NATIVE GRASSES OF NORTHERN MEXICO. 97 



Ueteropogon contortus, K. & S, This is i^robably the most 

 abundant grass of dry liills of igneous rock thinly covered witli 

 soil. It grows in tall, narrow clumps, and is a perennial witli 

 numerous leafy branches. Stock show a preference for other 

 grasses if such are to be found. The hay on sale in Chihuahua 

 last spring seemed to be mainly composed of this plant, usually 

 dead wlien gathered, and blanched by winter weather. ])uring 

 autumn J found its seeds a nuisance. Their long bearded and 

 twisted awns sent the slender and rough seeds into my clothing, 

 and often into my flesh. Sheep, goats, aiid even donke3'^s must 

 find these seeds a terrible annoyance. 



Andropogo/i Itiiiijlorus, Kth., is a fine, soft, leafy plant, grow- 

 ing in dense clumps, but apjiarently confined to hedges, etc. 



Andropogon saccharoides, Sw., grows in clumps three or four 

 feet tall. In valleys, and the moister depressions of the plains, 

 this is a grass of some importance. 



Some ten species or more of Aristida are mostly bunch grasses 

 of hills and mountains, of average frequency in such situations, 

 and of full average quality, contributing largely toward the 

 upland pastures. 



There are two new species cl Siipa also, tall and tender plants, 

 excellent for forage but not abundant. 



There are many species of Muhlenhergia of more or less value. 

 M. Texana, Thurber, is the mesquite grass of our southwest, and 

 one of the most valuable species of those regions, common over 

 mesas and hills. It is such a favorite with animals that it is 

 exterminated except when growing under the protection of 

 thorny shrubs, usually mesquite bushes (species of Prosopis and 

 Acacia). Its leaves are short and scanty, but its branching, 

 perennial, wiry stems are nutritious, and at all seasons furnish 

 forage which is greatly relishe 1 by all kinds of stock. In Ari- 

 zona the Indians bring it during winter and spring long distances 

 into the towns to sell, the men tving the bundles behind and 



