in order 
to facilitate an acquaintance with them by persons interested, and it 
is hoped that a careful trial will be made of such by the farmers and 
graziers of the district. 
Second. Several new or interesting and promising forage plants 
have been brought to the attention of the Department as presenting 
promising features for cultivation in special localities. Among these 
are some species of clover, and a European forage plant known as 
Sainfoin or Asperset (botanically, Onobrychis sativa), which has at- 
tracted, recently, considerable attention in California and Nevada 
as giving promise of great value for cultivation on dry hills and 
mountain slopes. . 
A paper on Teosinte as a forage grass is also presented. On ac- 
count of the large quantity of foliage which this grass affords, it has 
great value for soiling and storing in silos wherever the climate will 
allow of its full development. ' 
Third. We have continued an account of common weeds which 
interfere with agriculture, and have given such information respect- 
ing their destruction and eradication as we have been able to obtain. 
In addition, some account is given of the cultivation of Peppermint 
for the purpose of procuring the oil for medicinal and pharmaceuti- 
cal purposes. 
A paper on cross-fertilization and, another on pollination are also 
presented, which wil! provoke research and investigation. 
Respectfully, 
GEO. VASEY, 
Hon. N. J. COLMAN. Botanist. 
Ss 
FORAGE PLANTS. 
TEOSINTE (Huchleena luxurians). 
This new forage plant, a native of Central America, bids fair to 
fill a permanent place for the South. Seed was first introduced into 
this country by the Department many years ago, but not until 1886 
is there any record of its having ripened seed in the United States. 
_. In that year a small quantity was ripened in southern Florida and 
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