Grasses of the Southern Punjab. 279 



Eleusine cegyptiaca (Bliobra), — One of the most nutri- 

 tious grasses ; seeds eaten in seasons of scarcity. 



Pennisetum cenchroides and Cenchrus montunus (botli 

 called Anjan and Dahinan). — These grasses are considered 

 tlie most nutritious of all. 



Andropogon laniger (Bur, or Kliawi). — A nutritious 

 and fragrant grass ; imparts an aroma to the milk of cattle 

 eating it. 



Sm^ghum hcdepense (Baru). — The wild sorglium or jowar. 

 "When eaten in a season of drought before its grain is de- 

 veloped, this is said to be sometimes fatal to cattle ; but at 

 other times it is a nutritious grass grain, much eaten by the 

 poorer classes in Bikaner. 



Andropogon muricatus (Panni). — The principal thatch- 

 ing grass of the Punjab. Its root forms the scented khas- 

 khas used for lattices or damp screens. 



Elionurus hirsutus (Sin or Shin). — Seed collected and 

 eaten by the people of Kajputana. It is the grass (along 

 witli a few others) whose grazing qualities give the grazing 

 grounds of Bikaner their high character. Called Cusa in 

 Hindu m3'thology. 



Elionurijbs hirsutus (Bhurat). — A grass very common in 

 the Bikaner territory and elsewhere ; seeds eaten mixed 

 with baijra flour. 



The first eight are said to stack well. If thoroughly 

 protected from rain, stacked grass will last in the climate 

 of Hissar for a long period — some species for ten, twelve, 

 and even twenty years ; it seems, in fact, when properly 

 dried and protected, to be nearly imperishable. 



