

PREKACK. 



This volume may appear fragmentary and disconnected and 

 may contain repetitions, and there may he important omis- 

 sions. This is partially owing to the fact that much of the 

 work has been performed at odd hours, sometimes with many 

 days intervening. A full index will enable any one to find 

 the topics which are mentioned. 



It is hoped that the farmer or general reader who has never 

 studied botany, will find much to interest and help him, 

 while it is believed the agricultural student will find still 

 more. 



While many points are mentioned and illustrations freely 

 used, no attempt has been made to write a complete account 

 of the structure and physiology of grasses. 



Although not grasses, after some misgivings of the author, 

 a chapter on clovers was added, because the farmer would 

 doiibtless be disappointed if he did not find one. 



An effort has been made to give credit to everyone who has 

 been of much assistance in contributing to the volume, first, 

 because it is due to such persons, and second, because if 

 accurately quoted, it makes them responsible for the state- 

 ments which are made. 

 ^ In the chapter on bibliography will be found most of the 

 ^ sources of information, aside from the studies and experi- 

 ^^^ ments of the author. I have freely used, without quotation 

 Oj marks, my own contributions made at various times during 

 (XT) the past seventeen years, to the Eural New Yorker, Philadel- 



