GRASSES FOR MISCELLANEOUS PURPOSES 69 
rather small (6 to 12 inches long) fan-shaped brownish 
plumes (Par. 204). Another grass of this habit, Thysolena 
agrostis, is often grown in the tropics. A common orna- 
mental garden grass is ribbon-grass or gardener’s garters. 
Several small grasses are grown for bouquets, such as 
trembling or quaking grass. 
89. The bamboos are important ornamentals in the 
tropical regions and are much cultivated in Florida and 
California. A few species are hardy farther north. Among 
these may be mentioned Arundinaria japonica, a shrubby 
form growing 5 to 10 feet high, and certain species of 
Phyllostachys. There are several species of Phyllostachys 
introduced in cultivation but their specific identity is in 
doubt as many have not been known to flower. 
SOIL-BINDING GRASSES 
90. In order to prevent banks and slopes from wash- 
ing or sand-dunes from blowing, they may be planted 
with grass or other vegetation. Such plants are known 
as soil-binders. More particularly, those that hold sand- 
dunes in place are called sand-binders. Any kind of 
vegetation will hold soil or sand in place, but plants used 
by man for this purpose are provided with strong creep- 
ing rootstocks that quickly penetrate and bind the soil. 
Grasses most frequently used for the holding of banks 
and slopes are Bermuda-grass in the South and Kentucky 
blue-grass in the humid region. The giant reed is used 
along irrigation ditches in the Southwest. Japanese honey- 
suckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) is proving excellent for 
holding slopes in Maryland and Virginia. 
91. Sand-dunes.—The fixing of shifting sand-dunes is 
an important industry in Europe where much waste land 
