HOKTUS GRAMINEUS WOBURNENSIS. 273 



branches loose ; pedicles often in whirls, diverging by 

 glands fixed in the axils, which has caused it to be 

 mistaken sometimes for the poa retrojiexa, or p. distans. 

 Mr. Curtis observes, that it is distinguished from the 

 panics, to which it has the greatest natural affinity, by 

 having a calyx of two valves only. Root perennial. 

 Experiments. — At the time of flowering, the produce 



from a hght sandy soil is 7,827 lbs. per acre. 

 The common millet, in its natural state, seems to be con- 

 fined to woods as its place of growth. It will thrive and 

 grow, however, when transplanted to open exposed situa- 

 tions. It is remarkable for the lightness of the produce in 

 proportion to its bulk. The foliage comes pretty early in 

 the spring, but appears, from the above results, to be but 

 little nutritive. Birds are remarkably fond of the seeds ; so 

 much so, as to raise a doubt whether, for the sake of the 

 seed only, it could be cultivated to advantage on the farm. 

 But in covers, where game is preserved, there cannot be a 

 better grass encouraged ; it will save the corn fields. About 

 the beginning of August is the best season for sowing the 

 seed. The surface of the ground, near the roots of the 

 bushes, should be lightly stirred, and the seeds scattered 

 over it, and raked in ; a few of the decaying leaves that 

 cover the ground should be afterwards thrown over it. 



It flowers in the second week and latter end of June, and 

 the seed is ripe in the middle of July and the beginning of 

 August. 



AGROSTIS Mexicana. Mexican Bent-grass. 



Specific character : Panicle oblong, heaped ; calyx and 

 corolla acuminate, and nearly equal. 



Ohs. — Culms numerous, from one to two feet high, ac- 

 cording to the nature of the soil it grows in, branched, 

 erect ; leaves smooth ; sheath-scale truncated ; panicle 

 pale green, tinged with purple, according as it is pro- 

 duced in full exposure to the sun, crowded with sca- 

 brous florets ; calyx valves unequal, shorter than the 

 corolla J corolla valves nearly equal, hairy at the base. 



T 



