GRASSES. / 223 
Boutelowa oligostachya, Torr.—This is one of the ‘principal “ grama 
grasses” of the plains and mountains, but this common name by no 
means applies to this species or to the several species of the genus 
exclusively, but is given by the mountain men to several other species 
of different genera. It is a most valuable species for grazing purposes, 
but grows too thinly and too short to be cut for hay. It abounds chiefly 
in the mountain regions and the adjacent plain dis stricts, and may be 
readily distinguished from species of other genera by its peculiar spike- 
lets of flowers all arranged on one side of the rachis, and pointing in 
one direction. It supports ontits stalks from one to three. or four and 
sometimes five of these spikes, which are purplish or of an indigo-blue 
tinge. Its general height is about twelve inches, but in sterile locations 
much less. The leaves and stems are smooth, having no hairs. It is 
perennial. Much of the beef of the Southwest is claimed to be the 
product of this grass. 
Bouteloua hirsuta, Lagasca.—This much less valuable species so much 
resembles the foregoing that some care and close observation are neces- 
sary to discriminate between them. The spikes of flowers are shorter 
and more curved when mature, and present a bristly appearance from 
the numerous rigid hairs that grow from the conspicuous dark glands of 
the glumes. The leaves and stalks are also hairy. It generally grows 
‘shorter, and prefers more sterile situations, where sand and gravel 
abound. It is not a perfect perennial, but appears to be a biennial or 
something like a winter annual. It is not esteemed as a forage plant. 
Bouteloua curtipendula, Gray.—This beautiful species is at once dis- 
tinguished from the others by its long, slender raceme of numerous 
(twenty to fifty, or more) spikes. These are small, horizontally bent or 
. reflexed, and sometimes, but not always, purplish. It grows two to three 
feet high, is perennial, but the foliage is scanty, and as a forage plant it 
is not highly valued. It abounds in many localities on the plains and 
mountains. 
Spartina cynosuroides, Willd.—The fresh-water cord-grass of the whole 
country abounds also in suitable situations there, and, as in the States 
east of the Missouri, is frequently cut for hay, but it makes only a mis- 
erable substitute for that article. No animal will eat it until driven by 
a degree of hunger approaching starvation. It is to be regretted that 
this abominable fare is still provided for the faithful beasts that con- 
tribute so much to the wealth and happiness of man. The western 
cities and towns coutinue to store it largely for feed for horses, simply 
for the reason that it may be easily obtained, or is cheap, to the exclu- 
sion of the nutritious and savory Andropogon, Sorghum, and Sporo- 
bolus, which merciless, mercenary practice cannot be teo strongly con- 
demned. 
Festuca ovina, Lin.—In the mountain regions and adjacent plains this 
species is plentiful, and contributes largely to the general forage crop 
of the country. It is esteemed a nutritious grass, notwithstanding 
the hard, wire-like appearance of its leaves and culms. The species is 
variable, and includes very different forms, arising in part from the con- 
ditions of locations. It attaius to the height of about two feet at favor- 
able stations, and grows chiefly in bunches or stools, with erect, 
straight, stiff culms, Tong, narrow leaves of pale-green cojor, and has 
numerous flat spikes of flowers in a small panicle, ‘often purplish. The 
several varieties or forms of this ‘ sheep’s fescue” grass possess very 
different constitutional qualities as to naturalization tendencies, some 
forms being so sensitive to changed conditions that they cannot be 
made to survive artificial treatment, 
