GRASSES. ' | ID% 
ficiently tested to warrant comparative estimates of their relative values 
in this respect. 
Andropogon furcatus, Andropogon scoparius, and Sorghum nutans, by 
their abundance in all the eastern portions of the district, are the lead- 
ing species, and at present comprise at least three-fourths of the grazing 
resources of that portion of the country. Next in importance follows 
Sporobolus heterolepis. This species is peculiarly palatable to cattle, and 
they are seen roving over rich pasture of other species’ in search of it. 
This is also said to be the winter forage species of Kansas, where it 
abounds, affording the rich winter pasturage of the farmers and herders 
of that State. It flourishes chiefly on the moister portions of the plains, 
and many local areas are almost exclusively occupied by it. 
In the following description of species, descriptive terms only that 
may be readily understood by all will be used, and from which it is be- 
lieved the identification will not be difficult to those who do not under- 
stand botanical terms: : 
.Andropogon furcatus, Muhl.—This species, the most abundant over 
large areas, is distinguished®only by its spikes of flowers and fruit from 
its near relatives, Andropogon scoparius and Sorghum nutans, with which 
it often grows It grows nearly twice as tall as A. scoparius, with spikes 
of flowers longer, and rigid, and two to five together, terminal, and on 
short branches from the axils of the upper leaves. The spikes are purplish 
generally, but often entirely destitute of color. It does not fruit every 
year nor in all situations. A very favorable season of moisture is re- 
quired to cause it to fruit abundantly. Itis one of the principal hay 
grasses of the country, and is abundantly cut and cured for winter use. 
Andropogon scoparius, Michx.—A much smaller plant than the fore- 
going, and much less abundant, yet apparently quite as valuable as feed 
for stock. Ii is known by its numerous slender branches from the axils 
of all its upper leaves, having its spikes of flowers single and scattered 
along the branches, very slender and thinly silky, hairy, and often pur- 
plish as the preceding species, and frequently growing with it, and: diffi- 
cult to distinguish from it when not in fruit. This is also one of the hay 
grasses, and is esteemed of equal value with the foregoing for winter 
feed. It is singular that these two most valuable western grasses should 
have been considered “remarkably worthless grasses” by the learned 
Dr. Darlington, less than twenty years ago. 
Sorghum nutans, Gray.—This noble prairie grass is at once known when 
in flower by its single terminal panicle of sorghum-like spikelets, droop- 
ing in mature fruit, shining, with brownish or russet hairs. This plant 
has often a peculiar glaucous hue, forming a striking contrast when 
growing with the form destitute of the glaucous bloom. In many lo- 
calities it is scarcely less abundant than Andropogon furcatus, and con- 
stitutes a large portion of the prairie hay. Like the two previously: 
described, it fruits only in favorable seasons, and the growth of foliage 
is also much diminished by dry summers. The hay from these three 
species is considered best when cut just before killing frosts, in early 
autumn. 
Sporobolus heterolepis, Gray.—This species may be identified from its 
long, slender leaves, growing abundantly from the base of the plant, 
gracefully curling, and frequently resting their tips on the ground ; from 
its tendency to grow branches or stools, and, when in fruit, from its small 
panicle of sharp-pointed spikelets and its round seeds. ‘These, whén 
bruised, emit a strong, heavy odor, which has been compared to that of 
Hragrostis megastackya when crushed in the hands; but to most olfacto- 
ries it is much less offensive, and to some not at all disagreeable. It 
